Living the 80/20 Way
Work Less, Worry Less, Succeed More, Enjoy More
Number of pages: 184
Publisher: Nicholas Brealey Publishing
BBB Library: Personal Success
ISBN: 9781857883312
Editorial Review
The 80/20 way involves a real change in how we see and do things. By doing less, we can enjoy and achieve more. If we understand the way the world is really organized, we can fit in with that way and get much more of what we care about with less energy. The 80/20 way revolves around two ideas, which are the law of focus and less is more and the law of progress: we can create more with less. The world's leading scientists, creative people, and business leaders have always organized themselves to get a huge return on their efforts. They invest in a personal infrastructure which will empower them to achieve more with less effort on their part. This same principle can and should be applied at a personal level. The first step might be as simple as pausing before you plunge into any new project and asking: How can I get more with less in this project? What few things could I focus on that will generate the bulk of the benefits from this project?” If you then organize yourself to work most intensively on those key activities, you position yourself to take full advantage of the 80/20 principle.
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Wisdom to Share
The law of progress states: "we can create more with less." All of human history and the advancement of civilization involve getting more results with less resources.
We find that the top 20% of people, natural forces, economics input, or any other causes we can measure typically lead to about 80% of results, outputs, or efforts.
Using the 80/20 principle can have an enormous influence, not just on our economy and society, but also on our personal lives. We can create more with less.
This is the root of all progress. With a bit of practice, thinking how to get more with less becomes fun. The trick is to pick activities offering a higher reward for less energy.
The subconscious like the personal computer itself, delivers much more with less energy and cost. It works best when you are focused on one issue. Less is more.
George Balanchine, the legendary ballet master once said: "I have got more energy now than when I was younger because I know exactly what I want to do". That is because focus is the secret of all personal power, happiness and success.
Focus means doing less and it makes less, more. It expands individuality, the essence of being human. When we focus, we give up doing what many other people do, thinking what others think.
Be proud of what you've achieved in the past, and optimistic about the future, but live fully in the present moment.
Don't make the mistake of thinking you'll give yourself permission to enjoy life when such-or-such is accomplished. Relax. Enjoy the individuality of the present moment, and do the things that absorb your attention and energy.
Books by the same Author
Most companies, and certainly most managers, focus on inputs rather than outputs. They look at process—the 1001 tasks you have to do each week. Whereas they should be looking at results—specifically at what produces the best results. Yet, when you really scrutinize what produces great results, the answer is surprising. Most
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