Warren Buffett’s 25/5 Rule for Clarity

This simple method will change how you set goals—and what you ignore.

Ajay Malhotra
February 11, 2025 • Reading Time: 3 minutes

I recently heard this famous story about Warren Buffett giving his private pilot some advice…

Specifically, he shared his 3-part strategy to set goals (and get clarity).

The 25/5 Method.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FRIEND PodPitch

It's 2025. Want to finally be a regular podcast guest in your industry? PodPitch will make it happen. Even the beehiiv team uses it!

The best way to advertise isn't Meta or Google – it's appearing on podcasts your customers love.

PodPitch.com automates thousands of weekly emails for you, pitching your team as ideal guests.

Big brands like Feastables use PodPitch.com instead of expensive PR agencies.

Please support our amazing Sponsors!

Write out the 25 things you want to accomplish this year.

Get specific.

What do you want to achieve by the end of 2025?

Circle the 5 most important things on your list.

(Yep, only 5.)

Are you sure those are your 5 most important…?

Yes? Great. Now the critical part— What are you going to do with the other 20 on your list?

When Warren allegedly asked his pilot this, he replied, “I’ll work on them a little bit here and there, trying to fit them in where I can.”

“No, you can’t do that,” Warren said.

…Why?

Everything you didn’t circle is now your “avoid-at-all-costs” list.

You cannot give any attention to them until you’ve completed your top 5.

Top performers focus obsessively on very few priorities. They don’t get distracted by “good” opportunities. They only go for exceptional ones.

The takeaway?

Focus relentlessly (and exclusively) on your 5 top priorities until each of them is fully implemented and yielding results.

Do fewer things, better.

I know you might thinking about the length of today’s newsletter. Sometimes few words can tell more than a full passage.

Share your thoughts about this and

Hit reply, say hello, and let me know what you think of Warren Buffett’s 25/5 Rule for Clarity

I'd love to chat with you !

All my best,

~ Elevated Path

or to participate.