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Sam Altman, a prominent entrepreneur and CEO of OpenAI, has a packed schedule with numerous projects and responsibilities. When asked how he balances his time and decides where to focus, he shared some insightful strategies. His advice is both practical and enlightening, offering a roadmap for anyone struggling to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Photo: Eric Risberg / Associated Press
The Power of Saying No
One of the key skills Altman emphasizes is learning to say no.
"It took me a long time in life to learn not to do things I don't want to do and not to do things that don't matter"
This principle is crucial for maintaining focus and ensuring that your energy is spent on meaningful activities.
Daily Prioritization
Every morning, Altman makes a list of the three big things he wants to accomplish that day. This habit helps him stay focused on what's most important and avoid getting sidetracked by less critical tasks. He also maintains a broader list of all the projects he's working on throughout the year, which helps him keep an eye on long-term goals.
Delegation
Altman is a strong advocate of delegation, especially as your responsibilities grow. When you're starting a startup, it's crucial to focus on one thing because the company isn't big enough to delegate significant pieces. However, as the business grows, you can hand over large parts of the operations to others.
"As soon as I get bored with something, I try to hand it over"
This approach allows him to stay engaged and focus on new, exciting challenges.
Aligning Work with Interests
Altman believes in working on things that genuinely interest him and are aligned with his values. He focuses on areas he cares about deeply, such as startups, education, AI, and biotech. By concentrating on these areas, he ensures that his work is not only productive but also fulfilling.
Learning to Say No
Figuring out what you can say no to is a critical professional skill. For Altman, this ability has been incredibly valuable. By eliminating tasks and projects that don't align with his goals or interests, he frees up time and energy for what truly matters.
Real-World Examples
Marissa Mayer: The former CEO of Yahoo is known for her intense work ethic and meticulous time management. She famously used a prioritization technique called "The Three Lists" to manage her time effectively. Every day, she would identify the top three priorities and focus on them, similar to Altman's approach.
Warren Buffett: One of the most successful investors of all time, Buffett is renowned for his ability to focus. He once advised, "The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything." Buffett spends a significant amount of his time reading and thinking, only focusing on investment opportunities that truly matter.
Sheryl Sandberg: The COO of Facebook (now Meta) emphasizes the importance of delegation and focusing on high-impact activities. Sandberg's approach involves identifying the tasks that only she can do and delegating the rest. This strategy allows her to focus on strategic decisions that drive the company's success.
Conclusion
Sam Altman's approach to balancing time and priorities revolves around the principles of focus, delegation, and saying no. By identifying what truly matters and eliminating distractions, he ensures that his efforts are both effective and fulfilling. Real-world examples like Marissa Mayer, Warren Buffett, and Sheryl Sandberg demonstrate that these strategies are widely applicable and can lead to significant success.
By adopting these habits, you can better manage your time, reduce stress, and increase your productivity. Whether you're running a startup or managing a busy schedule, focusing on what matters most and delegating the rest can help you achieve your goals and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Listen to Sam: