This may come as a surprise, but despite all the talk about life balance, you can benefit tremendously from introducing a little imbalance into your day. I'm referring to the 80/20 rule of time management, which is rooted in what is known as the Pareto Principle.

Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, “discovered” this principle in 1897 when he observed that 80 percent of the land in England (and every country he subsequently studied) was owned by 20 percent of the population. Pareto's theory of predictable imbalance has since been applied to almost every aspect of modern life. Given a chance, it can make a difference in yours.

Recognizing your 20 percent

Simply put, the 80/20 rule states that the relationship between input and output is rarely, if ever, balanced. When applied to work, it means that approximately 20 percent of your efforts produce 80 percent of the results. Learning to recognize and then focus on that 20 percent is the key to making the most effective use of your time. Here are two quick tips to develop 80/20 thinking:

Take a good look at the people around you. Twenty percent of your colleagues, staff and patients probably give you 80 percent of the support and satisfaction you need. They are your true advocates. Take good care of them. Likewise, you can probably name several friends and family members who would be there for you under any circumstances. Try not to put them on the back burner.

Examine your work. Ask yourself, “What do I really want to do with my life and my time? What 20 percent of my work should I be focusing on?”

Implementing the 80/20 rule

Even if you're skeptical, follow the 80/20 principle for a few days just to see what happens. You can start by implementing these “20-percent” tasks right now:

Read less. Identify the 20 percent of the journals you get that are most valuable. Read them and trash the rest.

Keep current. Make yourself aware of new technological innovations. [For example, “A Palm-Top Computer in Every Practice?” shows how physicians are incorporating hand-held computers into patient care.] At the very least, you may be moved to challenge established routines that could be shifting your focus away from your 20 percent.

Remember the basics. As you grow your practice, remember your ethics and values. Let them guide your decision making, and you're bound to end up focusing on your 20 percent.

80 percent or 20 percent?

Here are some signs that will help you to recognize whether you're spending your time as you should:

You're in your 80 percent if the following statements ring true:

• You're working on tasks other people want you to, but you have no investment in them.

• You're frequently working on tasks labeled “urgent.”

• You're spending time on tasks you are not usually good at doing.

• Activities are taking a lot longer than you expected.

• You find yourself complaining all the time.

You're in your 20 percent if:

• You're engaged in activities that advance your overall purpose in life (assuming you know what that is —and you should!).

• You're doing things you have always wanted to do or that make you feel good about yourself.

• You're working on tasks you don't like, but you're doing them knowing they relate to the bigger picture.

• You're hiring people to do the tasks you are not good at or don't like doing.

• You're smiling.

If you'd like more information on this time management principle, I'd suggest The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More With Less by Richard Koch (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing; 1998). However, you don't need to read the book to begin using the 80/20 rule. Gain more control over your time and your work by taking one small step right now. Simply begin to look for the signs that will tell you whether you're in your 20 percent or your 80 percent. This increased awareness of what's vital to your life and your life's work may be all you really need to start using your time more effectively.