Apply the Pareto Principle (20/80 Rule) to Minimize Procrastination and Perfectionism

@ 2010  Bill Austin.  All Rights Reserved.

The Pareto Principle (20/80 rule) and the Perils of Procrastination and Perfectionism

In the unstable financial times that we live in, most of us are feeling the need to increase our productivity. Two of the biggest ways we sabotage ourselves is through procrastination and perfectionism. To enhance our productivity we often need to shift from getting things done perfectly in the future to a more action oriented perspective. The Pareto Principle explains not only why we should never procrastinate but also the benefits of working smart.

What is the Pareto Principle?

The Pareto Principle or 20/80 rule recognizes that generally speaking 20% of the things we do or the causes generate 80% of the results/benefits/effects. The Pareto Principle applies to a whole bunch of things, usually 20% of the people own 80% of the wealth of a country; 20% of a business? customers generate 80% of the sales, etc.

How People Sabotage Themselves with Procrastination and Perfectionism

I am a spiritual healer and teacher and often clients come to me for help in clearing self sabotage. Some of the most common forms of self sabotage I find in clients are procrastination and perfectionism and these two things often create a feedback loop. Many people procrastinate, put off doing things and justify procrastination because they are not perfect. Perfectionism not only encourages procrastination but often perfectionists spend a lot of time boosting up their weak points to become more balanced and perfect rather than building on their inherent strengths.

Most Successful People and Entrepreneurs are Action Oriented

Most successful people and entrepreneurs are action oriented which is the opposite of procrastination. They tend to leap before they crawl. They tend to succeed and fail more than other people because they focus on getting things done. And the more things you do, the more likely you are to stumble on what works. Also successful people in business also generally focus or specialize in areas that they are strong in and hire people or outsource areas that they are weak in. They don?t spend a lot of time becoming balanced in skill sets.

People who Align with the Pareto Principle Escape the Self Sabotage Inherent in Procrastination and Perfectionism

If you want to succeed in life and boost your productivity, you should generally follow the Pareto Principle and look at what are the core areas of what you need to do to get the results you wish to achieve. You need to have a vision of where you want to go in order to determine what makes sense. Spend some time figuring out what your strengths are and position yourself in a field where those strengths will help you succeed. Hire people or outsource areas that need to be done but are not your strong points. Focus on working smart, doing what needs to be done as soon as possible and you will boost your productivity and reduce the self sabotage inherent in perfectionism and procrastination.
 

PS I do offer a very powerful Holistic Healing and Enlightenment sessions for both Perfectionism as well as Self Sabotage, Procrastination and Doubt.