The O’Toole Chronicles: Words to Live By, per Warren Buffett

It’s probably safe to assume that folks reading this column don’t need a tutorial on Warren Buffett. For those that do, the “Oracle of Omaha” is a 92-year-old who by all accounts is worth $97 billion and is the 7^th richest person in the world. He is and has been the Chair and largest shareholder of Berkshire Hathaway since 1970 and is one of the world’s most well-known philanthropists.

So, what advice or wisdom does Warren Buffett have for the adoring masses? It is quite simple actually. A student asked Warren what he would do differently if he could go back in time. In a non-responsive answer, he admonished the students to make better choices around career, finances, health and relationships. He completed that thought with the four words we were waiting for – DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

Mr. Buffett said, “[I] get to work in a job I love, but I have always worked a job I love.” He went to add, “I urge you to work in jobs that you love.” We read and see a lot these days about employee dissatisfaction and job changes. How many of us can honestly say we love what we do?

Sadly, I find more and more employees counting down the days until retirement and many are filled with regret, anger and jealousy of their co-workers. But is that how we should be living?

I have lived by a few credos in my life. One of the driving themes is to never play the victim when life doesn’t turn out as you dreamed. I have an idea, make a plan and set out to make it a reality and don’t stop until you reach your goal — then enjoy that perpetual victory lap.

Turning to politics.

Don’t make the common mistakes made by many immature and short-sighted officer holders. They fall victim to achieving an office, and immediately focus on running for the next higher office. Never enjoying the moment or the work you put in to get to this point. Far too many suffer from being on the political “hamster wheel” ferociously spinning in place. This is a disservice on so many levels, but it happens all the time.

If it is too late for some readers, hopefully the next generation that is reading this will learn a valuable lesson from a pretty smart and successful person, Warren Buffet. Figure out what it is you love and do it. Chances are you will find that sense of professional happiness.

Unlike E.F. Hutton and their sad ending, these pearls of wisdom actually withstand the test of time.