In 1906, Italian economist Vilfredo Praeto discovered an interesting concept that has become known as Praeto’s Law. He observed that twenty percent of Italy’s population accounted for eighty percent of the country’s wealth. From this he created a mathematical formula to describe predictable unequal distribution.
This 20/80 Principle can be a very effective management tool. Praeto’s Law states that 80% of results come from 20% of effort. Imagine that!
In other (more) words:
Twenty percent of - work, tasks, contacts, exertion, duties, responsibilities, phone calls, dealings, networking, goal setting, effort, struggles, meetings, undertakings
Produce eighty percent of – results, income, productivity, notoriety, wealth, accomplishment, meaning, importance, worth, significance
And it’s predictable.
· 20% of the committee members do 80% of the work
· 20% of employees account for 80% of the companies productivity
Think about your closet crammed full of clothing. Out of 100% of the garments you own, 20% of them will be worn 80% of the time.
The same is true of other accumulations both at work and at home. Of all the tools one has - garage or garden instruments, kitchen appliances – 20% of the items are employed to complete 80% of the chores. Of all of the bulging files and mounds of papers or magazines, 20% of the articles account for 80% of interest/relevance.
And it’s unbalanced.
Picture 100% of the above mentioned items. If (predictably) only 20% are used, by default what does the other 80% become? Clutter? Junk? Time wasters? Space takers? Dust collectors? Maybe it’s time to reduce, reuse, recycle.
It’s predictable. Check your own accounting. How are you unequally distributing your efforts? Here are suggestions for putting the biggest bang into your 20% of effort.
· “Do first things first.” Steven Covey
· Shorten work time by limiting tasks to the important
· Identify time wasters and eliminate, delegate or simplify
· Use one time management system only. Massage until it fits and stay with it.
· Review goals daily, weekly, monthly and adjust accordingly
· Keep running lists of “to do’s”, liberally mark off and cautiously add to
· Do it or dump it. Refuse to keep unfinished tasks in your energy field.
· Meditate. Spend time in the secret place and become wholly integrated.
How have you found the 20/80 principle predictable?
Please let me know anytime I can be of service to you or someone you know.
3/25/12
Making a Difference, Having Fun (Part 2)
The routine of daily life affords opportunities to make a difference in your own life as well as in the lives of others and (since everything is connected) in the world. To continue to do so without damage to personal health, relationships and career is to employ an element of fun.
Remember your humanity – and the aspects of your personality.
In eagerness to do great things we can get caught up in the work and forget our humanity. That all work and no play produces stressed individuals and strained relationships. That we are a multi-dimensional being with needs and it is okay to have those needs met. Needs like sleep, family time, worship, community service… Deliberately schedule in down times. Purposely set a no-electronic break. DO take a yearly vacation, preferably without cell phone or e-mails.
In eagerness to prove who we are one often take on too much. “I can do that.” “I can do that.” “I can do that.” In the overload reality sets in; “I cannot do that!” Just because you are good at something does not mean you have to do it. Never say “Yes” just to be liked. It doesn’t work!
Remember that you cannot be all things to all people so give up the stress of trying. Psychologist Carl Jung says that of all the people we meet in a lifetime, 1/3 love us, 1/3 tolerate us and 1/3 loath us. Joyfully adopt the mantra: “Some will. Some won’t. So what? Next! J”
Remember their humanity
Co-workers or family members have viable ideas and legitimate needs. They tire and become stressed. They make mistakes and need compassion. They have an identity and need acknowledgment and respect.
In the movie Patch Adams the training doctor took lowly interns on rounds. With pontification he pointed out maladies and pronounced treatment. To his humiliation (and I trust humbling), Patch gently reminded Doc that “the gall bladder in 202 has a name; Mrs. Smith.”
How easy is it to expect a child to be something the parent is not willing to be; patient, calm, understanding. How easy is it to respond “Again?” to an appeal to restock a local food pantry?
We human beings are more alike than we are different. Find commonality and soften irritants.
