Do you want a simple way to get the maximum out of life with only 20% of the effort?
Over 100 years ago Italian Vilfredo Pareto discovered the 80/20 rule which is still applicable today. It states that approximately 80% of the results or output will come from 20% of the action or input.
You may be familiar with the use of the 80/20 Rule as a popular business tool, with examples such as 20% of sales reps generate 80% of the sales.
But it can be applied to all areas of life. Think about it – you have a wardrobe full of clothes but you still grab your favourite outfit and wear it 80% of the time.
Or you have access to several rooms in your house but you spend 80% of your time in 20% of the rooms.
On your smartphone, you have some amazing apps but you find that you only use 20% of them 80% of the time.
Socially – upon closer inspection you may realise that 80% of your time is spent with 20% of the people you know.
Here are a few questions to consider in light of the 80/20 rule:
- What do you spend 20% of the time doing that generates 80% of your happiness?
- Who are the 20% of the people you are closest to that make you feel happy? Are you spending time with them?
- What are the 20% of the foods that you eat 80% of the time?
- What 20% of outfits do you wear 80% of the time?
- What are the 20% of your possessions that give you the most value?
- What do you spend 80% of your money on? Do you find that it’s useful or healthy and supports the lifestyle you want?
- What are 20% of conversation topics that create 80% of the intimacy with your partner?
- What are the 20% of behaviours that cause 80% of the challenges in your relationship?
- From a work perspective, what is the 20% of work that creates 80% of the recognition from your colleagues or manager?
The 80/20 Rule can be applied to all areas of life. Regardless if it exactly 80/20 or 69/31 or (insert ratio here. By applying the 80/20 Rule to various areas of your life you can declutter and create more enjoyment and fulfillment.
If you feel happiest when you spend time with certain people, why not spend more time with them?
If you find that do only wear 20% of your wardrobe, what are you going to do with the rest of the clothes? Is there a charity that could benefit more from them?
If you eat healthy food 80% of the time, does it really matter when you indulge is something else 20% of the time?
80% of what you worry about will never happen.
What areas of your life do you find the 80/20 Rule works best for you?
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