How to use the 80/20 rule at home and work
Have you heard of the 80/20 rule? It’s also known as the Pareto principle. The concept is that roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. It’s seen as a short cut to being more focused, more organized and more productive. Here’s some statistics that show the 80/20 rule.
- At home, we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time.
- At work, 80% of a company’s profits come from 20% of its customers
- When you volunteer, 20% of the volunteers do 80% of the effort.
- What’s the benefit you can find in the Pareto Principle?
Pare down 80% of your clothes.
Our closets are jammed and we have nothing to wear. It’s time to use the hanger trick where you turn your hangers around of the clothes you wear. It’s a study in what you truly wear. Once you see this, you are ready to let go of your unworn clothes.
Spend 80% of your time on the most important 20%.
Prioritize the most important projects for work and home. It might seem like everything is equally important, however it’s not possible. Drill down what’s your most important and schedule work for this at your high energy times. Scheduling your work both at home and at your job ensures success.
File and scan documents using the 80/20.
Have you created files and never went back to these? Where can you find the information, when you need it, most easily? Know what to keep and keep what you need. You might be keeping 80% more than you need so pare down ruthlessly.
Rethink 80% of your activities and find the 20% you are committed to
We are busy! We find ourselves in many different groups, joining more than one Bunco group or book club. We are taking our kids to many activities. It’s time to rethink 80% of your activities. You will find that you are less stressed. You will enjoy your activities more because you have fewer.
You will find that the 80/20 rule will be one of your most referenced math equations once you see how it applies to your life.