Use humor appropriately. If you are going to laugh about it someday, go ahead and make that day today. Be on the lookout for the absurd and find something funny about it. Laugh at yourself and with others. Never make another the bunt of a joke. Eliminate sarcasm.
Life is a gift given to us by God and our parents. What we do with our time on planet earth is a gift given in return. You will not live forever. Pass it on. Be promotable. Leave a legacy.
“Let your vision become larger than yourself, or it will die with you.” - Cleddie Keith
We welcome reprinting of articles in your newsletter or magazine, providing credit is given as follows: “This article was written by Mona Dunkin, Motivational Speaker and Personal Success Coach, www.monadunkin.blogspot.com or www.monadunkin.com.”
Remember your humanity – and the aspects of your personality.
In eagerness to do great things we can get caught up in the work and forget our humanity. That all work and no play produces stressed individuals and strained relationships. That we are a multi-dimensional being with needs and it is okay to have those needs met. Needs like sleep, family time, worship, community service… Deliberately schedule in down times. Purposely set a no-electronic break. DO take a yearly vacation, preferably without cell phone or e-mails.
In eagerness to prove who we are one often take on too much. “I can do that.” “I can do that.” “I can do that.” In the overload reality sets in; “I cannot do that!” Just because you are good at something does not mean you have to do it. Never say “Yes” just to be liked. It doesn’t work!
Remember that you cannot be all things to all people so give up the stress of trying. Psychologist Carl Jung says that of all the people we meet in a lifetime, 1/3 love us, 1/3 tolerate us and 1/3 loath us. Joyfully adopt the mantra: “Some will. Some won’t. So what? Next! J”
Remember their humanity
Co-workers or family members have viable ideas and legitimate needs. They tire and become stressed. They make mistakes and need compassion. They have an identity and need acknowledgment and respect.
In the movie Patch Adams the training doctor took lowly interns on rounds. With pontification he pointed out maladies and pronounced treatment. To his humiliation (and I trust humbling), Patch gently reminded Doc that “the gall bladder in 202 has a name; Mrs. Smith.”
How easy is it to expect a child to be something the parent is not willing to be; patient, calm, understanding. How easy is it to respond “Again?” to an appeal to restock a local food pantry?
We human beings are more alike than we are different. Find commonality and soften irritants.
Use humor appropriately. If you are going to laugh about it someday, go ahead and make that day today. Be on the lookout for the absurd and find something funny about it. Laugh at yourself and with others. Never make another the bunt of a joke. Eliminate sarcasm.
Life is a gift given to us by God and our parents. What we do with our time on planet earth is a gift given in return. You will not live forever. Pass it on. Be promotable. Leave a legacy.
“Let your vision become larger than yourself, or it will die with you.” - Cleddie Keith
We welcome reprinting of articles in your newsletter or magazine, providing credit is given as follows: “This article was written by Mona Dunkin, Motivational Speaker and Personal Success Coach, www.monadunkin.blogspot.com or www.monadunkin.com.”
3/18/12
Making a Differencee, Having Fun (Part 1)
“The Tipping Point” author Malcolm Gladwell points out how little things can make a big difference and this difference can literally tip the scales in your favor. A lot of people make a difference, but lose having fun in the process.
When asked, “What do you do for fun?” I am often saddened by replies of: “I am too busy. I do not have time for fun.” The lack of fun indicates their stress level. It also portends currently or future mental and/or health problems.
Here are two points in my list of how to make a difference while retaining your humanity and having fun in the process.
Watch out for the “Savior” complex. Our basic need for purpose is fulfilled through work and service. Each individual is equipped with talents that will bless your corner of the world and is compelled to bring it into reality. Driven people strive to do as much as possible – accomplish a lot – at great cost to themselves and to their families. And lose fun in the process.
There is a big difference in being driven and having a calling. Called people joyfully do what is set before them and in keeping with their own gifts, talents, innate desires and available resources (including time).
Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” He also said, “It is finished.” Oh, surely you jest! But there is still hungry people to feed, sick ones to heal, wars to end, and on and on. Jesus said, “I have accomplished what the Father gave me to do.” While Jesus, whom many believe to be the Savior, was in human form, he refused to take on “the savior complex”. Do you have task to do? Yes, most definitely. Just do what has been given to you and do not take on too much.
Carry the message, not the person. We are each self-determining. I teach Life Skills at a correction facility where the residents are forced to attend. A brooding man declared, “I don’t think you can fix my problems!”
I agreed with him. “You are right. I cannot. I am not the answer man. All I can do is give you information, what you do with it is entirely up to you. All I can do is help you to see things in a different light. You can ignore it. You can rebel against it. You can receive it and act upon it. I can ask you to change, but I will not demand that you change. My experience is that demanding adds fuel to rebellion. In my experience, demanding is less effective than asking and then giving you room to grow.”
If I give you information, I have added to your knowledge.
If I cause you to think, I have added to your stature.
Someone came to me so I could “fix him”. I replied, “Don’t hang your hopes on me.” It is my goal to help people grow through self-evaluation that brings internal change.
Because I carry the message and not the person, when the individual continues in his self-destructive ways, I am sad for him but I am not devastated. Also, when the person begins to change for the positive, I rejoice with her, but do not take the credit. I may have given the travel schedule, but the individual is the one who bought the ticket and got on the bus.
P.S. Don't forget to connect with me.
When asked, “What do you do for fun?” I am often saddened by replies of: “I am too busy. I do not have time for fun.” The lack of fun indicates their stress level. It also portends currently or future mental and/or health problems.
Here are two points in my list of how to make a difference while retaining your humanity and having fun in the process.
Watch out for the “Savior” complex. Our basic need for purpose is fulfilled through work and service. Each individual is equipped with talents that will bless your corner of the world and is compelled to bring it into reality. Driven people strive to do as much as possible – accomplish a lot – at great cost to themselves and to their families. And lose fun in the process.
There is a big difference in being driven and having a calling. Called people joyfully do what is set before them and in keeping with their own gifts, talents, innate desires and available resources (including time).
Jesus said, “The poor you will always have with you.” He also said, “It is finished.” Oh, surely you jest! But there is still hungry people to feed, sick ones to heal, wars to end, and on and on. Jesus said, “I have accomplished what the Father gave me to do.” While Jesus, whom many believe to be the Savior, was in human form, he refused to take on “the savior complex”. Do you have task to do? Yes, most definitely. Just do what has been given to you and do not take on too much.
Carry the message, not the person. We are each self-determining. I teach Life Skills at a correction facility where the residents are forced to attend. A brooding man declared, “I don’t think you can fix my problems!”
I agreed with him. “You are right. I cannot. I am not the answer man. All I can do is give you information, what you do with it is entirely up to you. All I can do is help you to see things in a different light. You can ignore it. You can rebel against it. You can receive it and act upon it. I can ask you to change, but I will not demand that you change. My experience is that demanding adds fuel to rebellion. In my experience, demanding is less effective than asking and then giving you room to grow.”
If I give you information, I have added to your knowledge.
If I cause you to think, I have added to your stature.
Someone came to me so I could “fix him”. I replied, “Don’t hang your hopes on me.” It is my goal to help people grow through self-evaluation that brings internal change.
Because I carry the message and not the person, when the individual continues in his self-destructive ways, I am sad for him but I am not devastated. Also, when the person begins to change for the positive, I rejoice with her, but do not take the credit. I may have given the travel schedule, but the individual is the one who bought the ticket and got on the bus.
P.S. Don't forget to connect with me.
3/11/12
Solving the Problem of "Changing Your Mind"
“Get over it!” “Let it go.” “Just move past it.”
Sounds good, but how? Emotions reflect what we are currently attracting. Negative emotions are neon signs trying to get your attention that your choice of thoughts is not taking you where you want to go. Change your mind by thinking better-feeling thoughts.
