Beating Frustration in Your Small Business

Last time I told you about the 80/20 principle and recommended you read The 80/20 Principle. Take a minute to review that post on Pareto's Law. Today I want you take action on improving your life and beating frustration that often sets in. It's the beginning of a new week and there is no better time to get started.The 80/20 principle tells us approximately 20 percent of sources cause 80 percent of outcomes. Let's apply that to your day, today or this week. You will see that 20 percent of the people in your life will propel you forward, invigorate and inspire you. On the other hand, another 20 percent of the people in your life will cause you heartache, grief, frustration, and worry. Which group do you want to spend time with?The reality is, most of us spend our time dealing with the group that brings us down. It seems we need to deal with the problems and we tend to focus on that. At the end of the day we are spent (especially Mondays!) rather than being motivated and excited for what lays ahead. When we step back and look at it, is this what we would choose for our life? Would we choose frustration over motivation? Unfortunately we usually do.You need to eliminate as much contact with the 20 percent down group and maximize your time with the 20 percent up group. Makes sense, but HOW DO I DO IT??Evaluate the 20 percent down group. Are there customers in that group? Like I said in my last post, they are likely not your most profitable group of clients and it wouldn't cost you much if anything to send them on their way. Replace them with customers that aren't a headache.Are there employees in that group? They are likely not in the 20 percent group that produces 80 percent of results. Either eliminate the job since they aren't producing much or replace them. That bad attitude doesn't just infect you ... it infects all the other employees and customers they come in contact with.When you eliminate that 20 percent down group and begin to spend your time with the 20 percent up group you'll find your life is changes. It is truly amazing the difference it makes. Send frustration away. You really can have more time, more joy, and less headache if you only listen to Mr. Pareto and apply his 80/20 principle to your life. Share some thoughts about how you applied this principle in your life in the comments section. You'll inspire others and be inspired by their stories! by Steven Schlagel