# About to drop the ball? Try the Pareto Principle

Feel like you're juggling a million things at once and about to drop the ball?

Use the Pareto Principle. Also known as the 80/20 rule.

The idea is: 80% of the impact and results can come from just 20% of your efforts. 🚀

In practice that can mean, 80% of your sales might come from 20% of your customers. Or that 20% of your closet is what you wear 80% of the time.

Starting to see the pattern? The more you spot it, the clearer it becomes.

So when you’re feeling overwhelmed with everything you need to do, take a minute. Brain dump everything you're juggling. Then, hone in on it.

The magic of the Pareto Principle? It's all about spotlighting that golden 20% 🌟 - the stuff that truly moves the needle.

Flip it around too! If pinpointing the top 20% feels tricky, seek out the bottom 20%. The stuff that'll drain 80% of your energy for minimal payoff. 🔄

The mental model isn’t about doing less. Instead it’s about being smarter with where you put your energy.

The Pareto Principle is one of my favorite mental models because it’s like a puzzle and when you figure out that 20%, you just feel this burst of superhuman efficiency.

So focus on that sweet spot. The one that gives you the max bang for your buck 💥.

Next time that overwhelm is closing in on you? Pause. Breathe.

And ask yourself: What's my 20%? 🤔 And let that guide you!

![](/files/FNFQvm6TKgfAeGMTOyYJ)


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