Warren Buffett is a billionaire. In fact, with nearly $40B, he’s a billionaire’s billionaire. He makes a ton of money because he’s GREAT at what he does. Warren Buffett also LOVES what he does. These are irrefutable facts. But here’s a question worth pondering…
Does Warren Buffett LOVE what he does because he’s GREAT at it, or is he GREAT at what he does because he LOVES it?
I suggest the answer is BOTH. Which begs this next question…
Which came first? LOVING it or being GREAT at it?
If you believe, as we do at BUILT TO LEAD, in the 10,000 hours rule, then the answer to that second question is a lay-up.
Warren Buffett may well have been born with a head for business, cool nerves, and a natural prowess for due diligence and discipline, but they certainly weren’t calling him the “Oracle of Omaha” upon his graduation from Columbia University almost 60 years ago. However, the multiple 10,000 plus hours he’s spent honing his skills over the years have clearly led him from good to GREAT. And the fuel behind THAT kind of dedication is LOVE. Clearly, Warren Buffett LOVED investing before he was GREAT at it. Just as Tiger Woods, though very GOOD at the age of 9, clearly LOVED golf long before he became GREAT at it.
The following quote, aptly found in the COMMITMENT TO LEARN chapter of the BTL 12 Essentials playbook, reveals both the secret of Buffett’s financial success AND his perspective on what’s really important to him.
“I may have more money than you do, but money doesn’t make the difference. Sure, I can buy the most luxurious handmade suit, but I put it on and is just looks cheap. I would rather have a cheeseburger from Dairy Queen than a hundred dollar meal. If there is any difference between you and me, it may be that I get up every day and have a chance to do what I LOVE to do, every day. If you want to learn anything from me, this is the best advice I can give you.”
I believe Warren Buffett AND I trust his advice. If you do too, then here are a few more questions to ponder…
Are you good at what you do or GREAT at it?
If not yet GREAT at it, are you excitedly and consistently investing your time toward becoming GREAT at it?
If not, I have just one (maybe two) last questions…
Do you LOVE what you do?
If not, what do you LOVE?
BUILT TO LEAD 