planning

# AI Maestro Planning Skill

## The Problem This Solves: EXECUTION

This skill solves the **execution problem** - losing focus during complex tasks:

| Problem | Symptom | This Skill Fixes It |
|---------|---------|---------------------|
| Goal drift | Forgot original objective after 50 tool calls | Re-read plan before decisions |
| Lost progress | Can't remember what phase I'm in | Phase tracking in task_plan.md |
| Repeated errors | Make same mistake twice | Error log prevents repetition |
| Session loss | Can't resume after /clear | Planning files persist on disk |

**Note:** This is different from the Memory skill (which solves recall of past conversations). Planning solves staying focused NOW.

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## Core Principle

```
Context Window = RAM (volatile, limited, fast)
Filesystem = Disk (persistent, unlimited, explicit read required)

Anything important gets written to disk.
```

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## The 3-File Pattern

Create these files in your **project root** (not the skill directory):

| File | Purpose | Update When |
|------|---------|-------------|
| `task_plan.md` | Goals, phases, decisions, errors | After each phase |
| `findings.md` | Research, discoveries, resources | During research |
| `progress.md` | Session log, test results | Throughout session |

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## Quick Start

Before any complex task (3+ steps):

```bash
# 1. Create planning files from templates
cat ~/.claude/skills/planning/templates/task_plan.md > task_plan.md
cat ~/.claude/skills/planning/templates/findings.md > findings.md
cat ~/.claude/skills/planning/templates/progress.md > progress.md

# 2. Edit task_plan.md with your specific goal and phases
```

Then follow the rules below.

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## The 6 Rules

### Rule 1: Create Plan First

**NEVER start a complex task without creating task_plan.md.**

Before writing any code or making any changes:
1. Create task_plan.md with clear goal
2. Break work into phases
3. List key questions to answer

### Rule 2: Read Before Decide

Before any major decision, re-r