In the entrepreneurial circles I move in, I am often called the "Process Doctor". This is because I am obsessed with systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). While most founders understand the need for SOPs in a multi-crore startup, they are usually taken aback when they visit my home and see that I have an SOP for the kitchen—and even the restroom.
It might seem extreme, but this is a philosophy born in the cockpit. In aviation, predictability is everything. If I can make my life predictable, I can make it efficient.
The Logic of Direction
If you are a marketer, you know that you never run an ad without a Call to Action (CTA). You tell people exactly what to do: click here, sign up, go to my bio. Why? Because unless you give people clear direction, they won't take action.
I apply this same marketing and aviation logic to my home. I love entertaining guests, but I also like my house in a certain order. I realized that rather than being frustrated by a mess, I could simply provide the "passengers" in my home with a clear set of instructions.
The Restroom SOP
The first reaction people have to my restroom SOP is usually amusement, followed by immediate compliance. My rules are simple but effective:
- Keep it dry: The floor and surfaces should remain dry at all times.
- The Seat Rule: The toilet seat must be kept in a specific way.
- Atmosphere: If a guest has "done a horrible job," there are room fresheners, fragrances, and even a candle to light.
- Guest Experience: I even provide a book to read.
By putting this in writing, I am not being a dictator; I am removing the guesswork. Surprisingly, after I put these SOPs up, people actually started following them.
Reference Items for Life
In aviation, we have Reference Items—checklists that you don't need to memorize but must follow to ensure the safety of the flight. Your home is no different.
- Identify the repeatable: If you find yourself cleaning the same mess or answering the same question every day, that is a process that needs an SOP.
- Define expectations: Clearly state what is acceptable and what is not.
- Ensure implications: An SOP without enforcement or impact is just a piece of paper. For an SOP to work, there must be a consequence—even if it's just a personal rule—for not following it.
A disciplined life is a personal choice. To build a startup that scales, you must first learn to scale the discipline in your own four walls.
Whether it's a 6:00 AM departure for Delhi or a guest using your restroom, systems create a predictable, high-quality experience. Don't wait for chaos to strike your household. Start defining your "Normal Procedures" today, and you'll find that being the Pilot in Command of your life becomes much easier.
Fin.
Share this post