The 90/10 Principle
Author : Stephen Covey ( Management Guru)
Have you read this before?
Discover the 90/10 Principle. It will change your life (at least
the way you react to situations). What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is
decided by how you react. What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot
stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving,
which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in
traffic. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is
different. You determine the other 90%. How?
By your reaction. You cannot control a red light., but you can
control your reaction. Don't let people fool you; YOU can control
how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks
over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control
over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be
determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your
daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After
scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing
the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal
battle
follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs,
you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast
and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must
leave immediately for work. You
rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are
late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a
15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at
school. Your daughter runs
into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the
office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your
day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse
and worse. You look forward to coming home, When you arrive home,
you find small wedge in your
relationship with your spouse and daughter.
Why?
Because of how you reacted in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is " D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad
day.
Here is what could have and should have happened
Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently
say, "It's ok honey, you just need, to be more careful next time".
Grabbing a
towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your
briefcase, you
come back down in time to look through the window and see your
child getting
on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and
cheerfully
greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are
having.
Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended
different.
Why?
Because of how you REACTED.
You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The
other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge.
Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let
the negative comment affect you! React properly and it will not
ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend,
being fired, getting stressed out etc.
How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper?
Pound on the steering wheel? (A friend of mine had the steering
wheel fall off)
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them?
WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars
ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job. Why lose sleep and get irritated?
It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding
another job.
The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day.
Why take out your frustration on the flight attendant? She has no
control over what is going on. Use your time to study, get to know
the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things
worse. Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be
amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this
principle. The result? Millions of people are suffering from
undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. There never seem
to be a success in life.
Bad days follow bad days.
Terrible things seem to be constantly happening. There is constant
stress, lack of joy, and broken relationships. Worry consumes time.
Anger breaks friendships and life seems dreary and is not enjoyed
to the fullest. Friends are lost. Life is a bore and often seems
cruel. Does this describe you? If so, do not be discouraged..
You can be different!
Understand and apply the 90/10 principle.
It CAN change your life.........!!!!!!!