The 80/20 Rule
I have something that I NEED to get off my chest…
Something that I have to come clean on…
Last weekend I went on a snowboarding trip and I had some beers…
I ate pizza at 10 PM…
I went without my vitamins and minerals...
I didn’t get the daily recommended amount of water…
I didn’t train jiu jitsu…
I skipped my workouts…
And I loved it.
Life seems to be always pulling me toward two different paths.
On one path, I find myself seeking pleasure in the form of social engagements, conscious exploration, and carefree living.
On the other path, I find myself seeking pleasure in the form of self-discipline, purpose-driven work, and the pursuit of mastery.
To you, the latter may be the only path.
You may find the former to be sinful and lacking any real virtues.
Or it may be the exact opposite for you.
The latter is fruitless, you find life to be a game of hedonistic existence. ‘Why ‘care’ when we are all going to die anyway.’
It's evident that life constantly presents you with a dichotomy: the pull between discipline and blithe.
Both paths have their own allure.
They also offer their own unique forms of pleasure.
Neither is inherently right or wrong.
However, it's essential to recognize that life is not merely about choosing one path over the other. Instead, true fulfillment comes from integrating both aspects into your life.
Mastery's path to discipline is undeniably valuable—it provides structure, growth, and a sense of accomplishment. Yet, it's equally crucial to counterbalance this discipline with moments of enjoyment and spontaneity.
To navigate the constant pull, I use the 80/20 rule.
80% of the time I stay disciplined by keeping myself on the path of purpose.
And 20% of the time I let it all go.
Sometimes it’s more like 65/35, sometimes it’s more life 95/5.
Why?
Because life is not solely about the destination or what you hope happens; it’s about the journey and what actually happens.
Each step you take should be imbued with pleasure, whether you’re pursuing your goals with unwavering focus or indulging in the simple pleasures of the present moment. By embracing both paths, you can cultivate a more fulfilling existence.
The 80/20 rule serves as a guiding principle in this balancing act.
By dedicating the majority of our time and energy to disciplined pursuits, you lay the foundation for long-term success and fulfillment.
However, you must also allow yourself the freedom to deviate from this path occasionally—to let loose, have fun, and savor life's spontaneous moments.
Find the ratio that works best for you.
Life is pleasurable, because there is more than one path. There’s contrast.
This last weekend I lived in the moment. I spent time outside doing something I love to do with people that I love to be with.
Was I off the path?
No.
This is the path.
It’s about integrating purposeful discipline with a carefree mentality, recognizing that both are essential components of a fulfilling life.
The 80/20 rule is merely a reminder to live a life well-lived.
Own the Process,
Tim
Author of Mastery Monday
Student & Founder
