First of all, the 80/20 rule is not about economics or maths (even though it may sound like it), so let's get that straight from the start! However, this rule does apply to your life (and everyone else's life) so it's very important that you are aware of it and can start manipulating it for your own benefit (in the way you study or in any other field you choose).
The 80/20 rule says that 80% of what we achieve is a direct result of 20% of the actions we take. In this context, what it is telling us is that a small portion of the things we do each day create the majority of our outcomes. Now, the ratio may not really be 80/20 - it could even be 99/1 - but the point remains that there are a small number of certain activities you engage in each an every day which are creating most of your happiness (or unhappiness) and most of your results (whether they are good or bad).
Examples of how this applies in your life are everywhere but let's look at a simple example to demonstrate how this works. If you think about everybody you know (friends, family, acquaintances etc) the 80/20 rule tells us that you will spend 80% or more of your time with 20% or less of all of the people you know. Now does that sound about right to you? I bet it does.
So, can we agree that 80% of what anyone achieves in life is a direct result of 20% or less of the actions they take? Good I'm glad we agree! But what's really important about this rule is how to use it to your advantage. You want to be able to exploit the rule and make it work for you don't you? So, the first tip is to focus only on the 20% areas that are impacting 80% of your results and then ignore everything else. Seems pretty obvious doesn't it? But only when you're aware of the rule.
Why? Well there is obviously no point focusing on the 80% of activities that is impacting only 20% of your results. That wouldn't make sense would it? That's totally backwards! Instead, you must address all the small areas that have the biggest impact and will maximize your performance. Do what counts. Don't worry about everything, just focus on those things that create the biggest results for you. So, what are the things that create the biggest results I hear you ask?
Regrettably, this is not always easy to answer as many things can have a big impact on your results and everyone is different. However, there are always common denominators that seem to impact everyone in one way or another and we can safely assume they are impacting you as well. So what are they?
Your habits are a key 20% area. Your habits dictate your thoughts and your actions. Bad habits lead to bad results. Good habits lead to good results. It really is that simple! If you have gotten yourself into poor habits then unfortunately you will get poor results. The good news is that by identifying the bad habits and then changing them you can completely transform your outcomes. Small area, massive impact!
Motivation levels are almost always a challenge. If you don't feel motivated you don't do anything. If you don't do anything there is no way you can be successful! It's not possible is it? If you feel super motivated each day (a small 20% area) then it will no doubt creates big results for you (the 80% area). Find a way to get motivated each day and you will create a massive transformation in your results.
Your memory recall ability has a huge impact on your results. Many tests and exams don't only test knowledge; they also strongly test your memory recall. Unfortunately, not many students are taught how to recall information. Nonetheless, if your memory recall ability is legendary then you will transform your results! I'm sure we can agree on that. SO again, we see that one area (your 20%) is having a significant impact on your level of achievement (your 80%).
Everyone (including you) has several small areas that are impacting the majority of their results. The most important thing for you to do is to identify what your areas are. Once you know what they are, focus hard on changing them because it is going to quickly improve your results and help you get better grades. Remember, you only need to change 2 or 3 areas in order to change your entire life so there really are no excuses. Good luck!
The 80/20 rule says that 80% of what we achieve is a direct result of 20% of the actions we take. In this context, what it is telling us is that a small portion of the things we do each day create the majority of our outcomes. Now, the ratio may not really be 80/20 - it could even be 99/1 - but the point remains that there are a small number of certain activities you engage in each an every day which are creating most of your happiness (or unhappiness) and most of your results (whether they are good or bad).
Examples of how this applies in your life are everywhere but let's look at a simple example to demonstrate how this works. If you think about everybody you know (friends, family, acquaintances etc) the 80/20 rule tells us that you will spend 80% or more of your time with 20% or less of all of the people you know. Now does that sound about right to you? I bet it does.
So, can we agree that 80% of what anyone achieves in life is a direct result of 20% or less of the actions they take? Good I'm glad we agree! But what's really important about this rule is how to use it to your advantage. You want to be able to exploit the rule and make it work for you don't you? So, the first tip is to focus only on the 20% areas that are impacting 80% of your results and then ignore everything else. Seems pretty obvious doesn't it? But only when you're aware of the rule.
Why? Well there is obviously no point focusing on the 80% of activities that is impacting only 20% of your results. That wouldn't make sense would it? That's totally backwards! Instead, you must address all the small areas that have the biggest impact and will maximize your performance. Do what counts. Don't worry about everything, just focus on those things that create the biggest results for you. So, what are the things that create the biggest results I hear you ask?
Regrettably, this is not always easy to answer as many things can have a big impact on your results and everyone is different. However, there are always common denominators that seem to impact everyone in one way or another and we can safely assume they are impacting you as well. So what are they?
Your habits are a key 20% area. Your habits dictate your thoughts and your actions. Bad habits lead to bad results. Good habits lead to good results. It really is that simple! If you have gotten yourself into poor habits then unfortunately you will get poor results. The good news is that by identifying the bad habits and then changing them you can completely transform your outcomes. Small area, massive impact!
Motivation levels are almost always a challenge. If you don't feel motivated you don't do anything. If you don't do anything there is no way you can be successful! It's not possible is it? If you feel super motivated each day (a small 20% area) then it will no doubt creates big results for you (the 80% area). Find a way to get motivated each day and you will create a massive transformation in your results.
Your memory recall ability has a huge impact on your results. Many tests and exams don't only test knowledge; they also strongly test your memory recall. Unfortunately, not many students are taught how to recall information. Nonetheless, if your memory recall ability is legendary then you will transform your results! I'm sure we can agree on that. SO again, we see that one area (your 20%) is having a significant impact on your level of achievement (your 80%).
Everyone (including you) has several small areas that are impacting the majority of their results. The most important thing for you to do is to identify what your areas are. Once you know what they are, focus hard on changing them because it is going to quickly improve your results and help you get better grades. Remember, you only need to change 2 or 3 areas in order to change your entire life so there really are no excuses. Good luck!
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