SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cadet-focused-thinking-80-20

Focused thinking uses the 80/20 rule. What does it tell a leader to do?

Spend 80% of your effort on the top 20% of issues.

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  1. Spend 80% of time on the smallest issues
  2. Spend 80% of effort on the top 20% of issues ✔
  3. Divide effort equally across every issue

Why: Focused thinking means studying one problem hard and not getting distracted. Putting most of your brainpower on the biggest challenges should bring the biggest results.

Huh, didn't know that: Learn to Lead says switching between tasks all the time, like TV plus chatting plus homework, works against focused thinking.

The dad joke
I tried focused thinking while watching TV, texting and petting the dog. The dog got the best results.
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References

Answer: Spend 80% of effort on the top 20% of issues. Focused thinking means studying one problem hard and not getting distracted. Putting most of your brainpower on the biggest challenges should bring the biggest results.

  1. Learn to Lead Volume 2, Chapter 5, Modes of Thinking (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/Vol2LetterLowFinal_8BDFDB373E830.pdf
    devote 80% of your time and energy to the top 20 percent of the issues you face.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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