Warren Buffett: All Successful People Have This One Rare Thing in Common

Warren Buffett

CC™ Digest - By Marcel Schwantes 

The difference between successful people and really successful people, according to the Oracle of Omaha..... 

Have you ever wondered how the most successful people achieve so much when they have the same number of hours in the day as the rest of us? To Warren Buffett, the 89-year-old chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway and the third richest person in the world, it's not a mystery at all.

In the words of the Oracle of Omaha, "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything."

Hang on, they say NO?

It feels counterintuitive, but give it some thought and Buffett's advice will ring true in virtually any context, whether it's investing, work, or your personal life.

So often we spread ourselves thin by saying "yes" constantly, and we end up taking on more commitments than we can handle. If you've been there, you know the outcome: increased stress and lower quality, whether it's of work, life, or just decisions in general.

Successful people say no to these 4 things 

The good news is that you can turn things around just by saying no. Does that mean it's easy? Of course not -- but it's worth the effort.

1. Exciting opportunities that aren't a good fit.

Always remember that devoting attention to something, whether it's an investment opportunity, a new project at work, or a new hobby, means taking time away from something else. This year forgo all those opportunities with potential in order to focus on the ones that are the most important.

2. 80-hour work weeks that cost you time with family.

Our culture has glorified the struggle of the entrepreneur and businessperson to the point where people feel like 60- or even 80-hour workweeks are something to brag about. Show me an 80-hour zealot and I'll show you a family or personal life that's been sorely neglected. Successful people choose balance over burnout.

3. Superficial networking events.

While some people slog through speed dating style networking events that go by in a blur of business cards, the smart ones spend their time nurturing a few truly valuable relationships. Successful people choose quality over quantity.

4. Going to incredible lengths to please people.

Spend too much time trying to please the people around you and you'll find you've neglected your own most basic needs. Successful people aren't self-absorbed, but they're also not going to cater to the people around them at the expense of their own lives and happiness.

Putting "no" into practice

As we start a new year (and a new decade!) it's the perfect time for you to step back and rethink your priorities. If you're still saying yes to the things above (and everything else that comes your way), you'll be amazed at what can happen when you finally start to say no. It won't be easy, and here's a quick exercise that proves it designed by Buffett himself.

Write down a list of your 25 most important goals. That may seem like a lot at first, but you'll hit that number quickly when you think about all the different directions you're trying to go in life. 

Next, circle the top five, and then (this is the painful but important part) cross out the rest.

No one -- not even the most productive person in the world -- has room for 25 goals. The really successful people are the ones who recognize that fact, accept their limited bandwidth, and choose to allocate their time to a few things that matter the most. Try emulating this practice and you'll be able to join their ranks.

Source: Inc.

Master of Self-aggrandizement - Peter Obi extolls his own ‘leadership’ values with incendiary narrative

CC™ PersPective

Global Political Desk

“I once washed British Airways in-flight toilet – Peter Obi reveals”

The former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has cited an experience from his time as a serving governor to underline what he described as his problem-solving and leadership qualities.

Obi made the disclosure earlier this week during a Space chat on with his supporters, known as the so-called Obidients.

Recounting the incident, Obi said the episode occurred during a flight on British Airways several years ago.

“We were coming back on British Airways years back; I was a serving governor. The entire toilet was messed up. She opened that toilet to use it; it was messed up and she walked away,” he said.

According to him, rather than ignore the situation, he decided to clean the toilet himself after the previous user walked away.

‘I Cleaned It Because I Might Use It Again’

Obi said his action surprised a member of staff who later discovered the toilet had been cleaned.

“I went in there, and she came back. The entire place was cleaned. She didn’t even tell me, but she told a minister and somebody else where she works in the office,” he said.

Quoting the woman, Obi added, “She said, ‘I can’t believe this’.”

He explained that his reason for cleaning the toilet was simple and practical.

“The people called me; I said I cleaned it because maybe I would be the next person that would go back there to use it,” Obi stated.

