Comments on: Dear Mark: 80/20 Revisited

By: Primal Blueprint Workout Plan: The Basics | Mark's Daily Apple

Primal Blueprint Workout Plan: The Basics | Mark's Daily Apple — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:20:19 +0000

[...] on the feedback I get, people like the Primal Blueprint for its simplicity. All it takes is a reasonably strict adherence to the ten Primal laws for most people to enjoy improved body composition, increased strength and [...]

By: The Dirty on Dirty Cow Poop: E. Coli | DodaPedia

The Dirty on Dirty Cow Poop: E. Coli | DodaPedia — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:06:08 +0000

[...] VA Nestle plant pumping out infected cookie dough – unless you’re having one of those hazy 80/20 days where it’s more like 20/80 and you wake up covered in wrappers with that weird chemical film in [...]

By: The Dirty on Dirty Cow Poop: E. Coli | Mark's Daily Apple

The Dirty on Dirty Cow Poop: E. Coli | Mark's Daily Apple — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:20:24 +0000

[...] CA Nestle plant pumping out infected cookie dough – unless you’re having one of those hazy 80/20 days where it’s more like 20/80 and you wake up covered in wrappers with that weird chemical film in [...]

By: Mark Sisson

Mark Sisson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:45:08 +0000

Clark, Laurie,

Yes, it can be a little confusing, considering 80 and 20 are used both in the Pareto principle and the 80% rule I use in The Primal Blueprint; which is one of the reasons I dedicated 2 posts to the the topic. My 80% rule is about doing your best and realizing that not being 100% compliant can be ok in many cases. Sure, the Pareto principle, adds another helpful nuance to the discussion. Additionally, I often say:

Eighty percent of your ability to reduce excess body fat is determined by
how you eat, with the other 20 percent depending on proper exercise,
other healthy lifestyle habits, and genetic factors.

Thank you for your thoughts/comments. I appreciate them. Cheers!

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:15:56 +0000

I agree with Clark that calling this method the “80/20 principle” is misleading since your interpretation does not relate to the Pareto principle, which is the more established 80/20.

By: Clark

Clark — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:20:08 +0000

The real “80-20 Rule” or “Pareto principle” does not apply like this. What it means is that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. So in business, 80% of your profits are likely because of 20% of your staff; the idea is to illustrate that a minority of causes provide the majority of results.

The fact that it adds up to 100% is purely coincidence, and is one reason so many people misapply the principle.

I’m not disagreeing with what you wrote – it makes perfect sense not to require absolute adherence to the PB – what I’m disagreeing with is your use of the phrase “80-20 Rule.”

A simple change in wording would appease the statisticians among us.

By: peggy

peggy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:34:36 +0000

I once stood in the salad dressing section reading all the bottles… even the Newmans were made with veg &/or soy oils. The ONLY dressing made with olive oil was that which I made at home.

By: peggy

peggy — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 03:29:43 +0000

… with butter, of course

By: heykapo

heykapo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:58:38 +0000

Sushi. And, although I almost collapsed from bread and butter, I’ll buy a loaf of French sour dough bread once a month and knock myself out. This thread has been a lot of fun, thanks all.

By: Reasons Why your Weight Loss Plan (Nutrition & Exercise) Isn't Working | Fitness Spotlight

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:14:43 +0000

[...] over at MDA also has the same mindset towards living a healthy lifestyle…“an overall 80% conformity with the 10 Primal Blueprint rules will yield a solidly healthy [...]