Finding the Time

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How to Find" More Family Time

Marvin Penick, EzineArticles.com Basic Author

Do you ever wish there were more time in your day?

Do you ever feel like your "to do" list should be printed in book form and placed in the fantasy section of the local book store?

Would you like to have an extra 5 hours each week to spend on the things you like to do....things you're good at....that make you feel awesome???

What if you could enjoy your family instead of putting out your spouse's fires, meeting your kids deadlines, and re-doing their chores so the house or office doesn't fall apart at the seams?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, I have a solution for you! It's something I've known about for years but have just recently started applying to my schedule and boy oh boy has it made a difference!

The Secret to Finding More Time...........

...involves a centuries old principle named after an Italian scholar from the early 20th century. It's been called the Pareto principle or the law of 80/20 but no matter what you call it, it works!

When I began applying it to my daily schedule just over a year ago, it made a huge difference -- in fact, I can trace my decision to move my family to Wisconsin, back to the application of this simple time management principle.

I can promise you that by implementing this principle into your daily routine, you'll find more hours in the day to spend on improving yourself and your ability to develop dynamic family relationships.

The Law of 80/20

(By the way, much of this information came from a recent article by a friend of mine -- Gary Bencivenga )

So anyway, this Pareto guy found that almost universally, "20% of the factors provided 80% of the results" to quote Gary further he says that...."For example, if you were to chart your every waking moment, you would soon discover, similar to Pareto's observations, that...

You wear the same 20 percent of your wardrobe 80 percent of the time.

You think the same 20 percent of your thoughts 80 percent of your waking moments.

You eat the same 20 percent of your favorite foods at 80 percent of your meals...and so on.

This mysterious law applies to all of us and is the factor behind such remarkably consistent phenomena as these:

Just 20 percent of the salespeople generate 80 percent of the sales.

Just 20 percent of the authors sell 80 percent of the books.

Just 20 percent of the criminals commit 80 percent of the crime.

Just 20 percent of the movies make 80 percent of the money.

Just 20 percent of the music groups sell out 80 percent of the concert seats.

Just 20 percent of your family produce 80 percent of your challenges...and so on.

By the same token..."

Just 20% of your Daily Activities Produce 80% of the improvement in your Personal Growth, Significant Relationships, and Leadership Capabilities!

Keep in mind that while the exact percentages don't always work out, the principle of the minority of factors creating the majority of results in every area of life, seems to be set in stone.

Imagine what could happen to your personal growth and family relationships if you master this principle!

A personal example I've noticed recently.......I used to spend 80% of my day worrying about dieting and exercising and losing weight -- I actually gained weight. Just this month, I've begun spending about 20% of my day actually exercising and I've lost about 5 pounds!

By acting to give my focused effort to a small percentage of one month, I'm outpacing people who've been on a diet for years!

"I'm Going to Work from Home and Write for a Living!"

Ok, so you're reading this article and wondering...."I just want to be the best man I can be. I want to connect with my wife and kids on a deeper level and be able to earn their genuine respect and admiration. How do I apply this....80/20 rule in my life?

If you're already successful at something, you know what it is. For most of my life, it has always been writing and spending time with my family. It's what I love to do and what has been responsible for my biggest rewards, both mental and monetary.

It took me a while to realize the importance of this because when you work at home, believe it or not, it can be hard to find time actually get any work done!

I finally realized that just a few of my numerous daily activities (writing & family time) were responsible for virtually 100 percent of my rewards. Everything else was noting but an incredible waste of precious time!

After realizing this, I got a little crazy about preserving and expanding my writing and family time.

getting up an hour early in order to read, write and pray.

quit watching all but just a few television shows -- and recording those to avoid commercials

moving dates with my wife and daughters to the top of the priority list.

researching until, I found this company and turned my blog into a real business which combines my passions for family time, writing, reading, and leadership.

Take Action! Discover what you do best, what will bring your highest physical, mental, spiritual, and social rewards, then make the time to do it!

Find the 20 percent of your life that yields 80 percent of your results and happiness, and then pour into that 20 percent the most time you can! You'll be so much happier and more productive!

P.S. I use and truly believe in the resources that I mention on this page! Very simply, I recommend them because they work! -- I do receive a commission when you click on one of the links to their site -- It's a nice bonus for telling you the truth and spreading the word about products and resources that improve families by improving leaders.

P.P.S. If you like what you're reading why not sign up for my weekly e-mail filled with inspirational tips on personal growth, effective leadership, and intentional family leadership? If you're serious about improving your family leadership these tips are a must read and best of all...they're free!not Sign up here

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