Clone the Best by Asking What They’d Do
Every Monday morning, you face a mountain of emails. Your inbox feels like a firehose of tasks, and you panic. You remember the mantra: What would Warren Buffett do? Buffett would calmly sort through the pile, focusing first on the best opportunities. You imagine him quietly scanning the reports, sipping his tea, unfazed by the noise. You sit up straighter, take a slow breath, and skim your emails with that same calm filter. Half the chaos vanishes.
Midweek, you hit a block: a tough client call. You ask yourself, what would my most empathetic friend do? You picture their warm tone, attentive questions. Before dialing, you jot three open-ended questions and dial in with kindness. The call ends positively.
Modeling a real-life hero’s mindset lets you borrow their proven patterns. Behavioral research calls this “modeling” or “cloning”—observing, internalizing, then acting. It works because our mirror neurons prime us to imitate the admired. Next time you feel stuck, pause and ask, “What would they do?” You might be surprised how naturally the right next move emerges.
Choose someone you admire—could be Buffett or your favorite coach—and picture them tackling your toughest challenge. Then frame your next choice by asking, “What would they do?” For deeper insight, spend ten minutes reading or watching one piece of their work: an investor letter or a TED talk. Identify one small tactic they use—pausing before deciding or asking open questions—and bring it into your very next action. Notice how that mental shift sharpens your clarity. Try it today.
What You'll Achieve
You’ll accelerate your learning, gain clarity in uncertainty, and build habits grounded in real success patterns.
Imagine Their Next Move
Pick Your Role Model
Choose one person you respect—Warren Buffett, a coach, a teacher—whose approach you want to emulate.
Frame the Question
Before a big decision, ask yourself out loud, “What would they do in my shoes right now?” It sets a mental anchor.
Study Their Patterns
Read one article, watch one interview, or review one annual report to see how they analyze or react.
Apply One Tactic
Choose a small behavior—slowing down, asking more questions, making a checklist—and try it immediately.
Reflection Questions
- Who is one person you truly admire for their decision-making?
- What’s one small habit they use that you can test this week?
- How do you feel when you mentally step into their shoes?
- When did you last copy someone’s strategy and see success?
- What obstacles might stop you from asking “What would they do?” and how can you remove them?
Personalization Tips
- In fitness: Ask, “What would my marathon-running friend do when they miss a workout?”
- In teamwork: Ask, “How would my best-organized colleague plan this project?”
- In creativity: Ask, “How does my favorite painter break through a blank canvas?”
The Quest for Wealth: 6 Steps for Making Mindful Money Choices
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