The Pareto Analysis And Time Management

Pareto was an economist who theorized that 80 percent
of all problems result from 20 percent of all causes.
This may seem like a complex theory which is too
difficult to apply to such a thing as time management,
but the Pareto 80-20 rule, as it has come to be
termed, can be very beneficial when applied to problem
solving in any form.

One of the first steps in learning to effectively
utilize time is to identify repeated patterns in your
daily schedule that may be interfering with
productivity.

In looking over daily records of your time you may
notice certain blocks of time which are not being used
to their fullest. Once having identified these blocks
of time, you can begin to make changes in your daily
routine.

Pareto’s 80-20 rule basically means that if you can
identify and change only 20 percent of the causes of
problems in your current time management system, you
can subsequently fix 80 percent of those problems.

An example of this would be to identify only two 15
minute blocks of time in your normal day when you find
that you are being the least productive. By changing
the way you currently use these 2 small blocks of
time, theoretically you should be able to increase
your productivity by up to 80 percent.

Better time management does not mean giving up all
free time, or all the time you currently spend
relaxing, or enjoying your life. Instead it helps you
set priorities for managing time, eliminate wasted
time, and gain more control over how you use this
valuable resource.