Do you ever feel like you’re constantly busy but not really making progress?
Between work, side hustles, family responsibilities, and trying to keep up with life in the UK, it’s easy to get stuck in “firefighting mode” — always reacting, never moving forward.
The good news? There’s a smart way to focus on the tasks that bring the biggest results.
It’s called the Pareto Principle — also known as the 80/20 rule — and it can transform how you work, earn, and manage your time.
What is the Pareto Principle?
The Pareto Principle is the idea that 20% of your efforts produce 80% of your results.
It comes from Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who noticed that 20% of the pea plants in his garden produced 80% of the peas — and that the same thing happened with wealth distribution in Italy.
In other words, not all effort is equal — a small percentage of what you do often delivers most of your success.
Why Nigerians in the UK Should Care
Life in the UK can be hectic — you might be:
- Balancing your main job with a side hustle or business back home.
- Trying to grow your career while sending money to family.
- Managing studies, childcare, and community commitments.
If you apply the Pareto Principle, you can:
- Identify which clients, projects, or activities give you the most income.
- Focus on skills or networking opportunities that create the biggest career growth.
- Spend less time on low-impact tasks that drain your energy.
Everyday Nigerian-in-the-UK Examples of the 80/20 Rule
- Side Hustles & Business – If you sell Nigerian food in London, you may find that 20% of your menu (like suya and jollof rice) brings in 80% of your orders. Focus on promoting those.
- Career Growth – In your UK job, 20% of your skills (such as project management or client relations) might be what gets you noticed for promotions. Sharpen those first.
- Community Networking – Maybe 20% of your contacts are responsible for 80% of your business referrals. Invest time in building those relationships.
- Sending Money Home – 20% of your remittances may cover 80% of your family’s essential needs. Budget for those before tackling extras.
How to Apply the Pareto Principle in Your Life
- Identify the 20% – Look at your work, side hustle, or studies and figure out which actions give you the biggest wins.
- Double Down – Spend more time and resources on those high-value activities.
- Cut or Delegate the Rest – Reduce time spent on tasks that don’t move you closer to your goals.
- Review Often – Your “top 20%” may change over time. Keep track.
Final Word
As Nigerians in the UK, we often juggle a lot — but doing more isn’t always the key to success.
By applying the Pareto Principle, you can work smarter, earn more, and free up time for what matters most — whether that’s family, community, or personal growth.
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