The pursuit of efficiency and success is an ongoing process. In this endless quest, experts have been searching for universal factors that lead to success. After extensive research, one key factor has emerged: putting first things first. The so-called “first things first” means doing the most important tasks first, which is actually a self-management skill that requires disciplined and orderly execution of plans.
This principle of efficiency remains consistent in an ever-changing world. Pareto’s Principle, also known as the 80/20 rule, illustrates this point. It tells us that only about 20% of everything is crucial. For example, 80% of profits usually come from 20% of customers, and 80% of sales come from 20% of products or services. However, even with this knowledge, many people still struggle to live their ideal life, and this is because there is a huge gap between knowing and doing.
To bridge this gap, we must first recognize its existence. After researching and asking people around, it turns out that there are mainly two obstacles:
The first is a lack of independent will. Successful self-management cannot be separated from human independent will, which is the capability to make decisions and take action. It reflects a tenacity that, unfortunately, not everyone possesses.
The second is the inability to judge what really matters. To determine what is truly important, two aspects should be noted: one is that the impact of the matter should be long-lasting; the other is that the scope of the impact should be broad.
Understanding how to do something does not mean we have the capability to do it. It is essential to understand that nothing in this world is free, nor is it simple. Truth lies in practice; understanding principles is not as good as personal experience, and personal experience is not as valid as repetitive execution. Through practice, we acquire what we desire, achieve our goals, and become the ideal selves we envision.
