"The Pareto principle (also known as the 80-20 rule, the law of the vital few and the principle of factor sparsity) states that, for many events, 80% of the effects comes from 20% of the causes."

Was introduced this concept sometime ago by Ms Chua as the 80-20 principle, but she didn't really make much sense then. Today, I was reintroduced to this concept by the Uncle of the noodle stall. He came over to talked to me and xq after Open Day, and he mentioned about this Pareto's rule. It's quite an interesting concept. Go read it on wikipedia(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pareto_principle) =D

Anyway, even though it's quite a generalised rule and several assumptions made in the process, what intrigued me most is the part on Pareto's analysis. This is when what Ms Chua said a few months ago starts to make sense to me. I don't think it's right to just copy paste everything, so go search for this analysis in wikipedia and you will find it somewhere.

Alright, the main concept is the 80:20(tasks:time spent) ratio. If 80% of the tasks(to be done) can be completed in 20% of ur disposable time, we can achieve better time management if we give the top 20% most pressing tasks undone the priority. This made me reflect on my revision timetable.

To be truthful, I haven't drawn a revision timetable yet. I'm still trying to catch up on the work given. But I never prioritise: I do whatever I see, or feel like doing. If this principle applies in this context, then I've just wasted much time doing unproductive work. If I prioritise my work, then I'll be able to clear the more pressing stuffs in a shorter time, therefore productive. Right?

To make matter worse, my revision for prelims is in a mess too. My mindset is that I'll devote constant practice time to mathematics everyday, and revise chem first, followed by economics, then biology. Again, if the principle applies, I'm so screwed. I think I'd rather spend productive time on Biology and Economics than on Chemistry and Mathematics, since I'm better at the latter pair. Which means I must change my study plans! However, Biology is alot on hardcore memory work and I'm not so sure if I'm able to retain the facts in my brain long enough if i start revision on Biology first. HMMM!

So my conclusion? I'll start on Economics first. My arguably best subject for J1 has just became my worst in J2, and I think I'll leave the memory work to the last few moments(the fact that I'm consistent in Biology seems to indicate that my study method is correct). Well, dun copy my studying strategy please. It's unfair to use other people's strategy! =P

Hohoho so much cock in the last few paragraphs. Alright I think the main thing I'm promoting in today's entry is the Pareto's Principle. Read the article and be amazed but how true(or untrue) the examples given might be. And consider restructuring your revision timetable! It might help.
If it doesn't, dun blame me alright. =)