The former Anambra governor used the story to urge Nigerians to take responsibility when they encounter things that are wrong, instead of looking the other way.

“When you see things that are wrong, clean them. I don’t have house help in my house; everybody knows that. Let us stop all this fake life,” he said.

However, British Airways have yet to validate Obi’s claim as of the time of filing this report.

Ronald Wayne: The forgotten co-founder of Apple and billionaire that never was.....

CC™ Business News

Ronald Wayne was one of the original founders of Apple, Inc. In the late 1970s, Ronald worked as an engineer at video game maker Atari. While at Atari, one of his co-workers was Steve Jobs. In their free time, Steve Jobs and a friend named Steve Wozniak were building homemade computers. 

In 1976, Jobs and Wozniak decided they wanted to launch their own company. Jobs reached out to Wayne, who had experience setting up corporations, to be a co-founder.

The oldest member of the three-man team, Mr. Wayne sank personal assets into the business and soon became worried that the project was going to run his finances into the ground. He drew the first logo for Apple, drafted the original agreement between the Apple founders, and wrote the manual for the first Apple computer.

Unfortunately, just two weeks after forming the company Ronald decided to relinquish his 10% stake for a payout of $800. When the company became an official corporation, he was paid an additional $1500 US to give up all rights of ownership.

Ronald went back to working at Atari and later owned a stamp shop. He is now retired, and authored his memoirs Adventures of an Apple Founder, and a book about the Constitution and its historic relevance, Insolence of Office, both of which were published in 2011.

Had Ronald held on to his 10% Apple stake, today it would be worth more than $100 billion today. He has said that he made the "best decision with the information available to me at the time" and does not regret his selling of his shares. The first Apple product he ever owned was an iPad 2 which was given to him in 2011. He is the owner of a dozen patents and was featured in the documentary Welcome to Macintosh. He sold the original Apple company agreement signed by Jobs and Wozniak in the early 90s for $500. That document later sold at auction for $1.6 million.

Today, Wayne, who is 88 years old has a net worth of $400,000. Truly a case of what could have been. 

CNW

DEVELOPING THE SPIRIT OF EXCELLENCE

CC™ PersPective

By Amos Dada Ph.D.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Col 3:23-24

In today’s world, excellence is often equated with perfection or success. However, from a biblical perspective, the spirit of excellence is much deeper—it’s about consistently doing the best with the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given you, for His glory. This spirit is marked by diligence, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The spirit of excellence is an attitude that strives for quality in every aspect of life. It is not about competition or perfectionism but about giving your best as an act of worship to God.

Daniel – A Model of Excellence: Daniel 6:3 – “Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” Daniel stood out in Babylon not just because of his wisdom but because of his integrity, discipline, and consistent prayer life. He was trustworthy, diligent, and faithful, even in a foreign land. His excellence brought glory to God and favor with kings.

Joseph – Excellence in Adversity,Genesis 39:2-4 – Despite being sold into slavery, Joseph served Potiphar excellently. His diligence and integrity led him to become the overseer of Potiphar’s house and eventually the governor of Egypt. Joseph did not allow his circumstances to hinder his commitment to excellence. He maintained his faith in God and performed his duties with integrity and diligence, even in prison.

Jesus – The Ultimate Example :Mark 7:37 – “And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well...” Jesus exemplified excellence in His teachings, miracles, and interactions. He did everything with purpose, precision, and compassion.

Dr. Ben Carson – Excellence Through Perseverance-As a renowned neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson achieved medical breakthroughs because of his commitment to excellence and faith in God. His journey from poverty to becoming a world-class surgeon shows how diligence, discipline, and faith can produce excellence.

