𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝘀

Warren Buffett’s business instincts emerged early—he sold chewing gum, Coca-Cola, and magazines door-to-door. By age 14, he had invested in a 40-acre farm, which he rented out for profit, showing a sharp business sense that would only grow stronger.

In 1962, he began buying shares of Berkshire Hathaway, a struggling textile mill that would become the foundation of his financial empire. His success with Berkshire Hathaway went beyond making money—it reflected his core values of integrity, patience, and dedication to long-term excellence.

To Buffett, success means more than wealth; it's about living purposefully and helping society. His pledge to give away 99% of his fortune to charity shows his belief that wealth should drive meaningful change rather than gather possessions.

Simplicity and purpose define Buffett's life. Despite his vast wealth, he still lives in the same house he bought in 1958, showing his preference for stability over luxury.

Warren Buffett's story demonstrates how success can grow from staying true to oneself.

Success Custom-Made

Success means something different to everyone. It might mean solving problems, improving communities, building lasting businesses, creating wealth—or any combination of these achievements.

As you sort out how various pieces in life come together for your vision to be successful, you realize that your puzzle is unique.

Founders can chart their path by embracing both strengths and weaknesses throughout their journey. You must define and stand by your own version of success.

For me, success means collaborating with founders to scale businesses that empower employees and strengthen communities. I aim to develop startups that positively impact the world, guided by my core values of collaboration, curiosity, growth, and optimism. This framework helps me make clear decisions about future opportunities.

On your journey, use insights about your aspirations, motivations, and personality to shape your definition of success.

Connect Your 5-Year Plan to Today

The effort you put forth today should align with your future plans. Start by developing a clear vision of where you want to go. Though the title above mentions "5 years," you can adjust this timeframe. For instance, if you look one year into the future, you gain more clarity on your immediate priorities; however, you run the risk of not moving the needle.

“Most people overestimate what they can do in one year

and underestimate what they can do in ten years.”

― Bill Gates

What matters is looking far enough ahead to rise above current challenges. Envision where you want to be, both in business and personally. Here are some key categories to consider, though you may add others that fit your goals.

Business 

• Sales 

• Finance

• Product

• Marketing

• Operations

• Vendors (payroll, legal, etc.)

Personal

• Health and Fitness

• Family and Friends

• Travel and Adventure

• Spirituality and Purpose

• Savings and Investments

• Hobbies and Entertainment

You can add categories important to you. For each category, outline your ideal situation and apply specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. For instance, if the category is finance, you might plan to review metrics weekly, analyze financial reports monthly, and perform deep dives quarterly.

With your [X]-year plan in place, work backward to the present. 

Start by outlining your one-year objectives for each category. Break these down into quarterly goals, then monthly targets, and finally weekly actions. Schedule time each week to complete these tasks, review your progress, and adjust your plan as needed.

While this process requires significant effort upfront and ongoing commitment, it helps align your daily activities with your monthly objectives and long-term goals. This alignment allows you to be more intentional with your priorities.

"The very essence of leadership is that you need

a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly

and forcefully on every occasion." 

— Theodore Hesburgh

As you grow better at understanding, communicating with, and leading others, your goals will come within reach. Your path to success is uniquely yours.

How Can I Keep Learning? By next Friday, formalize your vision and values. Then take the time to share them with three to five others and ask what is one thing that could be done to make them more clear and powerful?

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90% of startups fail. Build Scale Grow solves problems for fast-growing startups, specializing in Social Impact, EdTech, and Health Tech and focusing on Introverted Founders.

I wrote this post with AI editing. Photo by Shopify Photos who can be found here:

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