Personal Operating Manual

Personal Operating Manual (POM) - v1

Revison A
Copy 1
Last Updated: July, 2026

Establish the principles that guide every decision.

Create an environment that is orderly, functional, and always ready for tomorrow.

Make your bed every morning.
Keep the bedroom floor clear of clutter.
Every object must have a permanent home. If it doesn’t, question its place in your life.
Put things where you’ll look for them.
Store like items together.
Store cleaning supplies where they are used.
Always be knolling.
Arrange your space around how you live, not around convention.
Never pass an out-of-place object more than twice. If you don’t put it away the first time, make sure you put it away the second time you encounter it.
When an item needs to go upstairs or downstairs, place it on the stairs. Never go up or down the stairs empty-handed when there’s an item waiting to go your direction.
When a task is complete, clean the area immediately. Return every object to its proper place.
Leave things better than you found them.
When a delivery arrives, put the contents away immediately. Break down the box and take it to the recycling bin.
Do not leave empty containers or packaging on countertops, desks, or workbenches. Dispose of them immediately.
Clear every flat surface before going to bed. Start each day with a clean workspace.

Maintain the body and mind so they reliably support a long, capable, and meaningful life.

When you wake up, get out of bed and begin your day. Do not lie in bed or go back to sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Walk every day, rain, snow, or shine.
Meditate every day.
Eat slowly. It’s okay to stop when you’re full.
Do not eat or snack after 8:00 PM.

Remain curious. Continually expand understanding through deliberate learning.

Focus attention on meaningful work. Remove friction before it appears.

If you can’t do it now, capture it. Write it down and add it to your task list.
Finish what you start.
Handle it completely the first time whenever practical.
Use short periods of waiting to complete small tasks.
When boredom appears, choose purposeful action. There is always something worthwhile to do.
If a task requires preparation, complete the preparation the night before. Build momentum for tomorrow.
When you commit to something, show up.
Do not rush to finish a project. The finish line will still be there. Always choose quality over speed.

Design better systems. Pursue craftsmanship. Never stop improving.

When a task requires repetition, look for opportunities to optimize. Make each repetition simpler, faster, or better.
When practical, create what you need instead of settling for something that falls short.
Modify your items to fit your life. Do not modify your life to fit your items.

Own intentionally. Maintain what you have. Let your possessions serve your life.

Take inventory before buying. Replace only when necessary.
Repair before replacing.
Buy for quality over price.
Buy in bulk only when the item is used quickly.
Choose refill packaging over new containers whenever practical.
Do not give in to instant gratification. If it’s worth doing or having, it’s worth waiting for.

Keep your digital environment as intentional as your physical one.

Digital clutter is still clutter. Keep files organized and clean. Delete what is no longer relevant or required.
Maintain a zero inbox. Keep emails only if they serve as a future reference (e.g., tracking numbers or order confirmations).
Delete message threads when the conversation has concluded.
Clear your browsing history when your browsing session is complete.

Conduct yourself with integrity, humility, patience, and kindness.

When frustrated, choose acceptance and understanding over anger.
Assume unseen burdens. Choose kindness.
Talk less about yourself. Listen more to others.
Do not place expectations on others. Unmet expectations often lead to disappointment.

Give your full attention to what deserves it.

Give long-form media your full attention. Respect the artist by being fully present.

Build systems. Live deliberately.
- KH