80/20 Rule

Hey there,

Welcome to Week 21 of TechExec - the newsletter that turbocharges your growth to become a Tech Executive!

The fourth episode of the Careers Not Ladders podcast is out. The episode features my dear friend Angel Wang who has shared incredibly insightful tips on networking, thriving at the intersection of tech and public policy, and how to be your own champion while holding onto your humble immigrant roots!

Do check it out! The YouTube link is below. Consider subscribing to the YouTube channel and liking and/or commenting on this video😄. The episode is also available on your favorite podcast streaming service. Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or even Amazon Music!

As always, we are sharing a new set of BLTs this week

• 💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

• 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

• 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

Here is the schedule:

Monday —>💼 B - a Business concept / theory / story

Wednesday —> 💝 L - a lifestyle advice

Friday —> 🤖 T - a Tech explainer

This week we covered Value Consulting on Monday, and we will cover SLA on Friday.

Today’s lifestyle advice is on the 80/20 Rule!

💼 L - 80/20 Rule

At TechExec, we're all about hacking life's algorithms to find that sweet spot of maximum output with minimum effort. We're not lazy; we're just efficient—very efficient. And nothing says "efficient” more than the 80/20 rule.

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a concept that suggests that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs) for any given event. Now, let's not get too hung up on the exact numbers – they're more like guidelines than hard and fast rules. The real key here is the concept of disproportionate results from our actions.

Let's take your career, for example. You might be slogging away, working 60-hour weeks and wondering why you're not climbing the corporate ladder at warp speed. But instead of working harder, try working smarter. Identify the key tasks that really move the needle – the ones that make up that magical 20%. Focus on those and delegate or eliminate the rest.

Maybe it’s building relationships with key clients or stakeholders. Maybe it’s developing a new skill set that sets you apart in your field. Whatever it is, find it and focus on it. And remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your career.

Now let's talk personal life. We all want to be healthier, happier, and more fulfilled individuals, but we often get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of effort it seemingly requires. But remember our little friend, the 80/20 rule? It applies here too.

Maybe you're spending too much time stressing over a clean house when what really brings you joy is spending time with family or indulging in a hobby. That’s your 20%, which gives you 80% happiness. Or maybe you're trying to stick to a strict diet and exercise plan when, in fact, just cutting out sugary drinks and walking more could have a huge impact. That’s your 20% that could improve 80% of your health.

One of the biggest benefits of using the 80/20 rule is improved efficiency. By focusing on what truly matters, you reduce wasted time and effort on less important tasks. Another advantage of applying this rule is that it helps maintain a balance between professional and personal lives. By identifying what gives you the most satisfaction in both areas, you can create a more harmonious lifestyle.

As you see, the beauty of the 80/20 rule is that it can be applied anywhere and everywhere. It's about identifying what's really important and focusing on that, rather than spreading yourself too thin and getting lost in the noise.

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Until next time!

Gaurav