Let me take you on a journey, not just any journey, but a groove-infused exploration into the heart of life itself. Picture this: the year is 1985, and Sting, the legendary frontman of The Police, decides to go solo. But to create his new band, he needed a percussionist who could vibe with his bass like nobody’s business.
Legend has it that Sting held open auditions, welcoming drummers of all stripes to try their luck. One by one, they stepped into the spotlight, eager to impress. But there was a catch – Sting asked them to do something simple: play a straightforward 4/4 beat. A piece of cake, right?
The first drummer, bursting with enthusiasm, launched into a thunderous snare roll, hoping to dazzle Sting with his flair. But Sting, with a knowing smile, politely thanked him and showed him the door. The next few drummers followed suit, each adding their own twist – tom cycles, ghost notes, you name it. But none of them hit the mark.
And then, in walked Vinnie Colaiuta. There was something about the way he carried himself, a quiet confidence that spoke volumes. He didn’t need flashy tricks or gimmicks. No, Vinnie knew that sometimes, less is more.
With a nod from Sting, Vinnie settled behind the drum kit, adjusted his seat, and began to play. And oh, what a sight it was! He locked into the rhythm like it was second nature, each beat ringing out with precision and soul. Vinnie, played on. And Vinnie Played on. Sting recalled that it must have been 10 minutes that Vinnie played the 4/4 beat without deviating from the instruction to do so. Not speeding up. Not slowing down. Not going louder. Not playing softer. It was as if time itself stood still. As Sting joined in, his bass intertwining with Vinnie’s drums in a dance of pure musical bliss.
As they jammed, the room filled with an electrifying energy, each note echoing the passion and dedication of two artists in perfect harmony. And in that moment, it became clear – Sting wasn’t just looking for a drummer; he was searching for a kindred spirit, someone who understood the power of simplicity and the beauty of a well-crafted groove.
But this tale isn’t just about music; it’s about life itself. You see, embedded within this musical anecdote lies a profound truth – the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle. It’s the idea that 20% of our efforts yield 80% of our results, a concept as timeless as it is powerful.
Think about it: 20% of your skills drive 80% of your success. 20% of your time produces 80% of your output. It’s the principle of focus, of honing in on what truly matters and letting go of the rest.
The trick is here to execute flawlessly 80% of the time – to the point – when it matters most. The other 20% of the time you can peak to see what is in the bag of tricks.
In another blog post I will go into more detail about Zipf’s Law. Both was mentioned in the Video above. Using these to universal powers together are a great productivity boost.