Short on time? How to Prioritize High-Impact Tasks with the Pareto Principle
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“Get a little bit more intentional”
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From the song, “Time to get intentional” by Suzan Alakas
As an entrepreneur you know that time is precious! (And even more so if you’re balancing family and business!) 💕
When there literally is not enough time to get to everything, the question becomes: How do you choose the tasks that make the biggest difference?
In this post, you’ll discover a time-saving strategy that you can use to get clear on just this. Enter the Pareto Principle! ✨
• Originally written: 27 November 2024
• Last updated: 27 November 2024
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading the amazing work and inspiring stories of heart-centered women entrepreneurs working to make the world a better place. When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new - you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
What is the Pareto Principle? 🤔
The 80/20 principle, also known as the Pareto Principle, is based on the idea that 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts.
In business, this often means that a handful of your tasks bring the majority of your revenue, leads or client satisfaction.
When you focus on these “power tasks”, you can make more progress with less time and energy! 🤩
How to use the Pareto Principle in business?
One way to get started with the Pareto Principle is to track your current activities to identify the ones that lead to results. This doesn’t have to be complicated! 😊 Just jot down which tasks directly lead to income, engagement or client satisfaction.
Here are some ways to find your high-impact tasks:
Marketing
Identify your most effective marketing channels - where are your leads coming from?If Instagram posts bring in steady inquiries, that’s a priority. If referrals or word of mouth generate income, make time to cultivate those relationships.
Products/Services
Which of your products or services bring in the most revenue?If your one-on-one coaching packages or a specific product consistently sell well, give it priority by promoting it over less popular offerings.
Scheduling
Notice your most booked times - are there certain times when clients regularly schedule calls?
If you’re fully booked in the afternoons but mornings are quiet, consider blocking those mornings for high-impact tasks and dedicating afternoons to clients.
How to use the Pareto Principle at home? 🏡
The 80/20 rule can be applied at home as well!
Cooking:
Which meals are quick, nutritious and family/kid-friendly?
By preparing these foods more often, you’ll save time on prep work while also ensuring all your family members will enjoy the meal!Gardening:
Which plants are your favorites and easyto grow in your climate?
By planting more of those, you’ll have bigger yields with less effort and less resources (like water and extra compost).Clothing:
Which articles of clothing do you wear the most?
Next time you buy clothes, consider focusing on the types of clothes that you wear the most. This way you’ll have clothes that you love and they won’t just sit in your drawers unworn. You may also want to invest in higher quality options of your most worn clothings so they will last longer.
Putting it all together ⭐️
Once you’ve pinpointed your high-ROI (Return-On-Investment) activities, work them into your daily or weekly schedule. This way your limited time will go towards what really counts!
Continue to track your results and progress so you can course correct as your business grows and evolves.
NOTE: It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything, but this is a gentle reminder that you don’t. 💕 By focusing on high-impact tasks, you can work smarter (not harder), and let go of the other tasks that are not bringing you results.
In Summary:
Implementing the 80/20 principle will help you achieve more balance and more impact!
Using the Pareto Principle through tracking, intentionally choosing and then working on on the tasks that bring you the highest return, will significantly move the needle in your business, and in your life outside of work!
Give it a try and see how this magical equation and help you work smarter, stay focused and feel fulfilled! 🤗 Woo Hoo! ✨
Here are more ways to be more efficient!
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