The Journey- How Buffet & Munger View Their Work
A common thread I’m finding as I study the titans of industry and world-class performers is the work is the reward. These incredible humans embrace the twists, lean into the turns, and double down on the dips. The greats just keep showing up regardless of the outcome. The practice is the output.
The connection to the work and the love of practice is what makes it a journey. It’s not about an outcome or a finite time frame.
A journey allows for the beauty of time to compound the input of effort. Measuring in centuries or thinking in generations is a journey.
I recently wrote about a handful of titans & world class performers who compounded their skills over an extraordinarily long period of time: here.
Two of my heroes that approach business explicitly like a journey are Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger of Berkshire Hathaway. I have written about them in the past: here & here. They have never had a finite timeline in their approach to business.
They approach business like the art that it is. By taking the approach of a journey, they’ve given themselves permission to stumble and learn from their mistakes. They did not let their initial failed investment in a textile business (Berkshire Hathaway) define their career. They learned from their mistakes and refined their skills! They took the approach to let profitable businesses operate for decades to allow the dynamism of humans and compounding to unfold!
I love Buffett and Munger for so many reasons. My top reason is their love for learning and always doing the work. They never settle or create a hypothetical finish line to declare victory and exit. You can see the art of their work in their writings. A couple recommendations: The Tao of Charlie Munger, The Essays of Warren Buffett, & All I want to know is where I’m going to die so I’ll never go there.
Throughout their careers, they put their butts in their seats and committed to the journey. They did the hard work of learning, growing, and questioning. Putting art into the world that might not land or work. As John Wooden said, “When you’re done learning you’re through.” Munger passed away almost a year ago. He learned and taught up until the very end. Buffett is still spending hours every day studying, investing, & teaching at 94 years old.
Munger and Buffett are a beautiful example of cherishing the journey and doing the hard work day-in and day-out.
The work is the reward.
The practice is the output.
Let’s keep showing up.
Commit to the journey like Munger & Buffett.
Onward,
Matt