Warren Buffett Two-List Focus

Identify your top 25 goals, select the top 5, and eliminate the rest. This process uses Warren Buffett two-list strategy to cut out high-value distractions.

4 time blocks, 35 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Brainstorm Top 25 Goals: 15 min
Write down 25 significant personal or career objectives
Select the Top 5 Priorities: 10 min
Circle the five items with the highest long-term impact
Create the Avoid List: 5 min
Transfer the remaining 20 items to a second list
Commit to Singular Focus: 5 min
Refuse to work on any second-list item until the top 5 are done

About this routine

Warren Buffett two-list strategy originated from a conversation between Warren Buffett and his personal pilot, Mike Flint. Buffett advised Flint to write down his top 25 career goals, circle his top 5, and separate them into two distinct lists. The core lesson was not simply identifying the top 5, but recognizing what to do with the remaining 20.

Most people view secondary goals as items to complete in their spare time. Buffett argued that those 20 uncircled items are actually the most dangerous distractions because they are important enough to care about, but not impactful enough to drive major success. By placing them on an explicit avoid at all costs list, you protect your primary focus.

Running this 35-minute exercise clarifies where your energy belongs. You can work through this exercise step by step using an online routine timer to keep each phase timed and deliberate.

Why this routine works

Identifies the top 5 goals that offer maximum return on effort
Eliminates secondary distractions disguised as productive tasks
Provides clear decision boundaries for daily time allocation

FAQ

What is Warren Buffett's two-list strategy?

It is a prioritization method where you list 25 goals, circle your top 5, and strictly avoid working on the remaining 20 until the top 5 are finished.

Why are the remaining 20 goals called an avoid list?

Because those 20 goals are attractive enough to pull your time away from the top 5, making them dangerous distractions.

How long does the two-list strategy exercise take?

The full brainstorming and selection process takes 35 minutes to complete.

Sources

The 25/5 Rule: How Warren Buffett Focuses on What Matters by James Clear

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