Pareto's Law of Fitness
80/20 rule, human behavior
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Who?
Most have heard of the 80/20 rule as it applies to sales. Vilfredo Pareto’s (1848 - 1923) law of income distribution was and still is ridiculously predictable.
Pareto’s brilliance dictates that 80% of sales come from 20% of customers. After closer inspection most businesses find this not only true but sometimes skewed even further – 90/10, 95/5 or even 99/1.
It stands to reason that when the 20 percent is defined, you strip away as much of the fat in the remaining 80% as possible for more results thus creating more efficiency.
Example with easy math: If company X has 100 customers that it services then 80% of the revenue comes from 20 leads or customers. Usually the 80 customers in this example don’t order often, complain the most and require the most customer service.
Does it make sense to spend 80% of the time working hard for 20%, or less, of the sales?
What if Company X profiled the 20 customers that bring in 80+ percent of the revenue and go out and find more customers like them while essentially firing the most of the 80 customers that hardly ever order product and or complain all the time?
Revenue would go through the roof and headaches would diminish.
Simple - but it works.
According to Pareto this principle can be applied to almost anything. Let me explain with a series of questions. (Be careful as the answers will be very eye opening)
• What things are the 20% in your life that bring you 80% of your joy?
• What aspects of your life are the 20% that bring you 80% of the unhappiness?
• Who in your life brings you the most happiness?
• Who in your life brings you the most sadness?
Here comes the fitness tie in…you knew it was comin’!
Look at your fitness program and diet. Evaluate it according to the 80/20 rule. Here are some suggestions:
• What foods represent the 20% ... read entire entry
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on 12/2/2008
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1.1
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First Day Back - And a Lesson
human behavior, motivation
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Almost 3 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease.
I've just finished my antibiotics and like most human beings that take a prolonged absence from exercise - I'm having a bit of motivational crisis. I have not been able to workout as directed by the doctor for the first week. From there, even though most of my symptoms have subsided, fatigue has not and I just "don't have it".
I'm going to attempt one of my 10 minute whole body workouts today and see how it goes. As my energy level slowly rises I know my workouts and intensity will come back, and (as I always preach) it's all relative.
It is times like this that as a fitness professional I see an opportunity.
In this case it is an opportunity to see fitness not through my eyes...but through the eyes of others. Clients, prospective clients, and millions of inactive individuals feel as I do today but on a daily basis. Having empathy for the people we deal with on a daily basis is paramount and will help you, and them succeed.
It is not an opportunity for excuses not to exercise. It is an opportunity to feel a little bit of what others feel who might not LOVE exercise as much I do. With that said, a better understanding of other peoples point of view can help me guide, inspire and push them to new levels in a way that is appropriate for that particular individual.
We all need a push every now and then. What matters most is HOW and WHEN.
Thanks for listening.
Stay strong. Have empathy. Win.
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
"Fast, Repeatable, Efficient, Effective"
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on 11/13/2008
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8
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Retreat, Retreat!
god, human behavior
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This past weekend I attended a men's retreat with my church. I have put it off, finding an excuse not to go for the last seven years. Without a doubt one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life was to go this year. I won't miss another one.
We were in the woods of southern NH. We stayed in lakeside cabins with nothing to do except what all 150+ men set out to do - increase our relationship with God and learn how to be better men, husbands, and dads.
One of the most refreshing things, amongst many, was the overwhelming feeling I had of complete non-judgement. Every man there was focused on improving their lives through God, and helping their brother in Christ do the same. Period. It was such an incredibly positive experience...I don't think I can accurately put it into words.
The second aspect that comes to mind was the time that was purposely allocated for us to chill out! On Saturday we had from lunch at noon until 4:00 to do what ever we wanted, what ever we needed to do, to make the weekend successful. When was the last time you had any time at all when you didn't HAVE to be somewhere, taking care of someone or doing something.
I went into this weekend with no expectations, feeling like a hamster on a wheel and physically ill after being diagnosed with Lyme Disease 12 days earlier. I left a new man. I have peace. I am energized. I am recommited to making a difference in this world.