How to Develop the Spirit of Excellence

1. Cultivate a Mindset of Diligence and Hard Work. Excellence requires consistency and hard work. Set high standards for yourself and strive to meet them daily. “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Prov 22:29

2. Commit to Lifelong Learning and Growth. Continuously develop your skills and knowledge in your field. Excellence is a journey, not a destination. – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God...” 2 Tim 2:15

3. Purpose to Live a Life Integrity and Faithfulness: Integrity builds trust and influence. Faithfulness in small tasks prepares you for greater responsibilities.He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much...”Lk 16:10

4. Serve with Humility and Love.Excellence in service involves humility and love for those you serve. This mindset fosters collaboration and builds strong relationships.”Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil 2:3-4

The Rewards of Excellence

Just as Daniel and Joseph were promoted for their excellent spirit, God rewards diligence and faithfulnesswith favor and elevation. (Proverbs 22:29, Daniel 6:3).Excellence attracts people and opens doors of influence. Your excellence becomes a testimony of God’s goodness and draws others to Christ. (Matthew 5:16).When you operate in excellence, you experience inner satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing you have given your best for God’s glory.

Conclusion

Developing a spirit of excellence is a journey of continuous growth, integrity, and dedication to doing all things for God’s glory. By looking to biblical examples and applying practical principles, we can excel in every area of life, impacting our world for Christ.

Shalom.

Pastor Amos Dada is a trained engineer with the call of a preacher. Lives in Toronto. Reachable at amos.dada@gmail.com

Ten Profitable Agriculture Business Ideas Which Require No Farming

CC™ VideoSpective

Toxic Culture: Elon Musk's company directors are said to feel an 'expectation' to use drugs with him to avoid upsetting the billionaire

Elon Musk smokes weed on an episode of the Joe Rogan experience.

CC™ Business Interest

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert 

Elon Musk is said to have created a culture of peer pressure among some of his friends and business associates that encourages them to use drugs with him, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal that details how board members and directors of his various companies either participate in or enable his substance use to stay close to the billionaire.

The Journal reported that at parties in recent years, Musk had been spotted taking ketamine recreationally through a nasal spray and drinking liquid ecstasy from a water bottle, citing people who witnessed the drug use or were briefed about it.

Current and former Tesla and SpaceX directors and board members— some of whom have invested tens of millions of dollars in Musk's companies or have significant stock options tied to their roles —  had also used drugs with him, the Journal reported.

Sources told the Journal that the "volume" of Musk's drug use had created a culture wherein his closest business associates feared losing their wealth and social status by upsetting the billionaire if they refused to use drugs with him.

Musk, his lawyer Alex Spiro, and representatives for Tesla and SpaceX didn't immediately respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

Following a January 6 report by The Journal that said the 52-year-old had used cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, and magic mushrooms over the years, Musk said in a post on X: "Whatever I'm doing, I should obviously keep doing it!"

After the January report, which could jeopardize Musk's security clearance as well as the billions of dollars of government contracts enjoyed by SpaceX as a defense contractor because of federal regulations on drug use, NASA said in a statement: "The agency does not have evidence of noncompliance from SpaceX on how the company addresses the drug- and alcohol-free workforce regulations."

Musk's reported drug use has been at the center of recent controversies after the Journal reported that a former director at Tesla was so concerned about Musk's drug use and unpredictable behavior that she chose not to stand for reelection to the electric-car company's board.

The Journal also reported that SpaceX executives worried Musk was on drugs during a "cringeworthy" all-hands meeting, in which the billionaire arrived nearly an hour late, rambling and slurring his words for about 15 minutes before the meeting was taken over by the spacecraft manufacturer's president.

Source: Business Insider

Nvidia founder Jensen Huang says he wishes ‘pain and suffering’ on Stanford students. Here’s why and what to learn from his rise

Commonwealth Magazine 

CC™ PerSpective

By Jing Pan

Words of wisdom from the self-made billionaire.

Thanks to investors' insatiable appetite for artificial intelligence, Nvidia (NVDA) — a key player in powering AI advancements — has become a market darling. The stock has skyrocketed, showing a 70% increase year to date and a staggering 1,749% return over the past five years.

The surge in Nvidia’s share price has significantly increased the wealth of its founder and CEO, Jensen Huang. According to Forbes, Huang now ranks as the 20th richest person in the world, with a net worth of $72.2 billion.

