Have you ever wondered how some people seem to achieve so much more in the same 24 hours we all have? I often find myself wondering the same. There never seems to be enough time to accomplish ALL the things I set out to do in a day, week, month, or year. This used to frustrate me when I was younger. Now, it serves as a reminder—being busy, having problems to solve and lots to do is a sign of life. A sign that there is still more for you to accomplish. This is a good thing, especially when you learn to focus on what’s most important and do those things first.
In my studies of master marketers, master persuaders, and master entrepreneurs, I have learned some things about time management, productivity, and success. It's not about working longer, sacrificing sleep, or pushing yourself to the limit. It's about working smarter, and I've got three secrets to share with you.
1. Embrace the 80/20 Rule. You've probably heard of the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. It's a game-changer when it comes to productivity. This rule suggests that roughly 20 percent of your daily activities contribute to 80 percent of your success, income, and happiness. These are your "big-payoff" activities. On the flip side, 20 percent of your activities eat up 80 percent of your time - these are the "low-payoff" ones.