This is the last post in a series based on Living the 80/20 Way by Richard Koch.
In his book, Koch says that we’ll get more reward for less effort if we select a few excellent habits that keep us at our best. He suggests that practicing seven “super-rewarding” habits daily will offer extraordinary benefits, short-term and long-term.
The habits you choose are dependent on what’s important to you and the benefits you want to experience. They can range from generosity and gratitude to exercise and saving money. They’re based on what you value in your life.
I had to give my list a lot of thought. I have a tendency to take on too much, become scattered and feel overwhelmed. I somehow think I can do everything. At once. Then I wonder why I don’t accomplish anything.
To stop this tendency (or habit, if you will), I took my time evaluating my List of Seven. I wrote and re-wrote my list. I even tried out and replaced a couple of habits that weren’t effective.
The Benefits of a List that Works
Now, I’m comfortable with my List of Seven. They work for me. Every day. I’ve been practicing them for a couple of months and, even in the midst of a nasty allergy season, I still felt good. (In the past, I’ve been bedridden when the cedar descends on San Antonio!)
I’m also more focused, whether I’m having a conversation or performing a task. And it’s nice to feel energized again.
Because these are priorities, there’s always time for them. I used to complain about not having enough time to get everything done. Then I realized that I had plenty of time…for the things I valued.
applying the 80/20 rule
Below are my seven super-rewarding habits that keep me at my best physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Am I perfect every day? Nope, but that’s okay. We’re talking about the 80/20 rule, remember? As long as I practice them 80 percent of the time, I feel fantastic!
- Sleep Well.
- Meet God.
- Be Mindful.
- Move for 20+ minutes.
- Connect with others for 20+ minutes.
- Create for 20+ minutes.
- Read for 1 hour.
What about you? Can you pick seven habits to help you enhance your life on a daily basis? Give it a try, and let me know what your List of Seven looks like!
