Discover the 90/10 Principle... it will change your life or at least the way
you react to situations. What is this principle? 10 per cent of life is made
up of what happens to you. 90 per cent of life is decided by how you react.
What does this mean? We really have no control over 10 per cent of what
happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be
arriving late, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off
in traffic. We have no control over this 10 per cent. But the other 90 per
cent is different. You determine the other 90 per cent... by your reaction.
You cannot control a red light. But you can control your reaction.
Let's use an example.
You are having breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup
of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just
happened. What happens next will be determined by how you react. You curse.
You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down
in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for
placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle
follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find
your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for
school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You
rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you
drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay and
paying traffic fines, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the
building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes
late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As
it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming
home. When you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with
your spouse and daughter. Why? Because of the way you reacted in the
morning. Why did you have a bad day?

a) Did the coffee cause it?
b) b) Did your daughter cause it?
c) c) Did the policeman cause it?
d) d) Did you cause it?

The answer is 'd'. You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those five seconds is what caused your bad day. Here is
what could have and should have happened. Coffee splashes over you. Your
daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be
more careful next time." Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing
a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through
the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You
arrive five minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comment
on how good the day is. Notice the difference? Two scenarios - both started
the same; both ended different. Why? Because of how you reacted. You really
do not have any control over 10 per cent of what happens. The other 90 per
cent was determined by your reaction. Here are some ways to apply the 90/10
principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge.
Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the
negative comment affect you. React properly and it will not ruin your day. A
wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting
stressed out, etc. How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic? Do
you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? Do you curse? Does your
blood pressure skyrocket? Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry
about it. Don't let another car ruin your day. You are told you lost your
job. Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying
energy and time into finding another job. The plane is late; it is going to
mangle your schedule for the day. Why pour out your frustration on the
flight attendant? Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Now you know the 90/10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the
results. It will change your life.