Time Management: The Buffett Method
Warren Buffett developed a simple yet powerful three-step strategy for improving personal productivity. It helps you identify true priorities and organize your actions effectively. After all, a well-defined goal is already 50% of success.
The Pilot’s Story
Mike Flint served as Buffett’s personal pilot for ten years (he had also flown four U.S. presidents — an impressive resume by any measure). One day, while discussing his career, Buffett suggested Flint try a three-step exercise to refocus his efforts and set clear priorities.
Step 1: Write Down Your Top 25 Goals
Flint took some time to reflect on everything he wanted to achieve and wrote down 25 goals.
You can do the same — start small by listing 25 things you’d like to accomplish this week.
Step 2: Circle the Five Most Important
Next, Buffett asked Flint to review his list carefully and circle the five most important goals. This step took serious thought and forced him to make tough decisions.
If you’re reading this now, pause for a moment and complete the first two steps before continuing.
Step 3: Eliminate Everything Else
At this stage, Flint had two lists:
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List A: The 5 circled goals — his top priorities.
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List B: The remaining 20 goals — everything else.
Flint told Buffett that he would focus mainly on the five key goals but still work on the others occasionally when possible.
Buffett replied:
“No, Mike. You’ve misunderstood. The items you didn’t circle are your ‘avoid-at-all-costs list.’ No matter what happens, you must not spend any time on them until you’ve achieved your top five.”
The Power of Saying No
Simplicity and minimalism are the foundation of success. Eliminating the non-essential clears your mind, strengthens discipline, and makes room for real progress.
It’s not easy to abandon ideas or projects that seem interesting or meaningful — but these “almost important” things are often the biggest distractions. Every action has a cost. Even neutral activities drain time, energy, and focus that could be invested in what truly matters.
Buffett’s strategy is a brilliant way to clarify your priorities.
The goals numbered 6 through 25 may look exciting and worthwhile, but they distract you from what truly drives results. This is why so many people end up with 20 unfinished projects instead of 5 completed ones.
Remove the clutter. Focus. Finish what matters — or let it go. The greatest enemies of productivity are the pleasant activities that yield no meaningful outcome.
