Make Your Own Rules #6

Rule #6

Rule: Keep Your Calendar Clear

Rule Maker: Warren Buffett

Learn More About the Rule: Warren Buffett/Bill Gates Article

He’s worth almost $100 billion. His name is universally known. He’s the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.  He’s the guy Bear Stearns CEO Dick Fuld called when he realized his company was about to go bankrupt. He’s the “Oracle of Omaha.” He’s Warren Buffett. One would think a guy who runs one of the largest investment empires ever would be in such constant demand his calendar would be full almost to the minute seven days a week. One would be wrong.

In an interview with CNBC Warren Buffett and Bill Gates discussed their friendship. Gates shared with the host one of the best pieces of advice the “Oracle” ever gave him. “It’s the one thing you can’t buy. I mean I can buy almost anything I want, basically, but I can’t buy time,” Buffett told Gates.

Best selling author and marketing guru, Ryan Holiday has remarked on this before noting he tries to keep his calendar as clear as possible. It’s so nice when you have a clear calendar because that’s a signal of freedom. It’s so easy to fill our calendars with needless coffees and lunches and stuff that makes us feel “busy” and “productive,” but all we’re really doing is giving away the most precious commodity we have, which is our time. I’ve written before about the fact time is like a bank account that is replenished every day. However, the one stipulation is whatever you don’t use does not carry forward to the next day. It’s a use it or lose it proposition.

Be careful with your time. After all, like Buffett says, “I better be careful with it. There is no way I will be able to buy more time.” If Warren can’t, neither can you!

Remember, you rule! Thanks for reading.

Jason