However, he didn’t begin his career in the billionaire club — far from it.

During a recent “View From The Top” interview at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Huang was asked why he created a flat organizational structure for his company. In his response, he reflected on his humble beginnings.

“To me, no task is beneath me because remember, I used to be a dishwasher, and I mean that, and I used to clean toilets. I mean, I cleaned a lot of toilets, I've cleaned more toilets than all of you combined, and some of them, you just can't unsee,” he said.

Huang’s light-hearted remark elicited laughter from the audience.

He continued, “I don't know what to tell you, that's life, and so you can't show me a task that's beneath me.”

Huang emphasizes his willingness to help others by sharing his approach to problem-solving. He states that his assistance is not about whether a task is beneath him but about being of service: by demonstrating his reasoning process on various challenges — whether they're ambiguous, incalculable, or seemingly daunting — he empowers others.

Resilience matters

Huang doesn’t hesitate to make bold statements. During another Stanford event, he made some intriguing remarks about expectations, pain and suffering.

Speaking at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research last month, Huang was asked what advice he’d give to students to enhance their chances of success.

Rather than prescribing specific actions, he shared this insight: "One of my great advantages is that I have very low expectations."

Huang went on to note that low expectations aren’t typical among Stanford graduates — even though he himself is an alumnus.

“Most Stanford graduates have very high expectations, and you deserve to have high expectations because you came from a great school. You were very successful. You were top of your class. Obviously, you were able to pay for tuition. And then you’re graduating from one of the finest institutions on the planet. You’re surrounded by other kids that are just incredible,” he elaborated.

However, Huang highlighted a significant drawback to this mindset, stating, “People with very high expectations have very low resilience. And unfortunately, resilience matters in success.”

‘I hope suffering happens to you’

Huang believes that the ability to endure setbacks and suffering is crucial for success. However, he’s unsure how to effectively teach this resilience to students — it may be something they need to experience firsthand.

“I don’t know how to teach it to you except that I hope suffering happens to you,” he said.

He shared that, although he grew up in an environment that fostered success, he also faced many challenges. Within his company, he uses the term "pain and suffering" with glee, seeing such challenges as opportunities to strengthen and refine the character of the organization.

For Huang, true greatness in individuals comes from character, not intelligence, and character is shaped by experiences of adversity.

“And so if I could wish upon you — I don’t know how to do it — but for all of you Stanford students, I’d wish upon you ample doses of pain and suffering,” he said.

Put simply: no pain, no gain.

MONEYWISE

About the Author

Jing Pan

Investment Reporter

Jing is an investment reporter for MoneyWise. He is an avid advocate of investing for passive income. Despite the ups and downs he’s been through with the markets, Jing believes that you can generate a steadily increasing income stream by investing in high quality companies.

Diamond-rich Botswana Appoints Nigerian as Chairman of Multi-billion-dollar Sovereign Wealth Fund

CC™ Global News

By Eromosole Abiodun

Chairman of Nigeria’s second oldest bank, Union Bank Plc, Mr. Farouk Gumel, has been appointed by the President of Botswana, His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko as the Chairman Board of Directors of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund Limited.Gumel is currently the Vice Chairman of Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group and immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

The announcement was made at the official launch of the new multi-billion-dollar Sovereign Wealth Fund at the President’s office in Gabarone, Botswana.In a statement, President Boko underscored the significance of this step, placing it at the heart of his government’s vision for economic diversification and long-term resilience:According to him, “The launch of the Botswana Sovereign Wealth Fund represents an investment in the future of our country. It is about creating jobs, driving growth, and ensuring that our nation’s wealth works for all Batswana.“This is a foundation upon which we will diversify our economy, open new frontiers of opportunity, and build lasting prosperity for future generations. 

