How I Doubled My Results by Doing Less

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The Overwhelm of Too Many Choices

Running a business can feel like trying to juggle a hundred things at once.

Every day brings more emails, meetings, and tasks—all demanding attention.

The truth is: Treating every task as equally important leads to burnout and wasted energy.

Instead, focus on what really moves the needle. That’s what the 80/20 rule is all about.

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Why the 80/20 Rule Matters

The 80/20 rule, also called the Pareto Principle, shows that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts.

Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto first noticed this when he saw 80% of Italy’s wealth was owned by 20% of people.

The rule works in business too—most of your best results come from a small part of your work.

Why it’s powerful: Author Richard Koch explains that by focusing on what gives the biggest results, you can work smarter.

Entrepreneurs who zero in on high-impact tasks or clients often see faster growth and more profit.

Example: Instead of working with lots of small clients, what if you focused your time on a few high-value ones?

Chances are, they bring in most of your revenue anyway. Focusing there can multiply your impact.

How to Use the 80/20 Rule in Your Business

1. Find the Tasks That Matter Most

• Action Step: Every Monday, list out the top 20% of tasks that will bring 80% of the results you want. Is it making a key sale? Working on a major project?

• Tip: Use a habit tracker or a to-do app to stay focused on these tasks.

2. Simplify Your Decisions

• Focus Tip: Only give your energy to decisions that make a big difference. Put smaller stuff on the back burner or delegate it.

• Tool: Try using simple project tools like Trello or Asana to spot and track your high-impact work.

3. Focus on High-Value Customers

• Actionable Idea: Look at which clients bring you the most revenue or satisfaction. Focus on them.

• Quick Win: Adjust your marketing and outreach to speak directly to these top customers.

4. Double Down on What Works in Marketing

• Pro Tip: Check which marketing channels bring the best results. Spend more time there and less on what isn’t working.

• Koch’s Advice: Go all-in on what already brings success.

  

Real-World Examples of the 80/20 Rule

Example 1: Focused Marketing 

One entrepreneur found that 80% of their leads came from two social platforms.

By concentrating efforts there, they doubled their leads.

Example 2: Revenue Streams 

A business owner realized that two key services made up most of their revenue.

By focusing on these, they grew profits while reducing stress.

Example 3: Richard Koch’s Strategy 

Koch himself focused on high-value investments and business moves, rather than piling up a ton of them.

Misconceptions About the 80/20 Rule

It Doesn’t Mean Ignoring the Rest 

You still need to handle other tasks, but don’t let them steal your focus from what really matters.

It Changes Over Time 

What matters most today might not be as important next month.

Be ready to shift your focus as things change.

Using It to Grow The 80/20 rule is a tool you can use again and again.

Reassess every few months to stay focused on what’s most important.

Quick Wins for Using the 80/20 Rule This Week

• Find Your Top Tasks: Spend 20 minutes picking the 3 most important tasks for the week.

• Cut the Clutter: Clear low-value meetings from your schedule.

• Set Reminders: Use notes or alarms to keep you focused on top priorities.

The 80/20 rule is about doing less of what doesn’t matter and more of what does.

Make the shift and watch how it transforms your business.

Talk soon,

-Dalton

Explore Further:

• Read “The 80/20 Principle” by Richard Koch for free or listen for free

• The 80/20 Rule for Goal Setting - Brian Tracy

• The 80/20 Rule of Time Management