Posted: January 30, 2017 by Robert Craven
I’ve always tried to prioritise. Live the 80/20 rule. Focus on the big impact moves. Ignore the trivia. But it is tough.
Recently I was introduced to the 90% Rule which just makes all the prioritisation much easier.
Suppose you are looking at a new opportunity.
You rank it on the scale of 1-10 (where 10 is a high score).
If it isn’t a 9 or a 10 then give it a 1.
Why?
Because we should only work on really good projects. A ‘7’ or an ‘8’, which you’d describe as ‘OK’ or ‘good’ just isn’t good enough!
You need to distinguish between things which are good and things which are exceptionally good. Otherwise, why bother? Unless you just want to be OK.
In a world of too many potentially interesting opportunities you need to become choosier. You cannot chase after everything. You can only do a few things really well. There is just too much baggage and mediocrity (“Well let’s stay with this opportunity just in case…”) You should only chase after the big ones and you need to find a way to sort the wheat form the chaff.
You can apply this everywhere.
Looking at a potential new employee. Score them out of 10. If they don’t score a 9 or a 10 then let them go.
Looking at a joint venture. Score the other side out of 10. If they don’t score a 9 or a 10 then let them go.
Clearing out your clothes wardrobe. Rate each piece of clothing on a scale of 1-10…
I think you get my drift.
It is time to work on and with the important, big impact items. And let the trivia or ‘good’ stuff go. Look for the exceptional and not the run-of-the-mill, ordinary, average. Unless you feel more comfortable shuffling along with the masses.
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