Applying the 5/25 Rule to Your Professional Development

It has been said that the current nutritional state of most Americans is that we are overfed yet undernourished. While we consume more than enough calories on a daily basis, many of these calories do not provide the nutrients needed for a truly productive or optimal life.

We can dive into whether you agree with this nutritional assessment over a cup of coffee later.

However – assuming this sentiment is true, I would propose this line of thinking also can apply to our work lives. While the digital world has improved the efficiency by which information [calories] are shared and consumed, it has done little to improve our application of this information.

To keep with our dietary metaphor, many of us receive an unimaginable number of calories each day – e-mails, text messages, newsletters, conferences, summits, phone calls, social media posts, etc. Yet, how many of those calories are being put to productive use?

Please know I do not have the answer even for myself but, in the fashion of NIAA, I am working to continuously improve myself.

In these Thursday Thoughts, I invite you to join me in an exercise using Warren Buffett’s 5/25 Rule to productively utilize the barrage of information, insights, contacts, and other informational calories we regularly receive.

Here is the J.J. Version of the 5/25 Rule and how to apply it to your leadership within animal agriculture and NIAA … with help from Chat GPT.

Warren Buffett's 5/25 Rule is a simple yet powerful method for prioritizing your goals. It involves:

1. Listing your top twenty-five career or industry-related goals.
2. Identifying the top five goals that are the most critical.
3. Focusing exclusively on these top five goals and avoiding the remaining twenty until you have achieved considerable progress.

Now, apply to your NIAA membership.

Step 1: Identify Your Top 25 Goals

Take time to reflect on your career aspirations and the ways you can contribute to the animal agriculture sector of today’s food system. Consider the following areas:

• Professional Development: Skills and knowledge you wish to acquire.
• Industry Impact: Projects or initiatives that can drive positive change.
• Networking: Building relationships with key industry stakeholders.
• Leadership: Opportunities to lead or participate in councils or working groups.
• Innovation: Developing or supporting innovative practices and technologies.

Write down your top twenty-five goals related to these areas.

Step 2: Select Your Top 5 Goals

Review your list and identify the five goals that are most important to you and the industry. These should be the goals that will have the greatest impact on your career and the overall field of animal agriculture. Prioritize them based on their potential to:

• Enhance your expertise and skill set.
• Foster significant industry advancements.
• Strengthen your professional network.
• Provide leadership opportunities.

Step 3: Focus on Your Top 5 Goals

Devote your time and resources to working on these top five goals. Utilize your NIAA membership benefits to support your efforts:

• Attend Conferences and Events: Participate in NIAA events to gain insights, learn from experts, and network with peers.
• Join Councils and Working Groups: Engage in NIAA councils that align with your goals to contribute to important industry initiatives.
• Access Educational Resources: Take advantage of NIAA's educational programs, webinars, and publications to deepen your knowledge.
• Collaborate with Members: Reach out to fellow members who share similar goals and explore opportunities for collaboration.
• Seek Mentorship: Connect with experienced industry leaders within NIAA who can provide guidance and support.

Step 4: Avoid Distractions

The remaining twenty goals, while important, should be set aside for the time being. Focus your energy on achieving considerable progress in your top 5 goals. Revisit the remaining goals only after you have made substantial advancements.

By applying Warren Buffett's 5/25 Rule, you can maximize the benefits of your NIAA membership and make meaningful contributions to your career and the animal agriculture industry. Stay focused, leverage available resources, and collaborate with your fellow members to achieve your top priorities.

Together, we can drive the food system forward and create a sustainable future for animal agriculture.

?