I was interviewed last week by a new friend from Brazil. He asked me, “How do you deal with so many projects – a full-time job, a few blogs, and a magazine?” I suppose that does seem like some major projects. But I don’t really feel that busy. This is why.
Vilfredo Pareto noticed an interesting phenomena. He noticed that 80% of the wealth in Italy was held by 20% of the population. It’s called the Pareto Principle and it applies to more than just Italy. In almost every country, 20% of people hold 80% of the wealth. That means a small percentage has the largest potential for impact.
I’ve noticed this is more than just an economic principle. I’ve seen it in my life. 20% of my activities yield 80% of my results. That means the majority of my activities are fairly unproductive. What if I could just get rid of those activities?
Ideally, if I could identify my productive 20%, I could do that 5 times and get a 400% result. I could get four times the amount accomplished if I focused on the right activities. That’s phenomenal, right?
Unfortunately, no one can function perfectly like that. You’d either neglect your family or run yourself into the ground. But what if you could do as little of those unproductive activities as possible? What if I could focus on the 20% of productive things. Sure, I might only function at 80% capacity…but that gives me room for so many things. I can drop everything and just relax with my wife for an hour. I don’t have to feel guilty.
If I have some extra time I can add in some of the details that give me 20% of my result. But those aren’t that important.
What are you doing that only yields 20% of your results? What can you drop from your routine that isn’t that important? What should you remove from your schedule?
This is such a good point! I read a book about that last year after I had a baby and went back to my full time job and PhD program. It REALLY works. I’m accomplishing tons more now, and enjoying myself. And I’m making more things with my hands and words than I ever have before.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog, Jonathan. Thanks!
Thanks Anna! That’s great that it’s working for you! 🙂
This is such a good point! I read a book about that last year after I had a baby and went back to my full time job and PhD program. It REALLY works. I’m accomplishing tons more now, and enjoying myself. And I’m making more things with my hands and words than I ever have before.
I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog, Jonathan. Thanks!
Thanks Anna! That’s great that it’s working for you! 🙂