Assign new words. When something is "lost", the psyche unconsciously searches for it. This highlights the battle of weight and the losing/regaining syndrome. Instead of "losing" pounds I have begun to focus on "releasing” them. Whatever is released it is gone without a bungee cord attached. When released, like a helium balloon, it rises up and up out of grasp never to be seen again.
This principle applies to everything. Rather than trying to figure out why you need something, or why you do something, or why you cannot give something up, or why you are not receiving something, or why someone else is or is not... ad nauseous, simply choose to release it. To let it go.
And release it again the next time. Every time it comes up, release it again and again and again. Even the slightest doubt that “it just might work” is enough of a chink in your armor to allow a fragment of light to seep in.
You can never change things by fighting existing reality… To change things you
build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. R. Buckminister Fuller
Tense muscles and relax. Muscles are made to tense and relax; to close and open; to hold on and to release. Pick up an object and hold it firmly in your grasp. You will not put it back down unless you choose to release the tightened muscles. Tension remains in the body through the failure to release and let it go.
Behavior controls results. To release unconscious emotional attachment to pain, consciously say aloud: “I choose to release all things known and unknown that keeps me stuck. I choose to hold on to the positive life lessons for my health and success."
It is okay to be uncomfortable. As with most things, releasing has a learning curve. Sit with your pain in a state of love for you and direct love to the issue. When you direct loving attention to any issue, the dynamics change.
Direct love to you, to the situation, to the people directly involved, to the people peripherally involved, to whomever. The power of prayer (and sending love is the greatest form of praying) moves through the airwaves or the collective unconscious or whatever unexplainable ways God works to bring unknown solutions to solve both known and unknown problems.
Please share your thoughts. Let's get a conversation going.
We welcome reprinting of articles in your newsletter or magazine, providing credit is given as follows: “This article was written by Mona Dunkin, Motivational Speaker and Personal Success Coach, www.monadunkin.blogspot.com or www.monadunkin.com.”
Sounds good, but how? Emotions reflect what we are currently attracting. Negative emotions are neon signs trying to get your attention that your choice of thoughts is not taking you where you want to go. Change your mind by thinking better-feeling thoughts.
Assign new words. When something is "lost", the psyche unconsciously searches for it. This highlights the battle of weight and the losing/regaining syndrome. Instead of "losing" pounds I have begun to focus on "releasing” them. Whatever is released it is gone without a bungee cord attached. When released, like a helium balloon, it rises up and up out of grasp never to be seen again.
This principle applies to everything. Rather than trying to figure out why you need something, or why you do something, or why you cannot give something up, or why you are not receiving something, or why someone else is or is not... ad nauseous, simply choose to release it. To let it go.
And release it again the next time. Every time it comes up, release it again and again and again. Even the slightest doubt that “it just might work” is enough of a chink in your armor to allow a fragment of light to seep in.
You can never change things by fighting existing reality… To change things you
build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. R. Buckminister Fuller
Tense muscles and relax. Muscles are made to tense and relax; to close and open; to hold on and to release. Pick up an object and hold it firmly in your grasp. You will not put it back down unless you choose to release the tightened muscles. Tension remains in the body through the failure to release and let it go.
Behavior controls results. To release unconscious emotional attachment to pain, consciously say aloud: “I choose to release all things known and unknown that keeps me stuck. I choose to hold on to the positive life lessons for my health and success."
It is okay to be uncomfortable. As with most things, releasing has a learning curve. Sit with your pain in a state of love for you and direct love to the issue. When you direct loving attention to any issue, the dynamics change.
Direct love to you, to the situation, to the people directly involved, to the people peripherally involved, to whomever. The power of prayer (and sending love is the greatest form of praying) moves through the airwaves or the collective unconscious or whatever unexplainable ways God works to bring unknown solutions to solve both known and unknown problems.
Please share your thoughts. Let's get a conversation going.
