The 80/20 Rule

The Pareto Rule is a prediction that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes.  A business example might be that 20% of your sales force (the really effective people) are responsible for 80% of the sales.  I first learned about this concept in business school nearly 30 years ago but it definitely holds up in “real life” in so many ways.  My personal observations include:  1) 20% of my recipes account for 80% of our meals; 2) the small time children live with their parents (about 20% of their life) has an 80% life-long impact on their value system, religious/political choices and educational level attained; and 3) a small modifications shift (let’s say 20%) in behavior, like focussing on being in the present, can result in an 80% shift in one’s mood/attitude and productivity.  Sadly, the Pareto Rule doesn’t apply to sweets:  Eating 20% of a piece of chocolate cake does NOT provide 80% gratification.  Guess it’s back to business school for me!