The Pareto Principle is known by many names and seems to be an almost intrinsic law of nature. Amongst its other names two in particular pinpoint what it is about: the law of imbalance and the 80/20 rule.

The principle can be expressed in many ways and has been used in an enormous variety of circumstances. In time management terms it reminds us that there is a great imbalance between effort and results. If we just do what everyone else wants us to do, if we do not prioritise well, then around 80% of what we achieve will come from just 20% of what we do -- the 80/20 principle.

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