Almost without exception, successful individuals possess a complete and undistorted set of values. Take the legendary investor Warren Buffett as an example; his beliefs seem founded on moderation, balance, humility, and common sense. Buffett’s life philosophy is quite similar to that of Sam Walton, the American retail magnate and founder of Walmart.
Even after becoming a billionaire, Warren Buffett drives a pickup truck with an open back. For Buffett, this is not about putting on airs, but symbolizes his roots. From beginning to end, Buffett has always been this kind of person.
Not following trends, not chasing fads
Warren Buffett insists on walking his path, ignoring peer pressure, and never falling into the trap of consumerism. He applies his abilities across different levels of behavior, never blindly following investment trends or chasing fashion fads. James O’Loughlin, the author of The Real Warren Buffett: Managing Capital, Leading People, repeatedly emphasizes in his book that Buffett’s life consistently adheres to behavioral principles.
Wearing one pair of shoes all year in high school, unafraid of others’ opinions
Buffett has never had a herd mentality, so he doesn’t seek refuge in groups because he feels it’s unnecessary. He doesn’t follow what others do, and being alone never frightens him, as it never has. This explains why he can decisively walk away when the market lacks value and shows his pride in maintaining logic in solitude.
O’Loughlin also mentions in the book that when Warren Buffett was in high school, he wore just one pair of shoes all year, even in the snow. Meanwhile, his friends tried hard to fit in with others, highlighting Buffett’s uniqueness.
Accomplished people know what matters to them
Happy and fulfilled individuals understand that life experiences are worth cherishing. They also know it’s difficult to predict what will bring them happiness. Therefore, they often make various mistakes or adopt a “try before you buy” approach.
For example, when it comes to dining, an average person might have the following options:
- Dining at a fancy restaurant
- Spending a cheap yet joyful evening with colleagues
- Cooking and sharing a meal with friends at home
Of course, there is no correct answer to this question for everyone. Each person’s answer may change based on factors like timing and who is asking. However, regardless of the final answer, it is closely related to our environment and the people around us, yet it is always about something other than the cost.
Keeping a journal is a simple way to integrate this concept into your life. Note what made you particularly happy, especially which expenses brought joy and which were quickly forgotten. This method will reveal many areas where our use and perception of time and money need adjustment. As we continuously test these methods, we will naturally understand what we should truly cherish.
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