How to use the 80/20 rule to improve productivity?

The 80/20 rule is one of the most helpful concepts for life and time management. The 80/20 rule which is also known as the Pareto principle, basically means that in many events, 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. The name Pareto principle was named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto who discovered the principle after realizing that approximately 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population, and he kept observing the same pattern in other different situations.

So how does it help to increase productivity?

There are a small number of certain activities we do every day which are creating most of our happiness (or unhappiness) and most of the results (whether they are good or bad). For example, if 20% of your tasks are bringing 80% of your project results, you can consider making those specific tasks your priority. The rule for this is: resist the temptation to clear up small things first. Focus on 20% that matters.

Imagine a daily to-do list with 10 things to do every day. Using the 80/20 rule, figure out what are the 2 most important things that will give the majority of the results. Then spend 80% of the effort on those tasks. So 20% of the list gives 80% of the results.

Prioritize and work smarter.