The Secret to Doing Less & Achieving More

I used to find that running a business sometimes was an endless to-do list.

 

There were emails to answer, content to post, clients to follow up with, invoices to send… and the list of tasks seemed to build up faster than I can action them!

 

But then I learned something interesting: not all tasks are created equal.

 

Some drive massive results, while others just keep you busy.

 

The busy work is often the devil in disguise.

 

It gives you the impression you're making progress but you're actually slipping backwards. 

 

The truth is, it's important to work on fewer things (but the right things) to achieve your goals effectively.

 

That’s where the 80/20 rule comes in—a game-changing strategy that helps you ditch the busywork and focus on what truly moves the needle.

 

 

The Productivity Trap: Are You Actually Getting Things Done?

Think about the last time you felt “productive.”

 

Was it because you checked off 15 tiny tasks on your to-do list? Or was it because you took action that actually pushed your business forward?

 

Most entrepreneurs fall into the productivity trap—staying busy instead of being effective.

 

But here’s the key difference:

 

❌ Efficiency = Doing things right (even if they don’t really matter).
✅ Effectiveness = Doing the right things (so you actually get results).

 

So ask yourself:

 

Are you just working hard, or are you working smart?

 

Enter the 80/20 Rule: Your Shortcut to Success

 

The Pareto Principle, aka the 80/20 rule, is simple but powerful:

 

👉 80% of your results come from just 20% of your efforts.

 

This pattern shows up everywhere:

 

✅ 80% of your revenue comes from 20% of your clients.
✅ 80% of your engagement comes from 20% of your content.
✅ 80% of your stress comes from 20% of your problems.

 

Now, imagine if you could identify and amplify that 20%.

 

Instead of spinning your wheels, you’d focus on what truly works—leading to faster growth with less effort.

 

Sounds like magic, right?

 

But it’s just smart strategy.

 

How to Find Your High-Impact 20%

Ready to uncover the goldmine in your business? Here’s how:

 

1️⃣ Audit Your Tasks: Write down everything you do in a typical week. Seriously—everything.
2️⃣ Ask the Tough Questions:

• Which tasks directly bring in revenue?
• Which tasks make the biggest impact on growth?
• Which tasks could be eliminated, automated, or delegated?

3️⃣ Double Down on What Works: Once you pinpoint your high-impact activities, make them your priority. Everything else? Minimize, automate, or delegate.

 

Cut the Fluff—Focus on What Counts

Let’s be real—some tasks just don’t deserve your time.

 

If they’re not driving results, why are you still doing them?

 

❌ Spending hours tweaking a social media post that gets five likes? Let it go.
✅ Sending one email that lands a high-ticket client? Do more of that.

 

Here’s your new rule:

 

If a task doesn’t spark results, it’s time to let it go.

 

Making the 80/20 Rule a Habit

This isn’t a one-time strategy—it’s a mindset shift.

 

Every month, take a step back and ask:

 

💡 What’s working? Do more of it.
💡 What’s wasting time? Cut it.
💡 Where’s the biggest opportunity? Go all in.

 

Take it even further: What’s the 1% of your efforts that could generate 50% of your success?

 

When you consistently refine your focus, your business will grow faster, with less effort.

 

Final Thoughts: Less Stress, More Success

At the end of the day, you don’t need to just work harder—but you also need to work smarter. By applying the 80/20 rule, you’ll:

 

✅ Save hours each week by eliminating low-value tasks.
✅ Boost your revenue by focusing on high-impact activities.
✅ Reduce stress and finally feel in control of your business.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Ditch the busywork, double down on what matters, and watch your business take off. 

 

Ciao for now,

 

Ash