The Pareto Principle

What is the Pareto Principle?

The Pareto principle was named for Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, and states that 80% of consequences stem from 20% of causes. Vilfredo discovered that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population.  He also found that 20% of the pea pods in his garden contained 80% of the peas.  Like Vilfredo, you will find percentages like these in many aspects of your life.  They can be found in your work, study, diet, habits, and practically anything you can think of.

Focus on the 20% of what you are trying to accomplish that will have 80% of the impact. Master the main concepts that will be tested on an exam first and fill in lesser details as time allows.  Don’t try to memorize every little detail.  80% of the exam will probably be on the 20% of the material that were the main concepts.

Lose Weight and Gain Fitness Easily

Work on your largest muscles first to get a better body in minutes per day, and leave the rest to nature.  Work on the 20% of muscles that are largest and you’ll get 80% of the looks and metabolism gains you are searching for. The Pareto Principle will help you lose weight fast by eliminating your main food weakness.  Your main food weakness may very well be 80% of the reason for your current weight though it is only 20% of what you  are eating.

Apply the Pareto Principle to everything you do to save time, make your work more productive, and make your work sustainable.  There simply isn’t time or energy to do 100% of the things in your life, 100% of the time.

You can only do some things great. Cast all else aside. – Steve Jobs