using-superpowers

Original：🇺🇸 English

Translated

Guidelines for using skills effectively - load relevant skills before complex tasks, not every message

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Sourcecygnusfear/agent-skills

Added on2026-02-13

NPX Install

npx skill4agent add cygnusfear/agent-skills using-superpowers

SKILL.md Content

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Using Skills

Skills are specialized workflows that improve quality for specific task types. Use them when they apply - don't skip them by rationalizing, but also don't invoke them ritualistically.

When to Load a Skill

DO load skills when:

Starting a complex or multi-step task
The task clearly matches a skill's description (code review, debugging, planning, etc.)
You're unsure how to approach something and a skill might help
The user explicitly requests a skill-based workflow

DON'T load skills when:

Answering simple questions or having conversation
Doing trivial file reads or small edits
The task is straightforward and no skill adds value
You already know the skill's content from this session

How to Use Skills

When a skill applies:

Load it with the Skill tool
Announce briefly: "Using [skill] for [purpose]"
If it has a checklist, create todos
Follow the skill's workflow

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Under-using skills (rationalizing):

Thought	Consider
"I'll just do this quickly"	Would a skill improve quality?
"This doesn't need a formal process"	Is there a skill that applies?
"I remember how this works"	Skills evolve - reload if unsure
"Let me explore first"	Some skills guide exploration

Over-using skills (ritual compliance):

Thought	Reality
"I must invoke skills on every message"	Only when they add value
"Let me check for mandatory skills"	Skills aren't rituals
"Confirming skill protocol compliance"	Just do the work

Skill Priority

When multiple skills could apply:

Process skills first (brainstorming, debugging) - these determine HOW to approach
Implementation skills second - these guide execution

Examples:

"Let's build X" → brainstorming first, then implementation
"Fix this bug" → debugging first, then domain-specific skills

Skill Types

Rigid (TDD, debugging): Follow the process exactly.

Flexible (patterns): Adapt principles to context.

The skill itself indicates which type it is.

Remember

Skills improve quality for complex tasks
Simple tasks don't need skill overhead
If you're announcing "checking mandatory protocols" you've gone too far
Just use skills naturally when they help