Serenity lies in restraint. One principle which resonates with the same thoughts is the 80/20 Principle, also referred to as the Pareto Principle, which holds true to the extent that about 80% of the results are caused by 20% of the work. First referred to by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto when he noticed that 80% of the riches in Italy belonged to only 20% of the population, this principle later left economics behind and became applicable to almost all aspects of a person’s life.

Picture Source: x.com

A recent visual interpretation from x.com elegantly translates this principle to all aspects of life—to one’s health, to one’s relationships, to one’s wealth, to one’s happiness. It offers an operable mantra: “Prioritize the 80% and the rest will fall into place.”

Then let us delve into this wisdom, with some further examples, parables, and sayings from India and the world.

Health: 80% Eating, 20%

It is frequently thought that fitness comes only from rigorous exercise, but as nutrition guru Rujuta Diwekar, who taught fitness to the stars of Bollywood, puts it, “Fitness is 80% food and 20% exercise.” A good old-style home-cooked meal, enjoyed consciously, defeats membership to a gym when one’s diet is substandard.

Consider the case of India’s fourth Prime Minister, Morarji Desai, who lived beyond the age of 99. Disciplined eating and yoga were his habits, and his long years said it all about the importance of what one puts into the body as compared to outward exertions.

Wealth: 80% Habits, 20

Wealth isn’t built by complex financial equations but by simple, consistent habits. Warren Buffett famously said, “The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.”

An Indian parallel is Ramdeo Agarwal, the co-founder of Motilal Oswal Financial Services. His habit of regular saving, investing in businesses he understands, and sticking to a long-term vision brought exponential returns, not complex arithmetic.

Speaking: 80% Listening, 20%

In the Mahabharata, Krishna speaks only when necessary, guiding through silence more often than speech. His listening empowered Arjuna to find clarity in chaos.

Globally, Stephen Covey stated in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Listening is the foundation on which communication is built, and learning to master it can change relationships.

Learning: 80% Understanding, 20% Reading

It is not how much you read but how much you assimilate. Swami Vivekananda would read one book, put it aside, and then repeat from memory, giving preference to assimilation over quantity.

Similarly, Einstein once said, “Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Digesting concepts, rather than merely scanning pages, forms the core of true education.

Achieving: 80% Doing, 20 Dreams are seeds but action causes them to get watered.

Whenever APJ Abdul Kalam would remind the students, “Dream, dream, dream. Dreams get transformed into thoughts and thoughts lead to action,” but his tireless execution—paper delivery boy to India’s Missile Man—was what led to his success.

In contrast, many get caught in the dreamer’s trap. Vision without effort remains a hallucination.

Happiness: 80% Purpose, 20%

Modern society often mixes up happiness and fleeting pleasure. But long-lasting joy accompanies purpose.

Consider the case of Dashrath Manjhi, the “Mountain Man” of Bihar. After his wife died as a result of his inability to get to a hospital on time, he excavated a path through a mountain during the course of 22 years—by himself. Fun? No. Meaningful? Yes. That sense of purpose provided peace far more than amusement ever could.

The Dalai Lama agrees: “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions.”

Relationships: 80% Giving, 20% Receiving

Good relationships are founded on the spirit of giving. Indian ethos resonates with this in the principle of ‘Seva’ (selfless service)—be it parents, partners, or society.

In the global sphere, Maya Angelou reflected: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Giving is remembered; taking is transactional.

Becoming Better: 80% Persistence, 20% Ideas 

Ideas are everywhere. But what sets achievers apart is their perseverance. Thomas Edison failed over 1000 times before inventing the light bulb. His famous quote remains: “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

Closer to home, Dhirubhai Ambani, the Reliance founder, began as a gas-station attendant. His tale had nothing to do with a brilliant business concept—only tireless seeking of expansion and possibility.

Conclusion: Living the 80/20 Way

The beauty of the 80/20 Principle is that it nudges us to focus on what truly moves the needle. It isn’t about doing more but about doing what matters most. When we identify and nurture the 80% that yields most of our joy, health, wealth, and wisdom, we reclaim our time, our energy, and our life.

Action Point: Contemplate today—where is your 20% of work effort that is draining you, and where is the 80% that yields you progress and peace? Adjust accordingly. Or in the words of the Bhagavad Gita: “You have a right to do your assigned duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your work.” Prioritize the 80%—the process—and allow everything else to fall into place.

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA in Healthcare & Hospital Management (BITS, Pilani), 
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others. 

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