Organize IT recap for 27th June 2008.
- Thinking positively is a big deal but as with many things there is always a catch. Even with positive thinking there is always that destructive side to it that you can slip into, such as confusing positivity with trying to please everyone. Positivity Blog cover three of those such traps. I think it’s very important that the alternative side of these sorts of issues gets covered because it helps us to get the right balance, which is one of the reasons why I do my self-help myths series.
- I’ve gained a lot more interest in the 80/20 rule recently thanks to its coverage in the Four Hour Work Week so when I came across an article that applied it to what you eat I was immediately intrigued. The author worked out what 20% of his food was causing 80% of his weight gain and went from there. Just goes to show what the principle can be applied to. Have you come across any quirky implementation of it?
- What if you are organized and your partner isn’t? One of the biggest dilemmas for any de-clutterer is having to deal with a partner who doesn’t share your enthusiasm for a streamlined home. I’ve had a few emails asking for my thoughts on the issue and will be publishing a new Clutter 101 post in the near future on that very topic. In the meantime Unclutterer has some very good advice to keep you going.
June 27, 2008 at 10:19PM
In applying the Pareto principle, or 80/20 Rule, to my diet, it’s very simple but hard to stick to because most of the people around me like the 20% that causes me 80% of my weight gain. Bread and pastries, cookies and chocolate, pasta, cheese, beef, chips and alcohol. Luckily, I finally learned how to prepare dishes that I love but are also part of the 20% that help me lose weight. Stuff like fresh berries and grapefruit, oats and rice, olive oil, eggs, fish, lean pork, chicken, steamed and stir-fried vegetables and chopped salads. But I still indulge in fried rice, hamburgers, wieners, and alcohol. These are probably my 20% causing me 80% of the problems right now. I think I can slowly cut out burgers but things like alcohol are probably going to stay in my diet till a doctor tells me to give them up. One is too convenient as a food and the other as a relaxant. How’s that for quirky?
June 28, 2008 at 01:27AM
That does make a lot of sense about dieting. I’m not on a diet, but I try to eat healthy. However, sometimes I just give in and eat out and I’m sure I have ruined a lot of hard work in the past couple of days by snacking on large packs of steak nachos! Something to think about, nice work.
June 28, 2008 at 10:40AM
That article has really given me something to think about. Though I know the 80/20 rule can be applied to lots of things I’ve never thought of using it for something like dieting. Alongside what is discussed in the 4-Hour Work Week I really think the potential for using this rule in productivity is only just being revealed.