For many activities, just enough is good enough. The problem comes when we apply this 80% universally to all activities. We become blind to what excellence really means. To the value in putting in the extra effort to get something that is perfect. In short, we get accustomed to not meeting our own standards, and numb to how that feels. But over time, ignoring the feeling that we could do better eats away at our motivation. It erodes our capacity to deliver 100%. If you can't remember what it's like to focus on one task until it's perfect, then how do you recognize perfection?
That's why it's important to resist the sugar-rush of multitasking. Don't apply Pareto's Law to every activity - be selective. Some tasks do not warrant the full force of your manifest abilities. But others will move the needle and create a 'wow' moment if you exceed expectations. Don't shortchange these opportunities, just to check them off the list. In fact, ignore five others so you can do this one thing well. If not for your team or your client, do it for yourself.