I felt the spirit of God and it was so wonderful it brought me to my knees. The closest thing I can relate it to was the joy I felt when my kids were born - and that's not even close!
So here's the question:
What does this have to do with getting you in shape?
There are two things that are very important to your fitness success that I learned from this weekend.
1.) Who are you surrounding yourself with? Make sure the people around you are a positive inf... read entire entry
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on 11/11/2008
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1.3
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Obama-fied Fitness
barack obama, human behavior
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Last night the U.S. made history by electing Barack Obama as it’s first bi-racial President. I am a republican and did not vote for Senator Obama. However it sickens me to hear all of the cry babying this morning.
What he did is inspirational and he led people to believe that truly - ANYTHING is possible if you set a goal, stay focused on it and never, never give up.
I congratulate Barack Obama for overcoming, perservering and in the end winning.
Have you ever felt like you had a goal, a dream or an aspiration but there seemed to be huge obstacles in front of you?
Millions of people have fitness goals and never attain them. Some never even begin to pursue them because all they see in front of them are obstacles.
If you learned nothing from yesterday…you can do anything.
You can reach what ever goal you set out as long as it is based on reality.
I can tell you this, in-action will get you absolutely no where. Take action today and begin your journey toward being the most fit, healthy and energetic person you can be.
Take action. Don’t stop. Win.
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
“Fast, Repeatable, Efficient, Effective”
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on 11/5/2008
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6.8
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Are you a NOUN or a VERB?
fitness, human behavior, life, fat loss
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I must admit, sometimes I get my ideas from places that you wouldn’t think possible. If you read my posts often you know I draw parallels between things in life and fitness. That’s because I believe fitness is a life thing - not a “I need to lose weight” thing.
Right now I’m reading a terrific book. It’s called The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young. Last night I was really taken by some of the lines I read:
“…I will take a verb over a noun anytime.”
Now I don’t want to give you the context of this as I don’t want to spoil the book - I want you to read it on you own!
But more importantly I wish to talk about that statement and how it relates to life and your fitness.
Are you a NOUN?
Are you a static, non-moving loaf?
Or are you VERB?
Are you an ever changing, dynamic, moving, living, loving, growing, dancing and active participant in your life and in the lives of others?
Does your life look more like a noun…or a verb?
Here are three ways to turn your life into a verb:
1. Stop loving others more than you love yourself
2. Do something nice for someone unexpectedly
3. Be active most days of the week
Just how does this relate to fitness?
How will this make me lose fat?
Try it and see for yourself…I dare ya.
Be a verb. Be Active. Win.
Dave Gleason
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
“Fast, Repeatable, Efficient, Effective”
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on 10/22/2008
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7.3
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Join this New FitConnect Group!
the biggest loser, human behavior
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Last week I started a new FitConnect Group - "Trainers against The Biggest Loser". You can access it here:
http://groups.fitconnect.com/davegleason/Trainers-Against-The-Biggest-Loser
This is not an effort to smear or insult any contestant on this show. What the contestants go put themselves through should be acknowledged as inspirational and in some cases miraculous.
The motivation for me to start this group is the frustration felt by not only myself but other trainers who have posted comments on FitConnect, FaceBook or those I have spoken to directly. The way the people on this show are treated by "celebrity trainers" is in my opinion ridiculous. Since the inception of this "reality" show I have seen nothing but a set up for failure - ultimate failure.
It reminds people why they hate exercise and why they have failed in the past - after they have been so inspired to give it another try and they set out to do what they say and hear on the show.
Go to the group and I encourage you to join whether you are a trainer or an avid exercise nut, weekend warrior...or who ever you are.
I also encourage you to post comments on the group even if you don't agree with us. This topic, as many others, needs to be discussed.
Join. Discuss. Win.
Dave Gleason
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
www.HomeWorkoutExpert.com
"Fast, repeatable, efficient, effective"
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on 10/13/2008
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4.3
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Busy Work vs. Getting it Done
motivation, human behavior, busy work, get it done
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I was sitting in the lobby on the Hilton Hotel in Stamford Connecticut, surrounded by the top 1% of the fitness industry professionals in the world. An overwhelming thought keeps crossing my mind that I believe I need to share with you. These people get it done. Since last night there have been a virtual sea of laptops with keyboards being pounded as these true professionals are working on their business and with their clients from a far.
