The 90/10 rule

Problems will occur. That's beyond doubt, but what is REALLY important is how we REACT to the problems WHEN they occur rather than worry/be sad about what could have been, or what should have been. The problem (or that really Bad Thing or whatever) has already happened - do you let it mess up your life more than it already has? Or do you nod your head, learn the lesson (there ALWAYS is a lesson to be learned whenever a screwup occurs) and move on.

This is the 90/10 rule.

A study was conducted (i forget by who and when) and it found that, in the average human being, 90% of our lives are determined by 10% of our actions. These actions can be good or bad, they can be positive or negative but the bottom line is that they have a tremendous impact on the rest of our lives. For example, John wakes up in the morning. By accident, his young son spills coffee on his shirt. He curses and swears and makes a terrible fuss. His mood is destroyed and he is incredibly irritated by the time he gets to work. Because he is upset, he makes some bad business decisions which have long-reaching negative implications on his business. A bad day at work translates to a very bad day at home when he goes home. He shouts at his wife, his wife cooks a bad meal because she is upset, he gets upset even more and they fight.

Just one decision John made ruined his whole day: he got angry because his son ACCIDENTLY spilled coffee on him. There was absolutely nothing he could do about the coffee being spilled on him; but what he did have control over was his reaction (his subsequent action) - that's why: 10% of his actions ruined the other 90% of the rest of his day. The 90/10 rule.