This is reposted from my new site at FreedomPassionPurpose.com
“We always have time enough,
if we will but use it aright.”
– Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Are you familiar with the 80/20 Rule? If not – get familiar.
It is a life changing concept that 80% of people (ironically) completely overlook in managing their time and prioritizing (if they manage and prioritize at all!)
What is the 80/20 Rule?
The 80/20 Rule (also known as the “Pareto Principle” after its founder) is a concept that states that 20% of the input creates 80% of the output, and the other 80% of the input creates 20% of the output.
20% of the people in a given economy earn 80% of the money.
20% of the customers make up for 80% of the revenue.
20% of the sales people generate 80% of the sales.
How Does This Apply To Your Life?
It’s usually close to impossible to get everything done in the time that it needs to get done, especially for anyone with significant goals and aspirations.
The 80/20 Rule applies directly to how you manage your time… 20% of your activity will produce 80% of your results.
What does that mean? That means that if you have a to do list of 10 things… there are probably 1 or 2 of those things that matter more than the other 8 or so put together.
Most people do the little things first and put off those 1 or 2 important things until … sometimes never.
This is why so many people are busy all day running around like chickens with their heads cut off, but never really getting much done, moving forward, or feeling satisfied with their accomplishments.
Resist The Temptation To Clear Up Small Things First
Remember that your daily activities are largely habitual … that means that what you do today is largely the result of behavioral patterns that you have established over the years. If you usually do small things first and the get the easy things out of the way before getting to the big important tasks, you will continue this pattern … and ultimately you will not get much done.
However, if you choose to consciously break this pattern, you can form a new one: work on big things first! If you can get yourself to consistently accomplish the important (not just urgent) things on your list first, you will eventually develop the habitual pattern of doing big things first. You will start to move forward. You will feel satisfied with your accomplishments. You will set greater goals for yourself, knowing you can accomplish them.
Activity For Today
Make your “to-do list” for today… List your key goals, activities, projects, and responsibilities today.
Determine which 20% of these tasks you feel could represent about 80% of your results for the day. Highlight these tasks.
Resolve to do these tasks first, even if that is all you accomplish all day today. Do this again tomorrow, and the next day.
For even better results, make your list and pick your activities for the next day the night before. Make a habit of this. You will be surprised how much more you are getting done, in less time, and how much more freedom you begin to experience in your life.
Remember, the goal of activity is to be productive, not just busy. Get things done, so that you can spend your time and energy on more important values.
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For more great Time Management tips, pick up Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time
