The 80/20 Rule means that with anything -- time, resources, space, etc. -- a few (20 percent) are vital and many (80 percent) are trivial. In Pareto's case it meant 20 percent of people owned 80 percent of wealth. In Juran's initial work, he identified that 20 percent of defects caused 80 percent of problems. Here are some examples of how we can apply 80/20 rule. See if you recognize any that hold true for you.

* 80% of what you file away is never referenced again; other 20% is what you use regularly.

* 20% of your products account for 80% of product sales.

* 80% of your measurable results will come from 20% of items on your "to-do" list.

* 20% of your people produce 80% of your results.

* 80% of decisions come from 20% of meeting time.

* 80% of your managerial problems are caused by 20% of your problems.

* 80% of a manager's interruptions come from same 20% of people.

* 80% of customer complaints are about same 20% of your products or services.

The value of Pareto Principle is that it reminds us to focus on what matters. Focus 80% of your time and energy on 20% of your work that is really important, since only 20% of your activities really matter. Those 20% produce 80% of your results. The key is to identify and focus on those things. If something isn't going to get done, make sure it's not part of "vital few" activities you are putting on back burner.

Today we have more responsibilities and choices pulling at us than ever before. Consistent application of this rule will lead to dramatically improved productivity. While rule is not an absolute, you can use it as a guide and reference point to ask whether or not you are truly focusing on 20% (the Vital Few), or 80% (the Trivial Many).

True progress results from a consistent focus on those top 20% of your most critical objectives. I guarantee that if you do these three things, you will break free of past limitations and experience dramatic results in your life:

* Create a list of daily or weekly rituals that will support you in attaining milestones you want to accomplish over next twelve months. Commit to forming new habits with these rituals.

* Carve out 96 minutes a day to focus on your most important projects or focus for day.

* Work with an accountability partner who will support you as you form new ha

I invite your willingness to explore. You have only strength and success to gain.

Here are some examples of themes we all know too well:

I can’t quite breakthrough to financial success I default to fear and lack I always feel overwhelmed and exhausted and out of time Procrastination is my middle name I walk up to edge of a challenge and then back away I avoid

I would suggest that behind every common theme, you have a rule. For example, if you’re like Sarah and you can’t breakthrough to financial success, you might have a rule that says, “People that make money, sell out.” Or, if you are constantly procrastinating, you might have a rule that says, “If I succeed, I’ll wind up alone.” (Maybe you experienced a parent who worked a lot, and was unhappy and you concluded that success = unhappiness).

Explore where your rules came from by asking: When did rule get created? What were circumstances? Ask, if you were to change that rule, what would happen? Who would be upset? Who would get hurt or feel betrayed?

Take heart, you created your rules for a good reason. We all create meaning about life from our experiences and then create rules to keep us safe, secure and sane. The problem comes when we neglect to inquire or challenge current validity of our rules.

You have ability to move beyond your limited rules by becoming aware of them, disqualifying them, (if they don’t serve you), and then by making new rules based on your current reality. I challenge you to give it a try.

As for Sarah, she created a new rule that says she can be financially successful, maintain her values, fulfill her dream and express her passion in world. What’s YOUR new rule?

It’s your life…live it completely!