There are many definitions of success and the one I like best is from John Maxwell. He says “success is the progressive realization of a worthwhile goal or dream.” This definition indicates that the discipline to prioritize and the ability to work toward a stated goal are essential to a leader’s success.
One of the most useful tools for determining priorities is the Pareto Principle. The Pareto Principle says that 20% of your priorities will give you 80% of your results if you focus your time, energy, money and personnel on the top 20% of your priorities.
This Pareto Principle applies to all areas of your life. The following are some examples:
• Time: 20% of our time produces 80% of the results.
• Products: 20% of the products produce 80% of the profit.
• Job: 20% of our work gives us 80% of our satisfaction.
• Reading: 20% of this article contains 80% of the content.
• Donations: 20% of the people will give you 80% of the money.
• Customers: 20% of your customers produce 80% of your profits.
Many times, priorities are not black and white but appear gray. The following questions will help you with your priority process:
• What is required of me?
• What gives me the greatest return?
• What is most rewarding?
Success can be greatly increased if the answers to these questions are similar. Therefore, if the requirements of your job are in line with your personal strengths, and that gives you the highest return, and doing these things gives you great pleasure, then you will be successful if you act on your priorities.
Blog Authored By: Garry L. Watts, CPCU