The Dreaded New Year's Resolution

I recently heard of a theory that makes a lot of sense.  It's now called the 80/20 principle, and it goes something like this. 

80% of the outcome comes from 20% of the work. 
Or 80% of your productivity comes from 20% of your effort
Or 80% of your grief comes from 20% of the people you deal with (in life or work)

I've started applying this to my life HARD this last two weeks.  I've been looking at what activities have the most impact on my business.  What people bring the most pleasure to my life.  And what exercises make the biggest impact on my physique.

What I realized quickly is that I live by this mentality.  If you look at the wall in my office, one of the primary Core Values for 39 Minute Workout is SIMPLICITY.  And whenever I've gotten the most stressed in my life or work, it's when I'm trying to do to much, or making things too complicated.

If you're a client, you also know that our mission is "Making Personal Transformation EASY."  So again, the law of getting the biggest change with the least effort is right there in our mission too.

This is really the hallmark of our program.  We make the workouts as simple and brief as they can be (notice I didn't say easy here).  We give you the Three Nutrition Rules (which I simplified from 4 because one wasn't necessary!) that bring the biggest bang in the least amount of time.  And we do our best to make the process as simple as possible.

As you approach what's often the most stressed-out time of year for most, I think this tool is timely.  I'd like you to consider exactly what I did in the last two weeks. 

1. What activities at work are the most productive (ie. bring best success)?
2. What activities bring you the best health?  
3. What things bring you the most joy?
4. What drags you down in life the most (people, tasks that aren't important, etc.)

It seems to me that this is the right way to create a New Years Resolution.  A way to look at life, define what's really important- brings health, wealth, or happiness- and then make darn sure you make it happen.  But do you slow down enough to figure out what would BEST fulfill this, or do you pick the same canned thing that society promotes.

So in the coming weeks, if you choose to create another Resolution this year, take time to truly answer the four questions above.  If you're not focusing on the right things, change your priorities. If some things are bringing you down and they're not necessary (you still have to take out the trash), cut them out of your life fast.  If you're like me, this process will be very helpful.  Best luck, and let us know what you came up with. 

Dedicated to your health,

David Beares