> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.docthor.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The 80/20 Undone Rule - URL: https://www.docthor.com/the-80-20-undone-rule/ - Published: 2026-09-02T01:31:29.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-02T01:31:29.000Z - Author: Thor Bergersen Vilfredo Pareto was an Italian economist. In 1896, he observed that about 80% of the land and wealth in Italy was owned by 20% of its people. Pareto’s Principle, commonly known as the 80/20 rule, and has been applied with varying degrees of accuracy to many phenomena beyond the distribution of Italian land ownership. 80% of business revenue comes from 20% of customers. 80% of health care costs are incurred by 20% of patients. 20% of software bugs account for 80% of system crashes. 80% of perceived stress arises from 20% of daily hassles. The percentages are approximations, but they encapsulate the idea that the majority of some things, both good and bad, result from a minority of contributing factors. The Undone is no exception. 80% of what is stored within it originates from 20% of all that has not been done. Although the Undone is a psychological construct without measurable dimensions, it is possible to conceptualize beyond the degree to which it causes distress. Like a troll lurking under a bridge, its shadowy outlines are fleetingly discernible. Undone, unforgotten intentions fall into four general categories: 1) Wants 2) Needs 3) Musts 4) Shoulds We will explore each of these categories, starting with the fourth: Should. “Shoulds” are the 20% that, when all is unsaid and undone, become 80% of what remains in the sludgy mix known as the Undone. We do what is interesting, urgent or both. We do not do boring things that can wait. Some things we do as a matter of routine, without having to think or decide in the moment. We also do things we’ve agreed to do. Our intentions to do things that are not particularly interesting, have no specific deadline, are not part of our routines and will have no immediate effect on anyone but ourselves are prefaced, in thought and speech, with the word “should.” Should is a product of expectations and possibilities. We have expectations for ourselves, and others have expectations for us. When something worthwhile is within the realm of possibility, we tell ourselves we should do it. If we have a good idea, we decide we should follow through with it. When our conscience nags, there’s a should involved. Should is inherently judgmental. When you think or say it to yourself, the subtext is something like, “Left to my own devices, I will probably not do this, but…” When another person says it to you, the implication is, “If you know what’s good for you and have any common sense, you’ll…” Often, shoulds have no connection to our interests, wants or needs. They may, however, have indirect effects on our well being or the wants and needs of others. All shoulds have one thing in common: they do not *have* to be done. At least not at the moment they arise. You will never find yourself thinking, “I should probably move out of the path of that rapidly approaching vehicle.” That is something you will do if you want to survive - now. We do, however, find ourselves thinking, “I should finish that degree,” or “I should be better about staying in touch with old friends.” Eventually, such thoughts get pushed back far enough that they join the ranks of the Undone, because consciously reminding ourselves of shoulds that are not happening becomes a form of masochism. We are driven to think and do more, feeling this pressure most acutely when we’re at rest, the open space in our minds rapidly engorged with a vague but undeniable sense that there is something we *should* be doing, *should* have done, or *should* be preparing to do. At its best, should is our ethical compass. Should you attend the funeral? Yes, you should. At its worst, should is every expectation, no matter how fanciful, impractical or idealistic. Should you give to those who have less than you until you have nothing more to give? Perhaps. But perhaps you should not. Many shoulds arise and are quickly forgotten. Those that remain in our subconscious, however, are plentiful. If we were to create a recipe for the large, shapeless, slippery stew known as the Undone, it would call for roughly 80% shoulds along with 15% wants, 3% needs and 2% musts. If our goal is to shrink the Undone, should we endeavor to eradicate the word “should” from our thoughts and conversations? Yes, we should.