Have you ever gone through a period in life where you just can’t seem to win, no matter what you do? You might seem to be surrounded by people who block you at every turn or seem to be intentionally on your case, all the time.
The good news is, you’re not alone. The better news is, with this simple rule, you can move through it and on to bigger and better things.
The Rule of 10, 80, 10
There’s a rule in business and change management that reads “10, 80, 10”. What it means is that when you are putting something out there, whether it is an idea for change, a better way of doing things, a new product or even a change in your personal style, there will be 10 percent of people who hate it. It’s just the way it is. Not everyone is going to love your stuff, and the sooner you know it, the sooner you can move on. Thankfully though, the tale doesn’t end here.
This is because there will also be 80 percent of people who are indifferent to your idea, and will simply ebb and flow with the tide depending on how well you work with them. Sure, that’s a lot of people, but realise that they have their own worries, their own lives and their own agendas. It can’t all be about you. Some of it can, though, which brings us to the last part of the equation.
This is where there will be 10 percent of people who absolutely love it. They will “get” your passion, your idea, and the way you do things. And they will love YOU. They will be your raving fans. They will help to spread your message, and will do it with a smile because they feel as though it’s right.
Look at Where You Are Now
So take a look at where you are now. Are you surrounded by detractors, or raving fans? Sure, sometimes it might feel as though nobody likes what you do – but it’s simply an illusion, because you are merely surrounded, at this point in time, by the 10 percent of haters. When you move around, move on, or keep working into other areas and meeting new people, you will meet the indifferent 80 percent. Keep going a little further, and you will meet the loving 10 percent.
So don’t be discouraged.
Know that you can change and move, and there is a “10 percent” of raving fans waiting out there, just for you.
Yours in change,
David McLachlan