Apply 80/20 Principle - Focus On Stuff That Matters

by kwerfeldein

The 80/20 Individual: How to Build on the 20% of What You do Best by Richard Koch is the book I needed to read long ago. If you still have not read it do it now. Do not postpone it. It is engaging read and it is full of practical insights from successful entrepreneur.

For some reason I think it served (or could serve) Tim Ferris as a good prototype when he was writing his The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.

In this post I share few ideas from the book.

Creating Is Rearranging

Koch writes:

Creation is rearranging things that already exist.

The best example for it is www.Wikipedia.org. It is huge value created by rearranging the information that already exists somewhere else.

What could you do to create by rearranging? You could collect your best practices and publish it is a free eBook. I have done it recently. I published a small PDF file that consolidates some of my professional practices. The result was quite incredible - few customers called me asking for a service after reading it.

Be An Oddball

Koch writes:

The psychologist wants unusual characters who have a few fantastic strengths. If you have these, the corporation couldn’t care less about a long laundry list of things you can’t do well or even do at all.

I cannot speak for myself how crazy I am [I know many who knows me would] and how it helps me to survive corporate jungle life. The best way to affirm it is calling out that successful companies indeed embrace weirdness as a strength.

Belong

Koch writes:

To create you must belong.

Oh… this one is essential. The best prove for it is Maslow Hierarchy of needs for self realization. One of the needs is “Love/Belonging”. Does it explain the burst of social networks recently? I think so. People want to belong to their communities. Now they have the tools that break the limits of time and space. He who wants to realize himself cannot do it on his own, he needs to belong to his community of like minded.

Making  A Difference

Koch writes:

His greatest reward , as with all 80/20 individuals, was in making a difference.

When your basic needs are fulfilled, when you belong to community of like minded, you want to make an impact – the difference. For me, it is about sticking to my values and doing the right thing for my family, for my customers, for my employer, for my friends. It is not uncommon that doing the right thing leaves you without the reward you deserve. Fight hard for the reward, but if you lose no one can take away your own pride about the fact that you made the difference. Make the difference.

Life Is An Experiment

Koch writes:

Life is an experiment. We are running in a maze, and the 80/20 principle signposts the exit.

This one breaks the mold of common wisdom about first impressions. The best example I can think of is getting hired with my current employer. When I first got into HR department for an interview it was a complete fiasco. I left a seriously damaged first impression. It taught me a lesson. But I did not give up. Next time I came prepared. The result was twofold. #1 – I got hired with a company I wanted to work badly. #2 – I started this blog and the first post was just about that - Prepare For Job Interview.

Practice This – Get Results

• Experiment with your life – make a solid collection of life time experiences.
• Read The 80/20 Individual: How to Build on the 20% of What You do Best - identify your stuff that matters and focus on it.