Keep the gravy train moving

There’s a maxim in politics called, one in, two out.

Agencies are required to identify two regulations for elimination when they propose a new one. That’s how you maintain a net zero increase in regulatory costs. You’ve got to offset the equivalent.

This ratio is helpful in politics, but in many areas of life. Because it’s all about preventing excess accumulation. Minimizing your unnecessary commitments. Being mindful about introducing new things. And maintaining balance in your ever expanding life.

Imagine if more of us applied this ratio to our lives. Like every time you bought a new kitchen gadget or tool, you had to remove two that were outdated, broken, or rarely used, to maintain usable space.

Look, if you really want to spend fourteen thousand dollars on a brand new rapid cook panini press oven, then go for it. Just make sure to identify two other appliances that have outlived their usefulness, and get them a one way ticket to the trash heap.

Like that stainless steel snow cone machine you only used once, but has been monopolizing an entire party shelf. Or that solar powered hot dog toaster you got as a wedding gift, but you feel guilty giving away.

One in, two out. Keep the gravy train moving.

This ratio also applies intellectually, to our ideas and beliefs. We might consider applying a similar rule to the possessions inside our heads.

I try to do this with philosophies. Since I am constantly adopting new approaches to life, for each new idea I integrate in my life, I question or even retire one or more older perspectives that no longer align with my values.

What excess accumulation do you need to discard? Where might you adopt the one in, two out mantra, to keep the gravy train moving?

For the record, this tool is not about being a minimalist. Or fighting back against our consumerist culture. It’s more about psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances by letting go of past thoughts, behaviors and objects.

I understand it’s painful to admit that an old thing or idea doesn’t serve us anymore. Especially if it’s tied to our identity. But part of being a mature adult is learning how to discard.

Whether it’s physical possessions or mental obsessions, there’s only such much space available. There’s a lot of cultural gravity against doing so, but if we can resist that normative pressure, then there’s no reason we can’t live a calm, uncluttered existence.

Socrates famously observed that the unexamined life was not worth living.

Similarly, the train that never unloads will eventually run out of fuel.

You’ve got to manage the flow of things entering and exiting the system.

What has outlived its usefulness in your life?