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Make the 80/20 rule work for you

Work smarter not harder, that's what people say. Yeap it's true, but it's also easier said than done, isn't it? How to start working smarter? What about the 10,000 hours rule of practice? 

Here's to your rescue, the 80/20 rule. Read on to understand the simple logic behind it, and 3 simple steps of how to apply it in your life.

WHAT IS THE 80/20 RULE?


Also known as Pareto Principle, this is a famous saying that 80% of the outputs come from 20% of the input for anything. In other words, prioritize 20% of the input that will lead to most of the results.

This principle is usually applied in business and economics, but it actually holds true for anything, from your diet, personal finance to your favorite workout routine.

CORE PRINCIPLE

Essentially, this rule is about identifying the best assets and optimizing them to produce maximum values. For example, if you are studying for an exam, there are certain topics or chapters you should prioritize over others to score highly in the exam. Knowing this will save you time from moping around all lengthy chapters and studying every single detail, while only a limited percentage of them ends up being tested in the exam. 

However, it should be noted that the rule does not mean ignoring the rest of the assets, whatever they are. It doesn't mean that you will skip other 8 chapters entirely and only read 2. What you should is prioritize better.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY 80/20 RULE?


As college student, you probably have a lot on your plate: school, social life, plan for graduation, hobbies, etc. Mastering this rule can help with time management, and produce the best outcome for any of your plan.

Here're a few examples of how can you apply it:
  • Fitness: here's a hard pill to swallow - time spent at the gym doesn't always equate to results. There's nothing to guarantee that the more hours you work out, the more toned you will become. It's about the core factor: diet, workout effectiveness, and rest. Choose the right workout for you, with the right intensity and frequency. Eat a balanced diet while maintaining on average 7-9 hours of sleep per day will ensure your efforts are paid off. 

  • Diet: the same goes for what you consume. It's ridiculous to be eating only whole food 100% of the time. Be practical, eat healthily, include veggies in your meals. But also make room for the food that you enjoy 20% of the time. It is unhealthy to restrict, which can lead to an eating disorder.

CONCLUSION

Complicated as it may seem, the 80/20 rule is pretty simple to apply. Once you got it, the benefits are tremendous. 
Learn more about this and many other helpful life tips with AMA.

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