#VAULT 101 SOCKS HOW TO#

While there are static models in economics, most are dynamic and occur across time. In such models, the goal is to optimize total utility across time and not just what we obtain “today.” “Sparks joy” has a very short-run flavor to it.

Cletus Coughlin, Economist, Senior Vice President and Chief of StaffĪssess the utility and storage costs of keeping that yard seed I’m not sure about this whole “throw it out if it doesn’t spark joy.”īut in terms of “does this make economic sense?” you don’t want to throw out something like a tuxedo because it’s a pain to buy a new one. When it comes to stuff you don’t use-or as Kondo says, doesn’t “spark joy”-if you have a tuxedo, which I don’t, I would still keep the tuxedo even though I might only wear it every few years. For now, no one is going to go over to my closet … unless I’m in there hiding from them.) When I get dragged out of here someday, I’ll probably throw them away. (Some things, such as the files in my storage closet, it’s highly unlikely I’m going to touch them. So it might be easier to find that way as opposed to spending the time to put it in the right place. The rationality of that is: If I just touched it, there’s a good chance I’m going to touch it again right away. With most of what I’m working on, the time dimension is only because I had it in my hand most recently. As long as you’re consistent, you’ll be able to find everything. Either put it at the front or put it at the back. There becomes an issue of, how do you file things? If you have something that is dated, it’s pretty easy to file. It’s organized enough for me to get what I need. Now, if you were to observe my office, you’d likely say, “Oh, he’s disorganized.” Even though it looks cluttered, every separate pile is a particular project I’m working on. (Although, given my experiences with economists, I am happy if they are simply wearing socks at work.) You won’t mistake a black sock for a blue one. You’ll benefit later from being able to access your socks quicker. The economist’s point of view is that you’re incurring some costs now-spending time organizing things-and deferring some gratification in anticipation of a payoff down the road. In terms of organization, you’re engaging in an investment.

#VAULT 101 SOCKS HOW TO#

A thought I had on the Marie Kondo phenomenon, because I heard about it from my wife and daughter: A lot of her advice isn’t just how to throw stuff out, it’s about an organization method.

Vault 101 socks