How To Embrace the 90/10 Rule

So many principles, so little time:).  Seriously, I want to tackle the 90/10 principle (10% is the unexpected good or bad, 90% is what you choose) in relation to our life and career.

For many years I was told by mentors and colleagues that the 90/10 rule was important.  In the early years, I didn't want to have the responsibility for 90% of my life.  It seemed so permanent to face the consequences of my choices.  And I certainly didn't like the idea of the 10%.  Who wants to be at the mercy of the unexpected? 

It was about 10 years ago that I really became conscious of the principle.  So much so that it now is a part of my culture.  I use the term conscious because unconscious living leads to incongruent values (I say exercise is important, but I never do it) or plain old hypocrisy.  No judgment here, but you need to be awake.

Here's why you need to embrace the 90/10 rule:

• You must embrace, because the 90/10 rule embraces you.  Like it or not.
• When you embrace, your leadership quality goes way up.  All of sudden you think before you act.
• You must tame the beast inside.  Call it misplaced ambition, preoccupation with the opinions of others or greed.  When you realize that 90% of life is what you choose, you'll think twice about walking all over your co-workers.
• You'll begin to think about your foundation.  Is it sand or stone?  When the unexpected comes what will keep you anchored?
• Embracing the rule will simplify things.  It won't make life easy, but it will make you decide what's most important in career and life.
• You'll make the breakthrough to realizing that no one/organization can make you happy.  Happiness is a choice (there's that 90% again) and only you can make this one.
• You'll stop being afraid of your destiny and get on with the mission.
• The Oscar for best motion picture should be your life.

Don't awaken to an accidental career or life.