Time Management & Proper Planning The 80/20 Rule

According to the Pareto Principle, the ratio 80:20 states that 80% of efforts as a result of mismanaged time generates only 20% of the desired output; however, 80% of the desired output can be generated using only 20% of the effort when time is well managed.

This random principle is used to highlight the importance of time management which is you can achieve your goals if your time is properly managed.  Time management is not just about listing priorities, schedules, setting goals, or planning of events.  To further utilize this principle of time management, you need vital skills such as wise decision making, analytical thinking, and emotional intelligence.  Time management would mean nothing if your skills are incomplete or not enough to produce results.

Everything that involves your time should be managed accordingly.  It includes even the smallest detail of your timeframe.  It should also take into account the new ideas and concept you developed, the skills and knowledge you acquired, and the new plans and preparations you are generating.

Personal time management is always shaped by a well balanced life-style.   It is the most important aspect that greatly influences time management.  A well balanced life style shows that you have managed your time pretty well.

Time management is not about being busy with either formal or personal activities.  It is about getting results and being productive within the timeframe.

There are six areas in life that time management persuades to improve.  First is the spiritual matter which includes purpose drives in life.  Second is the physical part which comprises of healthy and relaxed body.  Third is the intellectual side which entails gaining new knowledge and skills and other interests that promotes mental growth.  Fourth is the social sector which involves personal social relationship and interactions with other people that aim to produce good results.  Fifth is the career outlook which involves profession and line of business activities.  The final area is the emotional characteristic which concerns feelings and desires and how it affects you to be productive.

Time management and proper planning does not necessarily mean planning every area in details, but recognizing the unnoticed part of your life that needs enough attention as well.  You can do this daintily by checking and updating your goals and objectives from time to time.   Identify which duty to prioritize and which assignment is necessary.  During your most productive time, prioritize the difficult tasks and make use of your extra strength.   Do not hesitate to say no even to family or close friends if you discern that it would only create conflict in your schedules.  Appreciate your effort and complement yourself for the good results.  Ask for the cooperation of your team and co-workers who benefits from your efforts.  Never postpone any important schedules.  Be optimistic in your approach and attitude to achieve your goals easily.  Record your activities and organize your objectives.

These are the most essential guidelines you can follow to bring out from within you the best and successful individual possible.

23 Comments

  • Hamant Keval

    Reply Reply December 23, 2008

    Hi Reed
    As usual many thanks for the great content. I wanted to also wish you a Wonderful Christmas and a Fantastic New 2009 to you and your family.

    Take care my friend

    Hamant

  • Nickolove Lovemore

    Reply Reply December 23, 2008

    Hi Reed,

    A very interesting take on time management. People often say they wish they had more time or they wish there were more hours in the day. The thing is that this would not make a difference to their productivity

    The most successful people in the world somehow seem to fit far more into their day than the average person. This is partly because they more fully appreciate the value of their time and partly because they have learnt how to maximize their productivity levels during any given timeframe.

    There’s a saying do the feared thing first. Well, you should also consider doing your most productive tasks first as well.

    “The ability to concentrate and to use time well is everything.”
    Lee Iacocca

  • Claude Pelanne

    Reply Reply December 23, 2008

    Great post Reed. Tim Ferris has a lot to say about the 80/20 rule. In the work environment it applies as well…80% of the work gets done by 20% of the working population.

    That said it’s easier said than done when working at home and your article helps in reminding me how to stay focused and productive; not active but productive.

    Thanks

    Claude Pelannes last blog post..Review of the Day

  • Kevin Perera

    Reply Reply December 23, 2008

    Hi Reed,
    Thank you very much about your new blog post called time management I think it is good a blog post about time management.Time is the most valuable thing for all humans if you can not manage your time properly what ever you do you will most probably fail what ever you are doing so plan it well and try to save your time and use your time wisely.Do not let your time go waste.
    Best Regards,
    Kevin Perera
    Historic town of chertsey
    Surrey
    UK
    http://www.autopilot-profit-made-easy.com
    http://www.theperfectdating.com
    http://www.diamondhits.com

  • Pat Gunning

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Time and money are your two most important commodities when you start building your home business. Spend them wisely! Never needlessly give any away to anyone…

    Of course this rule applies to all aspects of your life as Reed has written so very well…

  • Ari Lestariono

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Reed, that’s correct Pareto rules, I think for newbies it would be difficult to apply for Pareto since their head will be blast by overwhelming information, and believe me they will do and try almost every commercial offered to them, I guess it would be wise to take master course and follow 1 teachings for basics afterward if they are advanced they can disperse their knowledge into trying other methods.

    Ari Lestarionos last blog post..7 Eminent Tactics to Stop Hiccup Naturally

  • normz2

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Good thought. The 80/20 rule works for a lot of cases. It is very hard to be really effective more than 20% of the time.

