Minimum Viable Operations

What it is

Minimum Viable Operations (MVO) is a resilience framework for founders. It means reducing operations to the bare minimum required to keep the lights on and protect your well-being. Instead of collapsing under overload, you define a fallback mode in advance.

When to use it

You are heading toward burnout, dealing with crisis mode, or facing unexpected personal or market shocks. MVO is also useful in holiday seasons or fundraising sprints when capacity is stretched thin.

How to apply (3 to 4 steps)

1. List all your current responsibilities.

2. Circle the 20% that keep customers served and revenue flowing.

3. Pause or defer the rest for 48 to 72 hours.

4. Communicate the temporary mode to your team or partners.

Try it now (Micro task)

Write down your MVO list for the next 72 hours. What's essential for survival? Circle only 3 to 5 tasks. Commit to pausing the rest.

Founder story

"I was on the edge of collapse. I defined my MVO: answer support tickets, keep billing running, and pause everything else. Three days later I felt reset, and nothing broke."

Why it works (Evidence)

Clarity lowers cognitive load and protects energy for the next sprint.

Related models

• First Principles: Rebuild from fundamentals when stuck
• Type 1 vs Type 2 Decisions: Protect energy on low-stakes calls
• Eisenhower Matrix: Cut "not important" commitments fast