Paretto Principle As a North Star & Learnings from Book Hyperfocus in Philosophy

How often have you heard people referring the 80-20 Rule from Paretto in conversations?

If you have not, then here it is

The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 rule) is a phenomenon that states that roughly 80% of outcomes come from 20% of causes.

In this article, we break down how one can use this principle. By making Paretto principle as one’s governing rule of life, you can determine and prioritize your highest-impact tasks, increasing your productivity throughout the day.

One book that I have found very effective to practice one’s guiding principles consistently and in a disciplined manner is Hyperfocus : How to Work Less and Achieve More

The book provides a number of practical tips for improving focus and productivity. Here are a few of them. I have also added links to articles where Swamiji has spoken about them in detail.

Create a distraction-free environment (How to Overcome distractions)

To minimize distractions and improve focus, the author suggests removing unnecessary distractions from your work environment. This includes turning off notifications on your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and avoiding multitasking.

Use the Pomodoro Technique (Video)

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves working in short, focused bursts with breaks in between. This can help improve focus and prevent burnout.

Take regular breaks

Author Bailey suggests taking regular breaks to refresh your mind and prevent burnout. This can include things like going for a walk, meditating, or doing a quick workout.

Prioritize your tasks

Bailey suggests using the Eisenhower matrix to prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. This will help you focus on the tasks that are most important and will have the greatest impact on your productivity.

Set specific and measurable goals

Bailey recommends setting specific and measurable goals to help you stay focused and motivated. This includes setting clear deadlines, tracking progress, and breaking down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks.

Take advantage of your natural rhythms

Bailey suggests that people have different times of day when they are most productive and suggests taking advantage of those moments. For example, if you’re a morning person, schedule your most important tasks for the early hours of the day.

Practice mindfulness (Building Mindfulness)

Author Bailey emphasizes the importance of mindfulness in helping people focus on the present moment and avoid distractions. This can be achieved through meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness practices.

Track your progress

Bailey suggests tracking your progress as you work on your goals. This can help you stay motivated and see the progress you have made.

Learn to say no (Hell Yeah or No)

Bailey suggests to learn to say no to the unnecessary distractions, tasks, and commitments that prevent you from focusing on what’s truly important.

Learn to be comfortable with silence (Four Shades of Silence)

Author Bailey recommends to learn to be comfortable with silence and to eliminate background noise as much as possible. This can help you focus better and improve your productivity.

By incorporating these practical tips into your daily routine, you can improve your focus, manage your time better, and ultimately achieve more in less time.

But just don’t stop there, use the remaining time to live life happily and to the fullest which is what we are here for. I will end the article with a Quote from Swamiji on creating a life of happiness