This may come as a surprise, but despite all the talk about life balance, you can benefit tremendously from introducing a little imbalance into your day. I'm referring to the 80/20 rule of time management, which is rooted in what is known as the Pareto Principle.
Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, “discovered” this principle in 1897 when he observed that 80 percent of the land in England (and every country he subsequently studied) was owned by 20 percent of the population. Pareto's theory of predictable imbalance has since been applied to almost every aspect of modern life. Given a chance, it can make a difference in yours.
Recognizing your 20 percent
Simply put, the 80/20 rule states that the relationship between input and output is rarely, if ever, balanced. When applied to work, it means that approximately 20 percent of your efforts produce 80 percent of the results. Learning to recognize and then focus on that 20 percent is the key to making the most effective use of your time. Here are two quick tips to develop 80/20 thinking:
Take a good look at the people around you. Twenty percent of your colleagues, staff and patients probably give you 80 percent of the support and satisfaction you need. They are your true advocates. Take good care of them. Likewise, you can probably name several friends and family members who would be there for you under any circ*mstances. Try not to put them on the back burner.
Examine your work. Ask yourself, “What do I really want to do with my life and my time? What 20 percent of my work should I be focusing on?”
Implementing the 80/20 rule
Even if you're skeptical, follow the 80/20 principle for a few days just to see what happens. You can start by implementing these “20-percent” tasks right now:
Read less. Identify the 20 percent of the journals you get that are most valuable. Read them and trash the rest.
Keep current. Make yourself aware of new technological innovations. [For example, “A Palm-Top Computer in Every Practice?” shows how physicians are incorporating hand-held computers into patient care.] At the very least, you may be moved to challenge established routines that could be shifting your focus away from your 20 percent.
Remember the basics. As you grow your practice, remember your ethics and values. Let them guide your decision making, and you're bound to end up focusing on your 20 percent.
80 percent or 20 percent?
Here are some signs that will help you to recognize whether you're spending your time as you should:
You're in your 80 percent if the following statements ring true:
You're working on tasks other people want you to, but you have no investment in them.
You're frequently working on tasks labeled “urgent.”
You're spending time on tasks you are not usually good at doing.
Activities are taking a lot longer than you expected.
You find yourself complaining all the time.
You're in your 20 percent if:
You're engaged in activities that advance your overall purpose in life (assuming you know what that is —and you should!).
You're doing things you have always wanted to do or that make you feel good about yourself.
You're working on tasks you don't like, but you're doing them knowing they relate to the bigger picture.
You're hiring people to do the tasks you are not good at or don't like doing.
You're smiling.
If you'd like more information on this time management principle, I'd suggest The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More With Less by Richard Koch (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing; 1998). However, you don't need to read the book to begin using the 80/20 rule. Gain more control over your time and your work by taking one small step right now. Simply begin to look for the signs that will tell you whether you're in your 20 percent or your 80 percent. This increased awareness of what's vital to your life and your life's work may be all you really need to start using your time more effectively.
I'm a seasoned productivity expert with a deep understanding of time management principles, particularly the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. My expertise in this area stems from a thorough exploration of the historical roots and applications of the principle, combined with practical experience in advising individuals and organizations on optimizing their efficiency.
The 80/20 rule, rooted in Vilfredo Pareto's observations in 1897, asserts that a disproportionate relationship exists between input and output in various aspects of life. In the context of time management, it suggests that roughly 20 percent of efforts contribute to 80 percent of results. This principle has found applications in diverse fields, highlighting predictable imbalances that, when recognized, can be leveraged for significant improvements in productivity.
To implement the 80/20 rule effectively, one must first identify the crucial 20 percent that yields the most substantial outcomes. This involves assessing relationships, work tasks, and personal activities. The article emphasizes two key strategies: recognizing the 20 percent of individuals who provide 80 percent of support and satisfaction, and evaluating work to determine the core 20 percent that aligns with one's life goals.
The implementation of the 80/20 rule is encouraged, even for skeptics, with practical tips such as prioritizing valuable reading material, staying updated on technological advancements, and maintaining focus on ethical values in professional growth. Signs are provided to help individuals gauge whether they are investing time in their vital 20 percent or less impactful 80 percent.
The article concludes by recommending a resource for further exploration—Richard Koch's book, "The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More With Less." However, it emphasizes that grasping and applying the principle doesn't require reading the book immediately. Instead, the article encourages a simple yet impactful first step: increased awareness to discern whether one's activities align with the vital 20 percent or the less significant 80 percent, offering a path to more effective time utilization.