We welcome reprinting of articles in your newsletter or magazine, providing credit is given as follows: “This article was written by Mona Dunkin, Motivational Speaker and Personal Success Coach, www.monadunkin.blogspot.com or www.monadunkin.com.”
3/4/12
Playing and Enjoying the Game of Life
Life is sometimes referred to as a game. Do you know of any game that does not have rules? There are do’s and do not’s that govern what happens on the playing field. Rules add to the enjoyment of the game for participant as well as for spectator.
Boundaries contribute to the freedom and enjoyment of the game. When a line is crossed, play stops. Referees watch for fair play and call a foul when one member is hurt or wrongly inhibited. When a player does not adhere to the rules of the game, problems ensue.
Fair play also applies to life. In non-nurturing environments rules are assumed more than stated. Punishment ensues for disobeying. Individuality is disavowed. Confrontation is avoided. The no-rules rule is extremely stressing and no one can effectively live it.
Determine your play before hand. Think through difficult plays and project your response. Be forearmed to defuse the attack.
· “Thank you for your input, I will consider it.”
· “That is not the way I see it.”
· “Because I choose to.”
· “I will not allow you to treat me that way.”
· “I ask you to (be specific).”
· “I believe that is my decision.”
· “The discussion is over.”
· “I choose to not respond to the accusations.”
Speak, then reinforce. Stating once is enough. The offender did not forget your stance s/he is choosing to ignore it. Reinforce with as few words as possible, and do so in a pleasant, yet firm tone. Firmness reinforces respect for you and pleasantness reinforces respect for the offender. Bring a conclusion by politely changing the subject or leaving the room.
Take a break. We are intelligent beings. We are also emotional beings. And when the emotions take over, thinking takes a holiday. The secret to keeping both in founds is breathing. Slow. Deep. Purposely. Deliberately. Allow incoming oxygen to calm the passion and send blood flow to the brain to re-engage rational thinking. Use it for yourself. Gently give it to your companion. Without fanfare, allow him to take a minute to calm down. Do not demand answers. In heightened emotions, we do not have answers anyway; we only have rationalization and justification.
Are you enjoying the game of life? The more we adhere to the rules of fair play, the more fun it becomes. And always, always, be a good sport about fouls. Remember, rules do not hinder the activity or the athlete.
Boundaries contribute to the freedom and enjoyment of the game. When a line is crossed, play stops. Referees watch for fair play and call a foul when one member is hurt or wrongly inhibited. When a player does not adhere to the rules of the game, problems ensue.
Fair play also applies to life. In non-nurturing environments rules are assumed more than stated. Punishment ensues for disobeying. Individuality is disavowed. Confrontation is avoided. The no-rules rule is extremely stressing and no one can effectively live it.
Determine your play before hand. Think through difficult plays and project your response. Be forearmed to defuse the attack.
· “Thank you for your input, I will consider it.”
· “That is not the way I see it.”
· “Because I choose to.”
· “I will not allow you to treat me that way.”
· “I ask you to (be specific).”
· “I believe that is my decision.”
· “The discussion is over.”
· “I choose to not respond to the accusations.”
Speak, then reinforce. Stating once is enough. The offender did not forget your stance s/he is choosing to ignore it. Reinforce with as few words as possible, and do so in a pleasant, yet firm tone. Firmness reinforces respect for you and pleasantness reinforces respect for the offender. Bring a conclusion by politely changing the subject or leaving the room.
Take a break. We are intelligent beings. We are also emotional beings. And when the emotions take over, thinking takes a holiday. The secret to keeping both in founds is breathing. Slow. Deep. Purposely. Deliberately. Allow incoming oxygen to calm the passion and send blood flow to the brain to re-engage rational thinking. Use it for yourself. Gently give it to your companion. Without fanfare, allow him to take a minute to calm down. Do not demand answers. In heightened emotions, we do not have answers anyway; we only have rationalization and justification.
Are you enjoying the game of life? The more we adhere to the rules of fair play, the more fun it becomes. And always, always, be a good sport about fouls. Remember, rules do not hinder the activity or the athlete.
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