Bill Gates, Warren Buffett say THIS simple trick is their secret to success

Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are two of the most successful individuals of all time, and their shared philosophy has played a key role in their wealth-building journeys. Both were once asked at a gathering to write down their secret to success in one word. To everyone’s surprise, both wrote the same answer: Focus.

Buffett, the legendary investor, and Gates, the mastermind behind Microsoft , both attribute their success to laser-like concentration on their goals from an early age. Gates famously stated that the thing you do obsessively between ages 13 and 18 is the thing you’re most likely to be world-class at. For Gates, it was coding, which led him to co-found Microsoft and become a millionaire in his 20s. Now, with a net worth of $127 billion, Gates is one of the wealthiest people globally.

Buffett’s focus was on investing, and it started at a remarkably young age. At 11 years old, Buffett made his first investment, $114.75 of his savings, into three shares of Cities Service . His obsession with investing set him on a path to becoming one of the most successful investors in history, with a net worth of $160 billion today.


Start early and stay focused: The power of compound interestOne of the most valuable pieces of advice from both Buffett and Gates is the importance of starting early. Both men believe that the earlier you start, the more time your wealth has to grow. Buffett has frequently talked about the power of compound interest, describing it as the "snowball effect", the ability to gradually build your wealth over time. The key, according to Buffett, is to start early and keep rolling that snowball up a long hill.

Buffett’s investing strategy is an example of this principle. He has always preferred to focus on buying stocks that are undervalued but have long-term potential. By investing in companies with strong business models, consistent earnings, and solid cash flow, Buffett has built an empire. He often says, “If you aren’t willing to own a stock for 10 years, don’t even think about owning it for 10 minutes.” This focus on long-term investments is the bedrock of his success.

For the average investor, starting early could mean setting up tax-friendly investment accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, or even investing in stocks or index funds through a traditional brokerage account. It’s also essential to stay focused once you start. Regular investments, even small ones like spare change, can lead to substantial returns over time.

The importance of learning from mistakesNo investment journey is without its bumps. Even the greatest investors, like Buffett, have made mistakes along the way. Buffett himself admitted to “mistakes of omission,” where he passed up attractive investment opportunities. However, learning from these mistakes is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful.

Gates has also faced setbacks. He’s open about the many mistakes he made during his early years in tech. But both Gates and Buffett view these experiences as learning opportunities. As Buffett’s business partner, Charlie Munger, put it, successful investors must have the courage and intelligence to act when those “no-brainer” opportunities arise.

To improve your investing strategy, it’s crucial to analyze both your successes and your blunders. Rather than letting losses discourage you, see them as a valuable learning experience that can fuel better decisions in the future. If you’re new to investing or unsure about how to navigate the complexities, seeking professional advice or using online investing platforms can help you stay focused and build wealth intelligently.


Focus on one thing: Narrowing your attentionThe ultimate lesson that Buffett and Gates impart is the value of focus not just in investing, but in all aspects of life. For Gates, this focus meant dedicating himself to coding during his teenage years. For Buffett, it meant sticking to a few good investment opportunities rather than chasing after every fleeting trend.

In today’s world of constant distractions, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals. But by practicing focus, you can sharpen your abilities and drive results. Narrowing your attention to one thing at a time, whether it’s a project, a business venture, or even a financial goal, can propel you toward success in a way multitasking never can. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refocus, the advice from Buffett and Gates is clear: Choose what matters most and dedicate yourself to it.

A simple philosophy for successThe shared views of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates demonstrate that focus is the common thread that weaves together their stories of success. By starting early, learning from mistakes, and narrowing your attention, you too can emulate their path to wealth and achievement. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing less, but doing it really well.