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.

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.

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?