  • vinod kumar

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Dear Mr. Reed,
    thanks for your post about better time management. i am a guy who wanders in internet ocean in search of making a living from it, but because of poor time management and poor consistency i am still nowhere!.
    i still dont know from where to start, again i spend a lot of time in internet. but ….
    my aim in life is to retire from my day job.. any way, these pieces of informations helps me a lot…
    thanks
    vinod kumar.k

  • James and Helen

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Merry Christmas

  • woody

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    1st of all. Merry Christmas to you.
    2nd of all. Tks for your post.

  • Jeff

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    This ratio applies to many situations, such as 80% of the work in a company is done by 20% of the workers. There are the usual exceptions, of course, but I have witnessed this principal in effect numerous times, and find it to be usually true.

    Great points as usual Reed

    Thanks

  • Gamini

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Hi Reed, Merry X’mas to every one.
    Time is money. And in money matters it’s a proven fact that 20% of the total controls the progress of the whole 100%.In other words 80% does not count that much in the mega picture. Control 20% which consist of the heavy weights and you are on your way.This magical 80-20% ratio is true in all worldly matters in my opinion.

  • PV Reymond

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Hi Reed,

    Time management is crucial when it comes to success. All successful people are good at it.

    As you said success is not only about time management and planning, there are other important elements involved…

    And I think the most important one is that you have to take action if you want to achieve something. Without action nothing happens.

    Never postpone things, when you have to do something, just do it. This is the only way you have to accomplish things and achieve success.

    Thanks,
    ^PV Reymond

    http://www.startup-internetbusiness.com

    PV Reymonds last blog post..Twitter Tools

  • Marianne

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Time is God’s greatest gift, how we use it is our gift to Him and ourselves. I have never heard the 80-20 rule applied to Time management, but it MAKES SENSE!!! Thank you for a startling revelation.

    Mariannes last blog post..Marketing On Social Sites

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply December 24, 2008

    Reed, Merry Christmas to you and yours and a very happy new year! I believe in you meeting your goals and objectives. You will spend 80% of your time on THAT 20% of activities which generates 80% of your revenues! Going up..
    Now your article mentioned, ’emotional intelligence’ which shone like a guiding beacon, Reed. Perhaps we channel our IQ thru Fear and anxiety? Aha! Emotionally intelligent in 2009 we will channel IQ thru ‘deep desire’ and even ‘ecstasy’ and euphoria. Aha! revelations flow when Reed’s blog comes alive with networked magic. Enjoy the holiday break?

    Geoff Dodd
    Australia

  • Paul Livingston

    Reply Reply December 25, 2008

    Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone!

    Reed, I’ve heard the 80/20 rule described many ways and yours is yet another.

    Yup, time is very important: it’s the only thing in life we can’t get more of. Use it wisely!

    Thanks for spending your time on this post.

    Paul Livingston

    Paul Livingstons last blog post..My Technorati Post

  • beaulife

    Reply Reply December 25, 2008

    Thanks for your great sharing about time management. In my opinion, in addition to time management, we also need to manage our expectations, as we can only focus or prioritize our goal within 24 hours, nobody has more or less. So, just focus on what we should do, and not to forget to spend time with our family and friends.

    beaulifes last blog post..It’s Christmas – Falling Snow in BestBuyIdea.com

  • Melody Baker

    Reply Reply January 1, 2009

    Reed,

    This theory also applies to the saying of ” 80% of the people, get the short end of the stick, by the 20% who make all of the money.

  • Cheree

    Reply Reply January 1, 2009

    An insightful post, Reed. Time is really the only thing we have. And, the only time we really have is now. The key is to make each of “now” moments count. One way to quickly determine what activities are important is to imagine that this is your last day, week, month, year on earth. What would you be spending your time doing?

    Happy New Year!
    Cheree
    http://blog.WealthBuildersSite.com

    Cherees last blog post..WebProsperity — This Could be the Most Important 7 Minutes of Your Life!

  • Darren Harris

    Reply Reply January 3, 2009

    Hi, Great article – Thanks and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

    http://www.killerwebs.info
    http://www.a2z-freight.com
    http://www.kinkiz.110mb.com

  • delords

    Reply Reply January 17, 2009

    Great Post as always ,

    Most Internet Users are Guilty of not having a proper Time management including Affiliate marketers,
    Planning and organizing your time and program will help a lot. many people who come on the internet to do something important can’t easily be carried by some other stuff and in the long run he might end up not completing the main task.

    delordss last blog post..Get Yanik Silver’s 14-Point Web Copy Analysis Free

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply January 17, 2009

    Reed, if you get your organization and planning right – 80/20 Rule – spending 80% of your time on right creative work… Little by little, you turn Gold.

    Geoff Dodd
    Perth 6000 Aussie

  • Prioritize and identify 20% of the things that you to focus on. Don’t just work smart, but work smart on the right things.

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