We are sending a message to the world that Botswana is ready to compete, invest, and lead.”The BSWF, he stated, is designed to reduce the nation’s historical reliance on diamond mining by channeling resource revenues into strategic investments across diverse sectors such as infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. It is believed the fund will be amongst the largest in Africa.“Farouk Gumel will chair a deeply experienced and diverse board selected to provide comprehensive and strategic oversight. The board’s composition reflects a powerful blend of local expertise and global vision, uniting key national and international figures,” he said.The Vice Chairperson of the Board is Ms. Emmah Peloetletse who is currently the Head of Service to the Government of Botswana as well as Secretary to the President and Cabinet of Botswana. Ms. Peloetletse is also the Chairperson of Debswana, the world’s largest diamond mining company.

Other members of the board include Ms. Malebogo Mpugwa, Chief People Officer at De Beers Group, the world’s leading diamond company; Mr. Anil Dua, Co-founder of Gateway Partners and Non-Executive Director of Afreximbank; and Mr. Boingotlo Toteng, Senior Managing Partner of Toteng & Company and Legal Advisor on Presidential Affairs.Others include Mr. Sunil Sabharwal, former U.S. Executive Director to the IMF; Mr. Lesego Caster Moseki, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Botswana; and Mr. Rizwan Desai, Managing Partner of Desai Law Group and former Chairman of the Botswana Stock Exchange.“Together, this board represents a powerful blend of national leadership, international investment expertise, and corporate governance experience, ensuring the fund is equipped with both global insight and local depth.“In his role as Chairman, Mr. Gumel will lead the board in setting the fund’s investment strategy, governance framework, and risk management policies. 

His extensive experience at the NSIA, capital markets and manufacturing will be instrumental in guiding the BSWF towards achieving its dual mandate of financial returns and positive national impact,” the president said.Upon his appointment, Farouk Gumel stated: “As a sovereign wealth fund, we are setting our sights on a future built on transparency, good governance, and a steadfast dedication to Botswana’s prosperity.“The Board is committed to delivering lasting value, seeking global opportunities and investing for the future. 

”The launch of the fund and the appointments of this highly qualified board have been met with widespread acclaim from economic analysts, who see it as a signal of Botswana’s serious commitment to prudent fiscal management and attracting top-tier global investment expertise.Farouk is a Group Executive Director and Vice Chairman, Africa for Tropical General Investment (TGI) Group.TGI is a global conglomerate operating in 13 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia in various business verticals such as Food and Agribusiness, FMCG, Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services.Farouk is Chairman of some of the TGI Group companies including WACOT Rice and Union Bank – Nigeria’s second oldest bank.He was also the Chairman of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and sits on the boards of Corporate Council on Africa and Africa Business Coalition on Health.

THIS DAY

World Cup Classics: 1994 World Cup - Nigeria vs Bulgaria

CC™ VideoSpective 

China must come to Africa on our terms - Zimbabwe's Deputy PM

Arthur Mutambara

CC GLOBAL BUSINESS DESK

Africa is duty bound to realize it needs to put across its specific conditions when striking transactions with China, Zimbabwe’s former deputy prime minister has asserted. 

Arthur Mutambara urged the continent to cease accusing Beijing, apartheid or colonialism for its distresses.

Mutambara said it is about time that Africa puts an end to always taking a “romantic view” of China because it has developed from a “comrade in poverty” to an international enterprise and economic behemoth.

“Why are we not making sure the engagement with China is on our terms, as Africans? Labor skills, technology, value addition,” he posited to delegates at a China-Africa conference.

“The Chinese must come to Africa on African terms. The terms that will allow the Chinese to make money but the terms that will also allow Africa to develop, win-win. China wins, Africa wins.”

He declared that Africa now had been rather fragmented for many decades and it should not degenerate into trying to find excuses all the time for its sluggish development.

“Africans must not blame China or any other power for that matter. We must take charge of our lives, we must take responsibility for our problems and solve them,” he reportedly told delegates at the conference.

“Yes there are things we can trace back to apartheid, to colonialism, but we must take charge of our lives and not justify incompetence by talking about apartheid, colonialism.”

Recently, South Africa has been embroiled in a fierce debate on whether – decades on – apartheid can still be blamed for current government policy shortcomings.