Document every pattern with three fields: name, observable trigger, default response
For each named pattern in your Pattern Dictionary, document three required fields: the pattern name, its observable trigger conditions, and the default behavioral response it produces.
Why This Is a Rule
A pattern without documentation is a pattern you'll forget to detect. The three-field structure captures exactly the information needed for real-time recognition: Name (the 2-4 word label from Name patterns in 2-4 words that compress the trigger-response sequence into a detectable label that fires as a recognition cue), Observable trigger conditions (the specific environmental or internal signals that activate the pattern), and Default behavioral response (what you automatically do when the trigger fires).
The trigger field must be observable — not "when I feel stressed" (internal, vague) but "when three tasks arrive simultaneously while I have an active deep work block" (external, specific). Observable triggers are detectable by an outside observer, which means they're detectable by you when you're looking for them.
The default response field documents what happens automatically without intervention. This is the behavior you're trying to interrupt or redirect. Documenting it explicitly converts an invisible automatic response into a known, predictable outcome that you can plan alternatives for.
When This Fires
- After naming a new pattern (Name patterns in 2-4 words that compress the trigger-response sequence into a detectable label) and wanting to make it actionable
- During pattern dictionary creation or maintenance
- When you can recognize a pattern by name but can't articulate its trigger conditions
- Any time you want to move from "I have a pattern" to "I can intervene in this pattern"
Common Failure Mode
Documenting the trigger as an internal state rather than an observable condition. "Trigger: feeling overwhelmed" is too vague for detection — you're always somewhat overwhelmed, so the trigger never stands out. "Trigger: inbox exceeds 50 items + meeting in the next 30 minutes" is observable and specific. The detection reliability of your pattern dictionary depends on trigger specificity.
The Protocol
For each pattern in your dictionary: (1) Name: 2-4 word label (see Name patterns in 2-4 words that compress the trigger-response sequence into a detectable label). (2) Trigger: describe observable conditions — what would a camera see? What environmental signals are present? What just happened? (3) Default response: what do you automatically do when the trigger fires? Describe the behavior, not the feeling. (4) Store all three in a single, quickly accessible reference. Review monthly to verify triggers are still accurate and add new patterns as they're identified.