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 states that 80% of what we achieve is a direct result of 20% of the actions we take (it also applies to many other areas but they are not the focus of this article). In plain English, this means that only a very small amount of the actions we take each day create most of what we achieve (or don't achieve). The ratio does not have to be 80/20 - it may even be as high as 99/1 - but the point is simply that your major results (your 80%) are actually being dictated by a minority of your actions (your 20%).
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.
The first major thing to take away from the 80/20 rule is to understand that there is no point focusing on the 80% of things you do each day that are creating only 20% of your results. You need to do the opposite! Forget the 80% that is impacting 20% of your results, you want to focus only on the 20% that is impacting 80% of your results! Are you following? Clear as mud?
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?
So which small areas are having the biggest impact on your results? Unfortunately it could be many things. For example, time management and a lack of organization are often cited as key problems. But for the point of this article let's focus on three areas that are most often cited as problematic (and are definitely 20% areas!)
Your habits are a key driver of your outcomes. If you have all the right habits (like a habit of doing two hours homework every night or a habit of always asking the teacher when you don't understand something) then you can transform your results. Your habits impact you every day and in every way. If you get home from school each day and jump straight onto Facebook or play video games that is your habit. You're not making a conscious decision each time, it's just a habit. The right habits are the biggest game changer there is. It's definitely a 20% area impacting 80% of your results.
The next most cited problem is motivation levels. With a lack of motivation comes a lack of action. So if you can't find a way to feel motivated it will have a significantly negative impact on your results. We all know how much we get done when we have no motivation - nothing! So again we can see that one small area (motivation) is greatly impacting on a big area (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%).
Clearly, there are many areas that impact your results in schooling and your results in life for that matter. But by figuring out which areas are having the biggest impact you will be able to quickly change your results. Identify your personal 20% areas that are having a big influence on your outcomes and do something about them today. If you do, your grades will shoot up quickly. If you don't, you should expect more of the same. Good luck!
The 80/20 rule states that 80% of what we achieve is a direct result of 20% of the actions we take (it also applies to many other areas but they are not the focus of this article). In plain English, this means that only a very small amount of the actions we take each day create most of what we achieve (or don't achieve). The ratio does not have to be 80/20 - it may even be as high as 99/1 - but the point is simply that your major results (your 80%) are actually being dictated by a minority of your actions (your 20%).
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.
The first major thing to take away from the 80/20 rule is to understand that there is no point focusing on the 80% of things you do each day that are creating only 20% of your results. You need to do the opposite! Forget the 80% that is impacting 20% of your results, you want to focus only on the 20% that is impacting 80% of your results! Are you following? Clear as mud?
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?
So which small areas are having the biggest impact on your results? Unfortunately it could be many things. For example, time management and a lack of organization are often cited as key problems. But for the point of this article let's focus on three areas that are most often cited as problematic (and are definitely 20% areas!)
Your habits are a key driver of your outcomes. If you have all the right habits (like a habit of doing two hours homework every night or a habit of always asking the teacher when you don't understand something) then you can transform your results. Your habits impact you every day and in every way. If you get home from school each day and jump straight onto Facebook or play video games that is your habit. You're not making a conscious decision each time, it's just a habit. The right habits are the biggest game changer there is. It's definitely a 20% area impacting 80% of your results.
The next most cited problem is motivation levels. With a lack of motivation comes a lack of action. So if you can't find a way to feel motivated it will have a significantly negative impact on your results. We all know how much we get done when we have no motivation - nothing! So again we can see that one small area (motivation) is greatly impacting on a big area (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%).
Clearly, there are many areas that impact your results in schooling and your results in life for that matter. But by figuring out which areas are having the biggest impact you will be able to quickly change your results. Identify your personal 20% areas that are having a big influence on your outcomes and do something about them today. If you do, your grades will shoot up quickly. If you don't, you should expect more of the same. Good luck!
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