Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto (b. July 15, 1848, Paris -- d. August 19, 1923, Geneva) was an Italian sociologist, economist and philosopher. He made several important contributions especially in the study of income distribution and in the analysis of individuals' choices.

In 1906 he made the famous observation that twenty percent of the population owned eighty percent of the property in Italy, termed the 80-20 rule.

The 80-20 rule offers important guidance in many personal and business areas. For example:

 20% of land supports 80% of the population

 20% of illness kills 80% of population

 20% of football teams enjoy 80% of supporters

 20% of our clothes we wear 80% of the time

 20% of our carpets are walked on 80% of the time

 20% of customers provide 80% of the revenue and profit

... and so it goes on. Think of a few yourself. See how you have 'generalised' your personal choices; 80% of the time I choose from 20% of the menu. 80% of the time I choose 20% of the available T.V programmes, and 80% of the time I live at 20% of my ability!

At the heart of NLP is the concept of 'freedom and personal choice'. Clearly, it is useful to generalise and develop a 'habit' as this means we do not have to learn over and over again. For example, driving your car to work.

However, as the world now changes so rapidly we need to challenge our 80-20's, our habits and our inner most beliefs. Expand your mind through new experiences; drive another way, eat off your normal menu; take a different holiday; get home early; play with your kids; watch a sunrise or a sunset.

It's just a thought .....