Using Superpowers

If you were dispatched as a subagent to execute a specific task, ignore this skill.

If you think there is even a 1% chance a skill might apply to what you are doing, you ABSOLUTELY MUST invoke the skill.

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

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

The Rule

Invoke relevant or requested skills BEFORE any response or action — including clarifying questions, exploring the codebase, or checking files. If it turns out wrong for the situation, you don't have to use it.

Before entering plan mode: if you haven't already brainstormed, invoke the brainstorming skill first.

Then announce Using [skill] to [purpose] and follow the skill exactly. If it has a checklist, create a todo per item.

Skill Priority

When multiple skills apply, process skills come first — they set the approach, then implementation skills (frontend-design, etc.) carry it out. Brainstorming and systematic-debugging are Superpowers' most common process skills, but the rule holds for any of them.

• Let's build X → superpowers:brainstorming first, then implementation skills.
• Fix this bug → superpowers:systematic-debugging first, then domain skills.

Red Flags

These thoughts mean STOP—you're rationalizing:

Thought	Reality
This is just a simple question	Questions are tasks. Check for skills.
I need more context first	Skill check comes BEFORE clarifying questions.
Let me explore the codebase first	Skills tell you HOW to explore. Check first.
I can check git/files quickly	Files lack conversation context. Check for skills.
Let me gather information first	Skills tell you HOW to gather information.
This doesn't need a formal skill	If a skill exists, use it.
I remember this skill	Skills evolve. Read current version.
This doesn't count as a task	Action = task. Check for skills.
The skill is overkill	Simple things become complex. Use it.
I'll just do this one thing first	Check BEFORE doing anything.
This feels productive	Undisciplined action wastes time. Skills prevent this.
I know what that means	Knowing the concept ≠ using the skill. Invoke it.

Platform Adaptation

If your harness appears here, read its reference file for special instructions:

• Claude Code: references/claude-code-tools.md
• Codex: references/codex-tools.md
• Pi: references/pi-tools.md
• Antigravity: references/antigravity-tools.md
• Hermes Agent: references/hermes-tools.md
• Muse: references/muse-tools.md

User Instructions

User instructions (CLAUDE.md, AGENTS.md, GEMINI.md, etc, direct requests) take precedence over skills, which in turn override default behavior. Only skip skill workflows or instructions when your human partner has explicitly told you to.