Executing Tasks
Work through task lists systematically.
Announce: "I'm using executing-tasks to work through this checklist systematically."
Iron Law
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ONE TASK AT A TIME - VERIFY BEFORE MOVING ON
Process
Step 1: Identify Current Task
Find the first incomplete task:
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- [x] Completed task - [x] Completed task - [ ] ← THIS ONE (current) - [ ] Pending task
Step 2: Announce
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Working on: [Task description]
Step 3: Execute
Do EXACTLY what the task says:
- •If it says "create file X" → create file X
- •If it says "add function Y" → add function Y
- •If it says "run command Z" → run command Z
Do NOT:
- •Add things the task didn't ask for
- •Skip steps you think are unnecessary
- •Combine with other tasks
- •"Improve" the approach
Step 4: Verify
Run any verification specified in the task.
If no verification specified, at minimum:
- •Did I do what the task asked?
- •Did I break anything else?
Step 5: Mark Complete
Update the task list: - [ ] → - [x]
Step 6: Report
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Completed: [Task description] Result: [Brief outcome] Next: [Next task] or "All tasks complete"
Step 7: Repeat
Go to Step 1 for next task.
Handling Blockers
If a task cannot be completed:
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BLOCKED: [Task description] Reason: [Why it can't be done] Options: 1. [Possible resolution] 2. [Alternative approach] 3. Skip and continue (if independent) Awaiting guidance.
Do NOT:
- •Guess at the solution
- •Skip without reporting
- •Change the task scope
Task Dependencies
If tasks have dependencies:
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- [ ] 1.1 Create database table - [ ] 1.2 Add RLS policy (depends on 1.1) - [ ] 2.1 Create frontend component (independent)
- •Complete dependencies first
- •Independent tasks can be done in any order
- •If blocked by dependency, report it
Progress Tracking
Keep a running count:
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Progress: 3/10 tasks complete Current: Task 1.4
Completion
When all tasks are [x]:
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All tasks complete: [X/X] Summary: - [Category]: [What was done] - [Category]: [What was done] Verification: - [What was verified] Ready for: [Next step - usually review]
Red Flags - STOP
If you catch yourself:
- •Working on multiple tasks at once
- •Skipping "obvious" tasks
- •Adding unrequested work
- •Not verifying before marking complete
STOP. One task. Verify. Mark complete. Next.