The Pareto Principle

September 25th, 2018


The Pareto Principle

In simple terms, the Pareto Principle (which is often referred to as the 80/20 rule) suggests that for many events, about 80% of the effects result from 20% of the causes. In other words, many things in life are not distributed equally.

We intuitively and experientially know this to be true, yet we often have a hard time applying our knowledge to drive meaningful results. We spend so much time trying to improve the efficiency of our subpar 80% of causes and fret about the 20% of our effects that could be better rather than focusing on those key things that make the biggest impact.

Consider how one might apply the Pareto Principle in some common daily goals and activities.

Say you want to eat more healthfully. We often hear about the 80/20 rule in dieting, but there are 2 key caveats that are not mentioned: namely, that the 20% of "unhealthy" foods we eat in the context of our otherwise healthy diet could be causing 80% of our undesired effects. Conversely, changing our diets for the better by eating just 20% more healthfully can foster 80% of the results we are looking to achieve.

In terms of relationships, 20% of our negative reactions might be causing 80% of our relationship stress/ tension/ damage. Meanwhile, focusing on having positive, loving interactions 20% more of the time can improve our relationships by 80%.

The areas in which this Principle can be applied in our lives is virtually endless.

The key is focusing on the 20% that counts.

Life isn't a zero-sum, all-or-nothing game.

Small changes can - and do - lead to big results.

The Cream Rises To The Top

September 18th, 2018


The Cream Rises To The Top

When business got slow, a vendor selling balloons on a beach in India would release one of his balloons into the air. Children playing on the beach for miles on either direction would see the brightly colored balloon in the air and be drawn to buy balloons.

One afternoon, a dark-skinned young boy came up to the vendor and noticed that balloons of all colors were bought, but with one exception.

"Do people not like the black balloons because they do not rise?" he inquired earnestly.

The vendor looked down at the boy's sad eyes and replied without skipping a beat: "Absolutely not. Balloons do not rise or sink, fly or settle. It is what is inside them that makes the difference. It is the same with human beings. Whether someone soars in life has little to do with appearances and everything to do with what's inside. It's the inside that counts."

When you are looking to foster positive, upwards momentum and sustained growth in your life, stop looking to fix the external.

And remember that the cream that is intrinsic to the dairy is what rises to the top - regardless of whether it is found in yogurt, plain milk, chocolate milk, etc.

Be the cream.

When Safety Is Dangerous

September 11th, 2018


When Safety Is Dangerous

Safety and danger may seem like opposites on the surface, but our perceptions of safety and danger can often blur the lines between the two.

Recklessness and impulsivity commonly result in dangerous behavior or consequences.

Yet there is a big difference between these things and healthy risk taking.

A life lived within the cave of fear and in the shackles of anxiety and worry is hardly much of a life.

It is never too late to do or say something you've wanted to do or say.

It is never too late to go after an opportunity that pushes you out of your comfort zone.

It is never too late to risk disappointment, embarrassment, frustration, or failure.

It is the chances we don't take that we regret the most.

PS I hope these quotes inspire you to take one small risk towards the life you want and the person you want to be today:











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Use It Before It Expires - Don't Let It Go To Waste

September 4th, 2018


Use It Before It Expires - Don't Let It Go To Waste

We are all born with expiration dates.

That might sound dire, but remember that it implies that all of our struggles also come with expiration dates.

You have to stop believing that you will be stuck in your present situation forever.

Do not mistake a season for a lifetime.

Life will change, you will grow, and things will work out.