For you worker bees out there, you can have more free time by focusing on what truly matters in your life. Through the lens of the 80/20 rule, you can identify those areas of your life in which you can modify or cut out altogether- giving you more free time. Since learning about the 80/20 rule, it has absolutely changed my life! I no longer spend any time on tasks, etc. that do not align with my goals and values.
The 80/20 rule is aka “Pareto Principle”. Quick history lesson-This principle was first discovered in 1896 by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. He observed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by only 20% of the population. He also observed that 20% of his plants were bearing 80% of the fruit.
Then- in 1937, Joseph Juran (Quality Management Guru), came along and applied this concept in business. As a result he coined what we now know as the 80/20 rule. Since then, other experts (Like Richard Koch) has applied this theory to our personal lives.
Note that 80/20 is shorthand for a lopsided relationship between causes and results. The numbers don’t necessarily have to add up to 100 every time. In some cases, 30 percent of causes may lead to 70 percent of results. Other splits can be 80/10, 90/10 or even 99/1. But here are more examples of what the 80/20 is:
- 80% of what we want is generated by 20% of what we do
- 20% effort leads to 80% results/ 80% effort leads to 20% results
- 20% input or causes typically lead to 80% of results, outputs or effects
The significance of this rule is how it applies to all areas across the board- business, economics and even our personal lives. Here are some specific examples:
- More than 80% of books sold come from 20% of authors
- 20% of sales staff make more than 80% of the dollar value sales
- 20% of customers lead to more than 80% of profits
- We wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time
- We are likely to experience 80% of our happiness in 20% of our time
Okay, so now you should have a much better idea of what the 80/20 rule is and how it can apply to your life.
Let’s look at specific ways to help you Have Free Time:
Identify Time Wasters
The 80/20 rule can be an excellent tool for identifying and eliminating time-wasters by helping you focus on the small percentage of activities that consume a large portion of your time but produce little to no value.
Free time are those moments where you are present, happy and engaged with what you’re doing. One of the activities I truly enjoy during my free time is spending time with my kids and going on photo walks.
Track Your Time for a Period
Begin by logging your daily activities, ideally over a week. Once you have data, look for patterns in tasks that consume 80% of your time yet produce only 20% (or less) of meaningful results. These activities are likely time-wasters. Eliminate completely or spend way less time on these.
Identify Low-Impact Activities
Review the tasks you perform regularly and evaluate their outcomes. Often, low-impact tasks like excessive checking of emails, attending unnecessary meetings, or spending too much time on social media can eat up a significant portion of your day. These activities typically fall into the “80% effort, 20% (or less) results” category.
Analyze Interruptions and Distractions
What are the 20% of distractions taking up 80% of your time?
Notice which interruptions & distractions take you away from high-impact work. Phone notifications, social media, or casual conversations can eat up hours without contributing meaningfully to your goals. Limiting or eliminating these distractions can free up more time.
Set Boundaries
80/20 Application: Who are the 20% of people in your life that take up 80% of your time?
If you enjoy their company-great! No need to change anything. However, if you have someone that is negative and zaps your energy- then you may need to set boundaries. By spending less time with them- you will have more free time. Sometimes it seems really obvious- but if you’re a caring person than you may feel obligated to be there for these people whenever they want. You also have an obligation to yourself- to have a peace of mind, and free time!
Use Pomodoros
80/20 Application: Can literally take an 8 hour day down to 4 hours. Here is how:
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method where you work for 25 minutes (one “Pomodoro”) followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four Pomodoros, you take a longer 15-30 minute break. Ideally- you want to complete 8 Poms in a day which equals to 4 hours. This method is only effective if you work consistently for those 25 minutes with NO interruptions, etc. You will be way more productive this way because this is enough time for you to get into the flow.
If you are constantly going back and forth between project work and checking FB- then of course it’s going to take you much longer to complete the project or task. Here’s a running analogy- if your goal is to 5 miles, but you are stopping to take out small pebbles from your socks every 15 minutes – then it’s going to take you much longer to run 5 miles this way.
I realize there may be times where this can be challenging to implement. Before moving into Real Estate photography, I worked in a Sales position where I was interrupted by the Boss every 20-30 minutes! He would come into my office asking if I made certain calls, heard back from a customer, etc. I did discuss my concerns with him and let him know that I could not be productive this way. In the end, I had to leave because nothing changed.
Don’t take my word for it- try this yourself. Keep an honest log at work of everything you do, interruptions, etc. If you are currently a leaf blowing in the wind at work, chances are likely that you’re wasting a lot of time. This is even a bigger issue if you have to take your work home with you OR if you’re self employed and the extra time you have to work takes away from your family.
Establish a Morning Routine
80/20 Application: Leaves you with extra time in the morning and gives you a solid foundation and more energy for the day.
First, a morning routine typically involves getting up earlier and at the same time every day. Sleeping in later takes time away from you. Having a consistent morning routine that involves a handful of positive activities (including exercise), will set you up for success every single day. You will have more energy and momentum to take you through the day.
What are some activities you can include in your morning routine that will have the most impact? What are you doing now in your mornings that are low impact- the 80% effort leading to 20% results? Do you sleep in late? Watch the news or scroll social media upon waking? Spend a lot of time deciding what to wear?
Summary- How to have free time
With the 80/20 rule-20% input or causes typically lead to 80% of results, outputs or effects. You can have more free time by evaluating your schedule and how you spend your time through the 80/20 lens. Identify your time wasters, the people who drain you, identify your low impact activities- and then stop doing them. Use pomodoros for uninterrupted work and establish a morning routine that will energize you for the entire day!