In this article, I’ll explain what the 80/20 rule is and how you can use it to focus your study efforts on the activities that truly make a difference.
The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 20% of your effort generates 80% of your results. That means you should identify the most important aspects of your studies and dedicate more time to them.
Keep reading to discover the benefits of this powerful concept—one that many people have heard of but few actually put into practice!
What Is the 80/20 Rule?
You might be wondering, what is this all about?
The 80/20 rule, in simple terms, states that 20% of “something” produces 80% of “something else.”
Let me explain it more clearly with an example—one that is often used in economics.
Imagine a company that manufactures and sells shoes, offering a variety of models.
According to the 80/20 rule, 80% of the company’s sales will come from just 20% of its models.
In other words, a few models will generate most of the sales, while the rest (the majority) will sell in much smaller quantities.
This principle has countless applications across different fields. It’s fascinating to see how various phenomena in different disciplines often align with this relentless pattern.
How Does the 80/20 Rule Apply to Academic Performance?
You might be wondering, how can I use this as a student?
The 80/20 rule offers a valuable insight that, once you understand it, will help guide your study habits. By applying this principle, you can make steady progress toward your academic goals and achieve the results you want.
In simple terms, when applied to studying, the 80/20 rule suggests that 80% of your positive results come from just 20% of your effort and dedication.
In other words, only 20% of what you studied actually helped you pass your last exam.
This can be surprising, especially if you spent days and hours preparing. But the reality is that only a small portion of what you studied was truly essential to passing.
That’s why, when studying, it’s crucial to identify what’s important and separate it from what’s supplementary—or even irrelevant.
How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Study Sessions
Use the 80/20 rule every time you study by evaluating how important each task really is.
Does it fall within the 20% that will bring you the best results? Or is it part of the 80% that will barely help you pass?
In other words, every time you sit down to study, ask yourself: Is what I’m focusing on part of the core material I need to learn? Or, more practically, is it likely to be on the exam?
How many times have you spent hours memorizing unnecessary definitions that were never tested? Or struggled with complex diagrams that didn’t even show up on the exam? What about those comparison charts you worked so hard to memorize—was it really worth it? Do you even remember them now? Probably not.
So next time you study, keep this valuable rule in mind. Set your priorities straight and focus only on what truly helps you achieve your goal: learning and passing.
How to Apply the 80/20 Rule to Assignments and Essays
Just as the 80/20 rule can help you study for exams, it’s also useful when working on assignments and essays.
The key is to focus your energy on the most important points—and the best way to do this is by identifying them during the planning stage.
Start by outlining the structure of your assignment or essay on paper or in a digital note.
Then, dedicate most of your time to developing those key points. Don’t stress about the rest—you can always add supporting details later.
If you choose strong main topics, your work will have a solid foundation and greater coherence.
What Tools Can Help You Apply the 80/20 Rule?
Once you understand the 80/20 rule, the next step is to apply it to your study routine. This is where certain tools can make a big difference.
Most of these tools are designed to help you manage your time, which is your most valuable resource.
By using them, you’ll ensure that you focus on what truly matters, while also setting time limits for less important tasks.
1. The Pomodoro Technique
The first tool is widely known—the Pomodoro Technique. This time management method involves working in 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between.
2. The Time Matrix (Eisenhower Matrix)
Another great tool is the Time Matrix, also known as the Eisenhower Matrix. This technique helps you classify tasks by urgency and importance—but you can also use it to organize your study topics.
3. Timeboxing
Lastly, there’s timeboxing—but what is it?
Timeboxing means setting a fixed time limit for specific tasks. This concept comes from the corporate world, particularly from software companies that aim to keep meetings short and efficient.
You can apply timeboxing to your study sessions by allocating limited time to topics that have a low probability of appearing on the exam. This way, you avoid wasting time on less relevant content.
What Is the 52/17 Rule and How Does It Relate to the 80/20 Rule?
You may have heard of the 52/17 Rule, which sounds similar to the 80/20 Rule—but they are actually different concepts.
The 52/17 Rule is a time management method, much like the Pomodoro Technique I mentioned earlier. This makes it another great tool for organizing your study time efficiently.
Find more content on Mentes Liberadas
That’s all for this article. I hope you enjoyed it.
You can make a donation to Mentes Liberadas through our Ko-Fi account. This way, you’ll be supporting the site, helping us create more content, resources, and online tools.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
See you in the next article on Mentes Liberadas.
