An 80/20 PSA
I love the 80/20 rule. I use it obsessively.
Fittingly, I’ve noticed that it’s only used to its full value 20% of the time.
The heart of the 80/20 rule is prioritization.
If you can safely assume that 80% of the value you seek is found in 20% of your efforts, you can better manage your time.
In concept, it’s easy to wrap your head around. Why waste effort that’s not required?
In practice, it’s deployed too late.
It’s used frequently in the business world, but by the time it comes to the rescue the project is miles past the 20% that mattered.
Here’s when it tends to kick-in:
The principle’s application tends to be to cut the final 20% that definitely did not matter, instead of only focusing on the 20% that did matter.
The good thing about the rule is ‘better late than never’ still applies.
But wouldn’t we all be more productive if we weren’t so reluctant to apply it quicker?
Speaking of 80/20 rule, I think I’ve made the intended point and will cut the piece off here.
Have more to share on the 80/20 rule? Sad I didn’t draw a stick figure of Vilfredo Pareto? Share below!
