Six Things Focus Limit

A conversation about how successful people like Joe Lonsdale manage their focus and priorities, particularly around limiting focus to 6 key things.

Core Philosophy on Focus

• Investing is not a team sport - requires individual decision making
• Focus should be limited based on role/level:
  • CEOs should focus on 1 main thing
  • Executives should focus on 3 things
  • Others should limit to 6 things maximum

Key Elements for Success

• Clear schedule and time management

  • Take daily naps (example given of 20-30 minutes)
  • Make time for reading and thinking
  • Don't overload with meetings/assistants

• Learning approach

  • Teaching others is the best way to learn something new
  • Maintain a broad reading diet across multiple topics
  • Keep a library organized by subject (investing, science, business, etc.)

• Decision making

  • Look for contrarian opportunities others miss
  • Need individual conviction vs group consensus
  • Focus on "hated and unloved" opportunities

Implementation Tips

• Keep a clear schedule without too many commitments
• Make time for regular breaks and reflection
• Organize knowledge by category/topic
• Focus on depth over breadth in key areas
• Maintain work-life balance through structured routines
• Regular reflection and learning through teaching others

The framework emphasizes that success comes from intense focus on a limited number of key priorities rather than trying to do everything at once.