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Writer's pictureRob Stanfield

The 80-15-5 Rule: Becoming a Self-Help Superstar

8 key strategies to propel yourself into the top 5% of self-improvement achievers.


Hey, truth-seekers! Let's talk about something wild: the 80-15-5 rule. This idea comes from Dan Kennedy, a marketing genius. He says it applies to all self-help stuff you buy. Ready for this? 80% of people get zero results. 15% get so-so results. And 5%? They knock it out of the park.


Want to join that top 5%? I'm gonna show you how. No fluff, just real talk.


1. Go All In or Go Home


The 80% who get nothing? They buy courses and forget about them. Don't be that guy. If you're gonna do this, do it for real. Here's what that looks like:


  • Make time every day for your growth work

  • Do all the exercises, even the weird ones

  • Use what you learn right away in your life


Look at your schedule now. Can you find 30 minutes a day for the next week to work on yourself? If not, you're not ready. Wait until you can give it your all.


2. Open Your Mind, Expand Your World


The 15% who get okay results? They're stuck in their old ways of thinking. To hit that top 5%, you gotta open your mind. Don't just swallow everything, but give new ideas a fair shot.


Try this: For a week, say "yes" to every new idea in your program. Write down what you think at first, then find three good things about it. This little trick can show you stuff you'd miss otherwise.


The best lessons often come from the weirdest places. Be ready to shake up your thinking.


3. Do It, Don't Just Know It


Knowing stuff without doing stuff? That's how you end up in the 80% who get nothing. The secret to joining the top 5% is doing something every single day.


Here's a surefire way to take action:


  1. Every night, pick one main idea from your program.

  2. Think of three ways to use it tomorrow.

  3. The next day, do at least one of those things.

  4. Before bed, think about how it went and what you learned.


Say you're working on getting more done, and you learned about the Pomodoro Technique. Your three ways to use it might be:


  1. Use it for your morning work

  2. Try it during your workout

  3. Use it when you're reading at night


Do this every day, and you'll start seeing big changes fast.


4. Think Long-Term


The 5% who crush it? They know real change takes time. They're not looking for quick fixes. They're in it for the long haul.


To think like them:


  • Set goals for 1-3 months and 1-3 years tied to your program.

  • Break these big goals into weekly and daily actions.

  • Celebrate small wins, but keep your eye on the big picture.


Let's say you're working on money stuff. Your short goal might be saving $1,000 in three months. Your long goal? Building a $50,000 emergency fund in two years. Break these down into how much to save each week and how much to spend each day.


Remember, slow and steady wins the race.


5. Find a Growth Buddy


It's easy to slack when no one's watching. That's why having someone to check in with can help you join the top 5%.


Here's how to make it work:


  1. Team up with someone else working on self-improvement.

  2. Set up weekly video calls.

  3. Share your goals and what you're gonna do that week.

  4. Talk about what's hard and come up with solutions together.

  5. Cheer each other on, no matter how small the win.


Can't find a buddy? Join online groups about your program. Many have places where people team up to keep each other on track.


6. Make It Your Own


No self-help program fits everyone perfectly. The top 5% know how to make the material work for them.


Here's how:


  • For each new idea, ask: "How can I make this fit my life and goals?"

  • Try different ways of doing things. If one way doesn't work, try another.

  • Keep a journal about how you changed things and what happened.


For example, if a program says to wake up at 5 AM, but you're a night owl, try being productive in the evening instead.


7. Teach to Learn


Want to really get something? Teach it. You don't need to become a guru or start a YouTube channel. Start small:


  • Explain ideas to a friend or family member

  • Write social media posts about what you're learning

  • Help someone just starting their growth journey


Teaching makes you organize your thoughts, understand things better, and often shows you new stuff you missed.


8. Track Like a Scientist


The top 5% don't guess if they're getting better. They measure it. Numbers don't lie.


Make a simple tracking system:


  1. Pick 3-5 main things to measure related to your goals.

  2. Use a spreadsheet or an app to track habits.

  3. Update your numbers daily or weekly.

  4. Look at your progress every month and change your approach if needed.


For a fitness program, track how many steps you take, how often you work out, and your body measurements. For meditation, track how long you meditate, how stressed you feel, and how well you sleep.


Seeing your progress in black and white can fire you up and help you stay on track.


Here's something cool: Studies show that people who track their progress are 42% more likely to reach their goals. Just measuring stuff could be the difference between getting nothing and changing your whole life.


By doing all this stuff, you're setting yourself up to join that top 5% who really nail self-help programs. Remember, the difference between getting nothing and getting amazing results often comes down to how you use the material, not the material itself.


So, are you ready to commit? To open your mind, take action every day, think long-term, find a buddy, make the program your own, teach others, and track your progress like a boss? If so, you're on your way to breaking out of the 80% and joining the top 5% in any self-help program you try.


Getting from the 80% to the top 5% isn't easy. But it's worth it. Start today, keep at it, and watch your whole life change.

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