--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In earlier years, a lesser effort…" description: "\"In earlier years, a lesser effort produced literally dozens of comparable opportunities. It is difficult to be objective about the causes for such dimi..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/853/warren-buffett-183_causes_in-earlier-years-a-lesser-effort-produce_3010127.png" --- # In earlier years, a lesser effort produced literally… ![“In earlier years, a lesser effort produced literally dozens of comparable opportunities. It is difficult to be objective about the causes for such diminution of one's own productivity. Three factors that seem apparent are: (1) a somewhat changed market environment; (2) our increased size; and (3)…” quote by Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/853/warren-buffett-183_causes_in-earlier-years-a-lesser-effort-produce_3010127.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/853/warren-buffett-183_causes_in-earlier-years-a-lesser-effort-produce_3010127.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/853/warren-buffett-183_causes_in-earlier-years-a-lesser-effort-produce_3010127.png) > “In earlier years, a lesser effort produced literally dozens of comparable opportunities. It is difficult to be objective about the causes for such diminution of one's own productivity. Three factors that seem apparent are: (1) a somewhat changed market environment; (2) our increased size; and (3) substantially more competition.” [Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-buffett/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Productivity can decline due to market shifts, company growth, and heightened competition, making self‑assessment essential. **In simple terms:** External changes, size, and competition reduce output. Key Takeaway Identify and adapt to factors hurting performance. Themes productivity competition market growth self‑assessment efficiency Mood pragmatic analytical Type strategic reflective When to use this quote - business strategy meetings - personal productivity reviews - market analysis sessions - team scaling workshops - competitor benchmarking Key Concepts economic cycles organizational scaling industry rivalry Questions to Reflect On - What adjustments can mitigate each identified factor? - How can one maintain productivity amid scaling? A Different Perspective Solutions may require resources beyond personal control. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Competition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/competition/) [Effort](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/effort/) [Environment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/environment/) [Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opportunity/) [Productivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/productivity/) ## Related quotes > [There are opportunities even in the most difficult moments.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wangari-maathai/there-are-opportunities-even-in-the-most-difficult-moments/) [Wangari Maathai](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wangari-maathai/) > [In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/warren-buffett/in-the-20th-century-the-united-states-endured-two-world-wars-and/) [Warren Buffett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-buffett/) > [“Triump is just a little umph added to try.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tim-owens/triump-is-just-a-little-umph-added-to-try/) Tim Owens > [“Perhaps it’s true that things can change in a day. 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