Writing about the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule states that when a writer has a to do list containing ten tasks, two of those task return 80% of the value of the list. These top two priorities are the most challenging on the list because they lead the writer to achieve his or her goal. The other eight items are usually "make work" activities the writer uses to avoid the two most challenging activities on his or her list.

This is an interesting theory and, given the human tendency to procrastinate, probably true. The question is how does a writer go about achieving the two most important goals on the to do list. A good way to start is for the writer to make a hard copy of what he or she most wants in life. All of us think about what we most want in life, but how many of us write it down. Then review the actions leading to our life goal.

Reviewing the actions leading to achievement of our life goals is the next step in achieving them. The "to do list" is a daily action plan to achieve those goals. By writing a daily to do list and then reviewing the actions completed and asking ones self "Did this action lead me to achieving my goal today or did it cause me to put off achieving that goal?" The other thing a writer has to do when making his or her to do list is squelch the inner critic.