"Focusing on Our 20%" By Steve Backlund
The Pareto principle says that 80% of our outcomes come from 20% of our causes. Whether these percentages are exactly right, it is clear that those who identify their most impactful beliefs, skills, habits, and investments will bear more fruit than those who do not have clarity on this.
The Twelve Apostles understood this principle when they were responding to an administrative challenge in Acts 6. “Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:3-4). This decision was not just from obedience, but they knew it was a choice that would bring the most personal and kingdom advancement
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Mathew 6:33). This verse also makes it clear that certain priorities create a greater result.
It shows us some of the top 20% catalytic habits we are all to invest in:
Make your connection with God the #1 passion
It will drive us to understand what the kingdom is really about
We will immerse ourselves in New Covenant theology where we will 100% believe we are righteous
Even though we all are to invest in certain things, the specifics of how we do it will be different. The “sweet spot” in your prayer life will look different than mine. How you strengthen your revelation of righteousness won’t duplicate how I do it. One of life’s grandest adventures is to discover what brings life to ourselves and others.
As we go deeper in finding our 20%’s, consider these verses:
“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function” (Romans 12:4).
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10)
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ”(1 Corinthians 12:12)
We are designed for a unique purpose. We all have different functions, gifts, and we all represent different parts of the body. As God reveals to us the specifics of these, it will help narrow our focus down to greatest strengths. We are created for a purpose to function in. If we spend most of our time outside of what we are best at, then frustration and ineffectiveness will result.
Yes, there are seasons where we will take on responsibilities that are not part of our greatest strengths, but there needs to be a limit to how long that lasts.
In conclusion, here are some questions for reflection and activation:
What is the top 20% in your relationship with God? What creates your intimacy with Him and His grace to empower you?
What are your top 20% beliefs to renew your mind consistently?
What are the top 20% habits in your family that bring the most fruit?
What are the top 20% business ideas that bring the biggest revenue?
What else is God speaking to you about through this blog?
As we move forward in life, we will increasingly invest in the 20% and delegate the other 80%. It is the path to radical increase. You are ready for this and to take it to a higher level. The world will benefit greatly as you do.
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