The 80/20 Rule

Karina took on the role of organizer and planner for our annual figure skating carnival,

and it was a resounding success. 

Nearly seventy skaters, multiple costumes changes, choreographed music, raffles, advertising and more. 

This latest organizational challenge demonstrated the 80/20 principle in action.

I was recently re-educated on the Pareto Principle (the 80/20 rule) by Tim Ferriss.

“80% of our results generally come from 20% of our efforts”,

 or stated another way,

“A small number of causes lead to the majority of our outcomes”

 This generalizing rule seems to apply broadly to almost anything in life.

80% of your business revenue generally comes from 20% of your activities. 

80% of your classroom energy relates back to 20% of the students (the problems).

20% of your exercises yield 80% of your fitness gains.

20% of your friends bring you 80% of the joy.

20% of the people will complete 80% of the Carnival work (thanks Karina).

In agreement with another of my favourite sayings 

“If you have something that needs to get done, give it to your busiest friend”.  

Surround yourself with these rare '20%' individuals and you will leverage a disproportionately large amount of accomplishments. 

And above all, be the 20%.

• Now that’s a peak ethos.