We all need to learn the power of the Pareto principle, which states that 80 percent of the effect of our work comes from 20 percent of the causes. In John C. Maxwell's book Leadership 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know, he describes the power of the Pareto principle at work. Here are a few examples:

* 20 percent of your time produces 80 percent of your results.

* 20 percent of the people take up 80 percent of your time.

* 20 percent of your work gives 80 percent of your job satisfaction.

* 20 percent of the people will make 80 percent of the decisions.