Priority #1: Getting Your Purpose Clear and Focused
/Warren Buffet says “no” to the non-essentials. For Steve Jobs it was “saying yes to the few things that truly matter”. Getting to the heart of the matter is essential to a successful life/work.
"The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."
By Olivia Bretzman with Craig Neal
A stereotype resides in our minds when accounting for seriously successful people such as Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett. Workaholics. We might cling to the idea that these big-buck business moguls invest little time into things that truly matter; however, after reading an article titled “Warren Buffett Says This 1 Simple Habit Separates Successful People From Everyone Else” by Marcel Schwantes, we realized otherwise. In fact, the overarching emphasis on our purpose, values, and life balance guide these leaders into becoming more than just a “business man”.
A stereotype resides in our minds when accounting for seriously successful people such as Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett. Workaholics. We might cling to the idea that these big-buck business moguls invest little time into things that truly matter; however, after reading an article titled “Warren Buffett Says This 1 Simple Habit Separates Successful People From Everyone Else” by Marcel Schwantes, we realized otherwise. In fact, the overarching emphasis on our purpose, values, and life balance guide these leaders into becoming more than just a “business man”.
Buffet states,"‘The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.’" An extremely bold statement considering the typical “say yes to take a chance” mentality many follow. While saying yes to opportunities is equally important, balance in life and work also proves incredibly meaningful. Later in the article, Schwantes defines the perimeters of idea of saying no as saying no to the superficial, uninspiring, people-pleasing, and ultimately, the things that do mitigate self-delegation as well as people and events that do not stay true to their values. The mindset that this conjures is one of incredible mindfulness and a true recognition of one’s purpose in their work.
After these definitions, Schwantes shares the process by which Buffett clarified his goals, writing down 25 career goals, circling the 5 most important, and then eliminating the rest. Focus on the top five. That is the goal. Find five things you can do and do well---five things to focus your time, energy, and effort into things that are truly important to you and your purpose. He even quotes Steve Jobs stating that, “saying yes to the few things that truly matter” is the way to go!
Circling back to our meaning, where do we all fit into this mold? Mindful practices, awareness of intention, and cultivating a purpose-filled work experience. That is it! Where can you clarify your purpose in your work and focus your intent your work and life??
To learn more about clarifying your purpose and the Purposeful Path to Commitment, contact us.
pneal@centerfpl.com | 612.920.3039
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