How to Use the 80/20 Rule to Set Smarter Goals (And Get Faster Results)
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You’re not lazy. You’re not disorganized. You’ve just been chasing too many goals with too little clarity.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list or disappointed by your progress, there’s a reason: you’re focusing on the wrong 80%.
And it’s not your fault, most goal setting advice ignores the power of prioritization. But there’s a simpler, faster, and smarter way to crush your goals without burning out.
It’s called using the 80/20 rule to set SMART goals.
And here’s how to flip your workflow using this underrated combo, so you can finally start working less but achieving more.
What Is The 80/20 Rule, And Why It Changes Everything?
Also known as the Pareto Principle, the 80/20 rule is a concept from economics that says:
In other words, most of what you do isn’t actually moving the needle. And once you identify the high-impact 20%, you can ditch the fluff and double down on what really matters.
Entrepreneurs, founders, and high-performers swear by it because it creates clarity fast, and saves them from spending hours on things that don’t convert, grow, or improve their lives.
Here’s where it gets powerful: when you combine the 80/20 rule with SMART goals, you turn vague intentions into laser-focused execution.
Why Most People Fail At Goal Setting (Even With SMART Goals)
You’ve probably seen the acronym before:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-bound
For example, writing “Post 3x on Instagram every week” might be a SMART goal, but is it part of the 20% that actually grows your revenue?
That’s why using the 80/20 rule for SMART goals isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
How To Set SMART Goals With The 80/20 Rule
Let’s get tactical.
Here’s a simple 3-step framework to create SMART goals for busy entrepreneurs without wasting time or energy.
Step 1: Identify Your 20%
Ask yourself:
→ What 20% of tasks generate 80% of my results?
→ What 20% of clients bring in 80% of my revenue?
→ Which 20% of habits improve 80% of my well-being?
Example:
If you’re a wellness coach, you might discover that your weekly newsletter brings in more consults than your daily Instagram stories. That’s your 20%.
Step 2: Turn That 20% Into A SMART Goal
Now that you know what matters most, make it SMART.
Example SMART goal using Pareto Principle:
“Send 1 email per week to my top 1,000 subscribers to promote my coaching offers, for the next 12 weeks.”
It’s:
✅ Specific (send email to top 1,000)
✅ Measurable (1 per week)
✅ Achievable (no daily grind)
✅ Relevant (leads to revenue)
✅ Time-bound (12 weeks)
Step 3: Eliminate The 80% That’s Holding You Back
This is where the magic happens.
Audit your calendar and cut or delegate tasks that don’t directly serve your SMART goals.
Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less—on purpose.
The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make With SMART Goals
They try to do too many.
One well-targeted SMART goal based on the 80/20 rule outperforms 10 scattered ones.
Here's the truth:
👉 You don’t need more time.
👉 You don’t need more tools.
👉 You just need fewer, better goals.
Think: revenue-producing over reactive.
Momentum over perfection.
Focused energy over scattered hustle.
Productivity Hacks Using SMART Goals That Actually Work
Let’s face it: most “productivity hacks” waste more time than they save. But these ones? They’re 80/20-approved.
Use The “1-3-5” Rule
→ 1 big goal, 3 medium tasks, 5 small actions. Prioritize based on what serves your SMART goals.
Automate Your 80%
→ Schedule posts, email sequences, or invoices so you spend more time in the 20% zone that creates growth.
Plan Weekly Using The 80/20 Rule
→ Every Sunday, ask: What is my one SMART goal this week that drives 80% of the outcome I want?
Don’t Multitask. Theme.
→ Assign specific days or time blocks for deep work, content creation, or admin. That way, your focus stays high-impact.
If you’re serious about goal setting that leads to faster results, these productivity hacks will make your day feel less chaotic—and a whole lot more profitable.
What To Do Now (And What To Stop Doing)
DO:
✔ Choose 1 SMART goal that aligns with your top 20% priorities
✔ Eliminate or outsource the rest
✔ Focus your daily actions on that goal
STOP:
✘ Setting goals based on what looks good online
✘ Chasing productivity for productivity’s sake
✘ Focusing on the 80% that’s not moving the needle
Work Less, Achieve More
When you pair SMART goals with the 80/20 rule, you stop wasting time on low-impact tasks—and start creating results that feel almost unfair.
If you’re a founder, creator, or entrepreneur tired of spinning your wheels, this framework is the reset you need.
Set goals that matter, cut the noise, and let your future self thank you.