I initially questioned how many of these trainers and business owners are actually accomplishing tasks that will ultimately help them reach their goals and how many of them are just doing “busy work”? Another word for busy work is procrastination.
How about you and your fitness goals and dreams?
Are you just doing busy work or are you getting it done?
Are you procrastinating while you hide behind your inefficient workouts?
Are you eating foods that you deem “not bad for me” or are you making choices that will help you reach your weight loss goals AND keep you healthy?
Are you wasting your valuable time?
By the end of the weekend there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that 99% of the fitness pro’s I witnessed were actually getting important things done. This crowd is the best of the best.
Are you surrounding yourself with like minded, positive people or are you being bullied by negativity?
I have purposely asked more questions in this post than given answers. The questions are mine. The answers are yours.
Ask. Answer. Win
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
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on 9/25/2008
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2.7
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This post will save a life
consistency, human behavior, stress, heart attack, prevention
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Why?
Because it is that important.
Because I care.
I’m a bit emotional right now so hopefully this post will be coherent.
Yesterday my dad had his second heart attack in two years. Why do you need to know this?
Because he has no family history of heart disease. His mom and dad lived into their 70’s and 80’s.
My dad’s two brothers do not have heart disease as determined by extensive testing.
He has cholesterol levels well within the normal range. He has Normal (actually great)
blood pressure. Virtually NO risk factors.
The first heart attack in the spring of 2006 was as a direct result of heart disease - most likely stress
induced.
Yesterday’s event was caused by the 10% chance that any of the six stints, 3 two different coronary arteries,
would narrow.
What I haven’t mentioned is that he has always been active. In fact after his first event he
my dad stepped it up even more and has been eating close to perfect and exercising more regularly than
ever before.
The silver lining in all of this is that all of the doctors concur - IF it weren’t for the physical
condition my father is in he would have not survived either event.
We still don’t know the extent of the damage done to his heart at this point. What the doctors do
know is that he is stable and was able to avoid open heart surgery for a bypass of the artery. We
do know that it looks like, God willing, he will recover and live a long and fruitful life.
Why do I feel compelled to share this on my blog, social networks and to my entire subscriber list all
over the World?
If just one person takes action and begins a consistent exercise program and regularly eats well - it will either
prevent something like this happening to them OR they will survive it if it does happen.
I praise God my d... read entire entry
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on 8/15/2008
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5.8
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The Short Game
human behavior, motivation, advice
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If you want to get the most out of your workouts, your job, your business…your life than take a moment to think about what you should focus on. What have we taught ourselves to do? Are we going in the right direction.
Is what you are doing getting you closer to your goals - or further away?
Take 30 seconds and read this brilliant email I received from an honest, intelligent and caring family man I am honored to associate with. Steve Sisler has a knack for helping people stop life as a human doing and start a new as a human being.
THE SHORT GAME
Friends,
When it comes to the game of golf, wisdom dictates that 70% of all golf shots take place within 100 yards of the pin. This is what is known as the “short game.” The short-game involves little things like pitching, chipping and putting to name just a few. This particular aspect of the game represents 70% of your score.
Now go figure; wouldn’t you think that if you were going to improve your golf score, you would spend 3-4 hrs practicing your short game for every hour you spent on the driving range acting like Godzilla? But, that would be smart, most people are somewhere between stupid and brain-dead.
If you’re playing 18 holes, you’re statistically using short irons and putters 50 times, while using a driver about 14-15 times according to statistics. If people can’t fix their idiosyncrasies in golf, can you imagine the driving force behind fixing their faults at work? Yeah, you guessed it… about zilch. If your emotional short game is what I statistically believe it is, then maybe you should set aside some time and practice being human again.
Steve Sisler
www.behavioralresourcegroup.com
A simple yet effective way at exercising more that your muscles!
Stop doing. Start BEING. Win.
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
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on 8/12/2008
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4.9
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