My last blog post presented an overview of the Pareto Principle that described how 20% of the effort accomplishes 80% of the results (as long as you get the right 20%).  Now that you’ve applied the Pareto Principle to your life you’re probably wondering what to do with all that extra time you have. Here is a helpful principle to help you use your time wisely.

Cyril Northcote Parkinson wrote a satirical book entitled, Parkinson’s Law: The Pursuit of Progress where the thesis of his book is Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.  He based his theory on his work with the British Civil Service so he had plenty of first-hand experience.  Have you ever experienced this phenomenon in your life?

You’ve probably also experienced Parkinson’s second law which is Expenditures rise to meet income.  I have noticed a corollary to Parkinson’s law and that is Stuff expands to cover the top of my dresser.  It’s a barometer to let me know my life is getting out of control.  Several days ago I took a pile of stuff off of my dresser and sorted it, tossed some of it, and even found a few coupons!

Now the answer isn’t to have less time, money, or dresser space.  Rather be aware of the nature of work to fill the time available, of expenses to rise to your income, and stuff to accumulate on your dresser.  The solution is to know when to end a task – even if you have more time.  You must live within your means financially and create financial margin for the unexpected.  As the Apostle Paul reminds us,

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  (Ephesians 5:15-16)

Now if you will excuse me I must go clean off the top of my dresser – again.

Dr. Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University