Scott Taylor: Creator of Life Machines

There are many processes that go into a streamlined way of living. Here are just a few.

1. If you haven’t seen it or used it in 6 months, get rid of it. This would mean all those little things you collect and say “Someday I’ll need this.” The only thing I will stretch this rule for is clothes. Even then, on 80% of all your clothes, if you have not worn it in a year, it needs to go. Be kind to our environment and if you can recycle, please do
2. Everything has it’s place, put it there. So many times I see that the clutter only comes from the fact that you leave things laying wherever you happen to have been, not where the item belongs. This rule has far reaching effects in items being lost, so money spent replacing it, and time spent searching for it. And Time is Money!
3. Stay clean. Enough cannot be said about this rule. Simply put, you will waste time by not being clean. Being clean will make you want to be in your place. Whether that is home, cubicle, closet, wherever. You can’t be organized without being clean, and you can’t be clean without being organized.
4. Arrange things where your movement to get them is minimized. This rule applies to every room in the house or business. In the kitchen ladies, and I understand aesthetics, put the knives where you will do the cutting, put the glasses in the cabinet next to the fridge, getting my drift. In business put the stapler next to the copier, the trash can next to the kitchen. Make your desk like the driver seat of your car, so that you barely have to move to get to anything.
5. When you start a project, finish it. Sometimes projects are large and will span several days. If this happens, divide the project into sections that can be completed within a day. Then follow the rule for that particular section. Nothing will slow you down more than having to figure out where you left off and then get back into the zone. By dividing the project, you can enter the zone much more quickly knowing that all was completed the day before.
6. If it doesn’t have a place, you either throw out one thing to make space, or you just don’t get it. This is my most important rule. Follow this rule and clutter will not be able to develop.

Here is a very important rule to follow, which takes courage to practice, streamline your friends, acquaintancesand staff too. If they are holding you back, don’t spend time with them, or even better yet, get rid of them. Since 80% of your work is done by 20% of your staff, and 80% of your time is spent with 20% of your friends, spend your time with that 20%. Do not reward poor performance by giving underachievers your attention. This sounds harsh, but I promise their spot will be filled when you let them go. Remember, you only have so many spots available, use them wisely and get rid of the downers! Your closest friends and best staff should be the ones who lift you the highest and you should return that favor to them.