The 80/20 Rule Revisited!
When I committed to start AND finish the Ultimate Blog Challenge, I realized that one of the keys to my success would be to use the 80/20 rule. (Wondering what I’m talking about? Click here!) But, there are many, many, many ways to apply Pareto’s Principal (also known as the 80/20 Rule). In this YouTube video, Brian Tracy explains how using the 80/20 rule can help you focus on what is really important on your to-do list.
When you look at your task list –
- Do you find yourself trying to cross off as many items as possible (which usually means you are doing the ‘quick’ tasks first)?
- Or do you find that you are looking for the one or two tasks that will create the most value and momentum in your business – regardless of how long the task is?
Many times, when we try to cross off a number of tasks in one day, we can fill our day with quick (and many times unimportant) tasks. Have you ever said, “I worked all day long and don’t feel like I accomplished anything of value!” This may be because you are spending time on unimportant (but quick to finish!) tasks!
The trick is to reverse this process. Pick the top two most important items on your list – the two items that will make the biggest impact in your business. (Brian Tracy calls this Eating the Frog.) Now, complete these action steps first. Work on your priorities – this is how you will move forward in your personal and business development.
What can you do first tomorrow? Possibly, what have you been putting off? (Most of us put off eating live frogs as long as possible!) Please post your comments below! I’d love to hear!
(Image credit Salvatore Vuono’)
This is such a great reminder because it’s often so much easier to get the little things done before tackling the bigger challenging frogs. Yet, when the frog is finally eaten, how pleased and satisfied we are with the accomplishment!
Deb –
I agree! For me, usually that frog is the one thing that would most move my business forward . . . and the longer I put it off . . . the “bigger” it seems!
Lisa
There is definitely a balance to this. The two most important tasks on your list may not even be the most difficult. There’s no reason to force yourself to eat frogs every day, but you also can’t ignore the important stuff. Most months, I try to stick to a 24-hour work week because I can make huge headway by doing the really important things…at some point during the day.
Amethyst –
Interesting perspective about not eating frogs every day – I hadn’t thought of that. Yet, Friday’s are my “office” days, where I catch up on paperwork, decide what to delegate to my awesome VA, organize my office if needed, etc. All items that aren’t crucial . . . but left undone . . . tend to derail my business. So maybe I don’t “eat the frog” each day!
Lisa
I call it “eating the crust first” – and I’ve come to love the crust! My to do list focus is on what will bring value, connection, relationship, and the “know, like, trust” factor into my business because that ultimately leads to increased revenue for my business.
Yes, I will eat the crust first…always!
Peggy (stopping by from UBC)
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Peggy Nolan
http://thestepmomstoolbox.com
Peggy –
Thanks for stopping by! Eat the crust sounds so much more appetizing than eat the frog. I may need to change my wording – maybe it will change my perspective on the task! AWESOME! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Guilty as charged. I am a quick task checker offer! It is a false sense of accomplishment.
Sojourner –
Thanks for sharing! I think we all can fall into that trap . . . especially if we are in a creative block . . . that way we feel we accomplished “something”! Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
Great post for those of us that are to-do list challenged. Thanks for sharing it.
Deanna –
Thanks for stopping by! What will “eat” today?
Lisa