80/20 rule

The 80/20 rule or Pareto Principle

20% of our activities will account for 80% of our results — a small portion of efforts often leads to the majority of outcomes.

Steps

  • Identify the 5 key areas or priorities of your life; for example, you might identify that your family, health, career or relationships are your main priorities.
  • Write down all pending tasks that are bothering you.
  • If there were 20 tasks, circle the 4 tasks that will matter the most and align with your priorities (20%).
  • Prioritise and complete these 4 tasks first.

By focusing on the most impactful tasks, you can achieve significant progress towards your goals efficiently.

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    Page last reviewed: 8 April, 2025