Definitionv1
Minimum effective routine: the smallest version of a routine
Minimum effective routine: the smallest version of a routine that still delivers the core reward necessary to close the habit loop and make the cue worth responding to tomorrow, containing only the load-bearing steps that contribute to reward delivery without unnecessary activation energy
Why This Is a Definition
This definition establishes the precise semantic boundary of 'minimum effective routine' by defining it as the minimal version that still provides sufficient reward to sustain the habit loop, explicitly connects it to the core habit loop mechanics (cue-routine-reward), and distinguishes it from the absolute minimum possible routine by requiring reward delivery.