This post originally appeared onThe Simple Dollar.

The big dispute around the idea of the Latte Factor comes down to how effective it actually is.

Looking at things from that perspective changes the debate.

Lets take a hard look at that idea.

Most days, I got up and drove to work.

Along the way, I often stopped for breakfast of some kind, almost every dayit was routine.

Those actions made up a big part of my daily routine.

On the other hand, my routine today is much different.

I usually wake up and settle in to a morning writing session in my home office.

Thats some semblance of what my routine looks like these days.

I consider my weekly game night to be part of my daily routine.

You get the idea.

Why do I consider weekly events part of a daily routine?

So, how does one really figure out what makes up a part of their daily routine?

you could do this on your smartphone or in a pocket notebook.

I find that a recurring smartphone alarm makes this pretty easy to do.

How many of those things do you typically repeat on a weekly basisor more frequently?

Those are the things that you should consider to be a part of your daily routine.

What is the reason that Im doing this particular thing so often?

Is it a worthwhile thing to be doing?

Should I be doing less of this?

On the other hand, exercise is something I do that I want to do more of.

Even your leisure time is that wayyou strive for quality leisure time and meaningful experiences.

Its not aboutreadingorplayinga game.

What are the alternative ways I could give a shot to use my time/money/energy to accomplish the objective?

Are they more efficient at achieving the same result?

Heres another example: the morning latte.

What are the alternative options to doing that?

You could quit doing it, but you might really want that morning coffee to get going.

Final Thoughts

The purpose of all of this can be expressed in two words:maximize value.

Its simply the smartest use of your time, money, and energy to get the results you want.

To me, thats the value of the latte factor.

Its not about dropping those things in your routine that you enjoy.

Its about getting the most value possible out of the things in your routine.

Image bygdainti(Shutterstock).