The Pareto Principle
Many years ago, when I used to work as a freelance development consultant, I entered the corporate offices of a large UK manufacturer.
I was only 18 at the time -- but I'd somehow landed this great job, outscoring the older applicants during the interview tests.
That's when I was informed of the secret plans of this group.
They intended to close down 80% of their factories...
They wanted me to build a system to help manage the whole downsizing and automation effort. Suddenly I remembered that my cousin worked for one of the factories they intended to shutdown.
"But why??" I asked. "They seem to be making you money!"
"Pareto principle!" they shouted back.
I just nodded at that point. I had no idea what they were talking about.
About three hours later, I knew what the Pareto principle was -- and I've been using it ever since. It's a way of thinking that can help you gain more pleasure out of ANYTHING...
The term comes from an Italian economist called Vilfredo Pareto. In the early 1900's, he made the mathematical observation that everywhere in life, 80% of consequences stem from 20% of causes.
It's commonly referred to as the 80/20 rule, and it means that...
... 80% of revenue comes from just 20% of the factories.
... 80% of orders come from 20% of customers.
... 80% of the world's money is owned by 20% of the people.
... 80% of your happiness is derived from 20% of your activities.
It's a rule-of-thumb measurement that genuinely works. I researched it. I applied it to my own life.
I realized that the Pareto principle... is real.
So, how can you apply the rule to yourself?
Well, ask yourself these questions...
.... Which 20% of your daily activites generate 80% of your income?
.... What 20% of your time brings you 80% of your enjoyment?
.... Which 20% of your spiritual development is bringing you 80% of your results?
And, like the factory owners, when you realize which 20% of causes are causing 80% of the results, you can decide whether to increase those causes, or let go of the 80% of wasted effort.
Enjoy :)
Labels: inspiration, self-development
by Karl
3:20 AM
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