Prioritize with The Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule)
This is part 3 in my series on how to double your productivity.
There’s something I wish I had learned in school.
Maybe it was taught, but I probably didn’t pay attention.
In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto noticed that 80% of the income in Italy went to 20% of the people.
Later, Joseph M. Juran, a quality management expert, expanded this into what we now call the Pareto Principle—or the 80/20 rule.
It simply means that in many areas of life, 20% of the causes create 80% of the results.
That also means the other 80% of causes only give us 20% of the results.
When I think about this, the lesson is clear: I should spend more time on the 20% of tasks that bring the most value.
How I Apply the 80/20 Rule to Daily Tasks
Finding that 20% isn’t as hard as it sounds.
If I write down ten things I need to do today and rank them, the first one or two items usually carry the most weight.
Those are the tasks that bring the biggest results.
For me right now, studying for next week’s school tests is a top priority.
Other chores—like buying groceries, washing dishes, or changing lightbulbs—still matter, but they don’t have the same impact.
Finishing my studies has far greater value than checking off smaller tasks.
I’ve also used the principle with classes.
Some lectures don’t give me much value, so I’ve skipped them and focused instead on reading the textbooks.
That approach worked better for me.
Of course, for others the opposite may be true—lectures might be their most important 20%.
Using the Principle in Writing and Blogging
The Pareto Principle doesn’t just apply to studying.
It also shows up in writing.
When I write an article, I know the first 20% of the text—especially the headline and opening lines—grabs 80% of the readers.
That’s why I focus more effort on crafting a strong beginning.
The same goes for blogging.
Every “how to build a better blog” guide repeats one truth: the most important 20% is creating useful, valuable content.
That’s what keeps readers coming back.
Shiny designs and side features help, but content carries the real weight.
Clarity and Challenges of the Pareto Principle
Keeping the Pareto Principle in mind helps me focus on what matters most.
It clears away distractions and makes it easier to set my own rules instead of following someone else’s.
I no longer feel pressured to “do everything” when I know only a few things truly move me forward.
But here’s the challenge—the top 20% is often what I procrastinate on.
Those tasks are usually harder and bring real change, and change can feel uncomfortable.
That’s why I sometimes avoid them.
Yet, once I push through and see results, it becomes easier to keep going.
I remind myself that the principle is a rule of thumb, not a strict formula.
Sometimes it looks more like 90/10, other times less.
But the idea stays the same—most of the value comes from a small part of what we do.
So before I act, I try to ask myself: is this part of the crucial 20%?
The real power of this principle is in the results.
When you start seeing how focusing on a few key tasks brings bigger rewards, it changes the way you think and feel.
It gives you clarity, reduces stress, and keeps you moving in the right direction.
So, how will you Prioritize with The Pareto Principle in your own life?
And which 20% of your actions are bringing you 80% of your results?
