using-superpowers · Skills Before Action
using-superpowers: a one-line discipline — if there's even a 1% chance a skill applies, invoke the skill before any response or action (including clarifying questions, code exploration, or file checks). Process skills first (set the approach), then implementation skills; "build X" starts with brainstorming, "fix this bug" starts with systematic-debugging.
It ships an "excuses list": thoughts like "this is simple," "let me ask first," or "I remember this skill" all mean STOP — check the skill. It also states the chain: user instructions (CLAUDE.md/AGENTS.md) > skills > default behavior.
Example invocation: "Start a new conversation — run the skill check first."
Full brief
Positioning
using-superpowers establishes skill-use discipline: it governs "remember skills before acting," not any specific task. It pauses for dispatched subagents (not applicable).
Core capabilities
- The 1% rule: if there's even a 1% chance a skill applies, it MUST be invoked. Not negotiable.
- Skills before action: relevant or requested skills are invoked BEFORE any response or action — including clarifying questions, code exploration, or file checks. If it turns out wrong, you don't have to use it.
- Skill priority: process skills first (set the approach), then implementation skills.
- Excuses list: "this is simple," "check files first," "I remember this skill" are rationalizations — stop when they appear.
- Precedence chain: user instructions (CLAUDE.md / AGENTS.md / direct requests) > skills > default behavior.
- Platform adaptation: per-harness reference notes (Claude Code / Codex / Pi / Antigravity / Hermes / Muse).
Workflow
- Check applicable skills when a conversation starts
- Announce "Using [skill] to [purpose]" and follow it exactly
- Create one todo per checklist item when the skill has one
Inputs & outputs
| Input | Notes |
|---|---|
| Current task | Required — for skill applicability judgment |
Output: skill-invocation decision and follow-up action.
Fit
- Start of every conversation/task
- Before entering plan mode (brainstorming first)
- Whenever a "just do one thing first" impulse appears
Before you start
- None. Dispatched subagents executing specific tasks ignore this skill.
using-superpowers is part of the Aiglade Skill library. Invoke it from the Aiglade chat box in plain language.