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Ability Quote by Warren Buffett

“After 25 years of buying and supervising a great variety of businesses, Charlie [Munger] and I have not learned how to solve difficult business problems. What we have learned is to avoid them. To the extent we have been successful, it is because we have concentrated on identifying one-foot hurdles…” quote by Warren Buffett
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“After 25 years of buying and supervising a great variety of businesses, Charlie [Munger] and I have not learned how to solve difficult business problems. What we have learned is to avoid them. To the extent we have been successful, it is because we have concentrated on identifying one-foot hurdles that we could step over rather than because we acquired any ability to clear seven-footers.”

Warren Buffett

About This Quote

Source Speech: Shareholder Letter, Berkshire Hathaway, 2015

He emphasizes solving small, manageable problems rather than tackling huge, complex ones.

In simple terms: Focus on easy hurdles, avoid big problems.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize small, solvable issues.

Themes

strategy problem solving risk management

Mood

pragmatic reflective

Type

advice business

When to use this quote

  • business planning
  • investment decisions
  • project management
  • startup challenges
  • personal productivity

Key Concepts

incrementalism focus avoidance

Questions to Reflect On

  • What small hurdle can you address today?
  • How do you decide which problems are worth tackling?
A Different Perspective

Large problems may still require attention and resources.

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