With 2012 just around the corner, what changes can you make to your life that will boost the fruit you realize?

A few years ago I wrote a post about applying the 80/20 rule to your life. 20% of work produces 80% of the
results.  Conversely, 80% of our work is relatively ineffective.

The end of the year is a good time to look at our lives and
ask, "What is the 20% of my work that produces the greatest value in my
life and how do I increase that percentage?"

Here is what I do: To increase my effectiveness, I look at who I'm leading and
the scope of their leadership. Some questions I ask in this regard:

• Are they truly leading their team? Or do they spend more time doing tasks?
• Do they help team members where they're going together and how to get there?
• Do they have a deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses?
• How do they respond when I challenge them? Do we work synergistically?

My 20% involves starting new things.
God has gifted me that way. But here is a good example where one's greatest strength can be one's
greatest weakness.  That's because I tend to start too many new
things.  I need to focus on those new
initiatives that may have the greatest impact.

That's me.  What about you?  Where do people tell you that you
shine the most?  What 20% of activities that you engage in produce most
of your results?

1. Beginning with your
   work life, make a list of the activities you do on a regular basis.
2. Evaluate the percentage of time you spend.
3. Go through the list and ask, "What can I cut back on?"
4. Say no to the stuff that perhaps God never asked
   you to pick up in the first place.
5. Go back and do the same exercise for your personal life. What are you trying to
   accomplish there? What critical activities will make the greatest
   impact?
6. Ask God what he thinks about your priorities. What changes does he want you to make?

Changing behavior is rarely easy work - to get really serious about it, ask a friend to help you in the process. Have her look at your list and help you evaluate your priorities.

The media says that 2012 is going to be a tough year for all of us. But consider the possibility that God wants you to have your best year ever.