The 80-20 Rule

                                                                                         

There is a proven statistic that can be applied to direct our activity towards the results that we desire. The statistical formula looks like this: 80% of our success comes from 20% of our activities. That means that 80% of our efforts contributes to only 20% of our success. When analyzing people who are struggling, it is quickly realized that they tend to focus on those activities that seem to generate the lowest results. Their day is consumed with the attending to those tasks which have little effect on the overall picture.

On the other hand, the successful determine and concentrate on the tasks which will pay the greatest dividends. It is these activities that are scheduled first into their day. Although they are not always the easiest, they are the ones begun immediately. It takes discipline to avoid the tendency to focus upon the less intensive ones. However, the rewards come in the value of each accomplishment.

This formula is statistically true in any situation. In sales, 80% of the profit comes from the top 20% of the customer base. By the same token, 20% of a salesperson's activity is responsible for 80% of their success. This activity is comprised of prospecting, demonstrating the product, questioning a prospect, and getting an agreement. Tasks such as filling out call sheets, sales meetings, and interaction with the corporate office have far less impact on the overall performance. For this reason, sales trainers teach doing the other activities before all else.

Let's use marriage as an example. What do you think has a bigger impact on your spouse; mowing the lawn and taking out the trash or looking deeply into that person's eyes while expressing how much you love him/her? Naturally it depends upon the situation but most often, someone appreciates the loving attention given much more than the handling of tasks. When you really consider it, doesn't most of what one does in a relationship go unnoticed? However, do that one thing that is meaningful to the other person and you are in for a special evening.

To greatly increase the success in our lives, we must begin spending time on those activities that will have a dramatic impact. Time is a factor for everyone. There is not a person in this era who is not taxed for time. People are inundated with responsibility coming at them from all directions. Unfortunately, with so much demand upon us, it is impossible to get everything done. Therefore, the ability to prioritize is vital to having a successful life. Recognizing that certain activities carry a greater value in our overall happiness is the onset of a new life path.

Many people get involved with the low priority activities because they are in the mode of putting off the more important items. Most do not sit around idly doing nothing, The tendency is to procrastinate by doing other tasks. This allows for the justification for not doing that other items. Their response is usually something like, “I couldn't get to it since I was busy doing __________ all day”. The blank invariably is a low value action. Activities that have a greater impact upon our lives generally require more effort. They also seem to create a bit more fear within us. It is far easier to avoid these tasks altogether while focusing on the simpler ones.

Regardless of what area of life you choose to apply this formula, the fastest way to begin making changes is by focusing upon that which has the most effect. Decide what activities carry the greatest impact upon your situation and do them first. Be conscious of when you fall into the trap of doing “busywork”. It is fine to do this if time allows. However, act like the most successful by concentrating on what is of the most importance. Everything else seems to take care of itself when these items are handled.

About the author:
Dennis Harting is the Head Coach at Your Rich Life. He is an acclaimed speaker, trainer, and author. His international best selling books include Your Easiest Million and The Ultimate Procrastination Handbook. His programs and more information can be found at http://www.yourrichlifeinc.com.


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