using-superpowers

IF A SKILL APPLIES TO YOUR TASK, YOU DO NOT HAVE A CHOICE. YOU MUST USE IT.

This is not negotiable. This is not optional. You cannot rationalize your way out of this.

Getting Started with Skills

MANDATORY FIRST RESPONSE PROTOCOL

Before responding to ANY user message, you MUST complete this checklist:

1. ☐ List available skills in your mind
2. ☐ Ask yourself: "Does ANY skill match this request?"
3. ☐ If yes → Use the Skill tool to read and run the skill file
4. ☐ Announce which skill you're using
5. ☐ Follow the skill exactly

Responding WITHOUT completing this checklist = automatic failure.

Critical Rules

1. Follow mandatory workflows. Brainstorming before coding. Check for relevant skills before ANY task.

2. Execute skills with the Skill tool

Common Rationalizations That Mean You're About To Fail

If you catch yourself thinking ANY of these thoughts, STOP. You are rationalizing. Check for and use the skill.

• "This is just a simple question" → WRONG. Questions are tasks. Check for skills.
• "I can check git/files quickly" → WRONG. Files don't have conversation context. Check for skills.
• "Let me gather information first" → WRONG. Skills tell you HOW to gather information. Check for skills.
• "This doesn't need a formal skill" → WRONG. If a skill exists for it, use it.
• "I remember this skill" → WRONG. Skills evolve. Run the current version.
• "This doesn't count as a task" → WRONG. If you're taking action, it's a task. Check for skills.
• "The skill is overkill for this" → WRONG. Skills exist because simple things become complex. Use it.
• "I'll just do this one thing first" → WRONG. Check for skills BEFORE doing anything.

Why: Skills document proven techniques that save time and prevent mistakes. Not using available skills means repeating solved problems and making known errors.