/figure-out-what-to-work-on

Figuring Out What to Work On

Quick Start

If you just need something to work on:

what_should_i_work_on

This picks a random work item from the highest-priority unblocked items.

Decision Framework

1. Check for Blockers First

Before picking new work, check if anything is blocked on you:

list_work_items(status="open", ready_only=true)

Look for items you previously started that might be waiting.

2. Priority Order

Work in priority order:

• P0 (Critical): Stop everything else, fix this now
• P1 (High): Should be done soon, before starting new features
• P2 (Medium): Normal work, the bulk of items
• P3 (Low): Nice to have, do when higher priorities clear
• P4 (Backlog): Future work, not urgent

list_work_items(max_priority=1, ready_only=true)  # Show P0 and P1 only

3. Check for Questions

Items might be blocked on user questions:

get_question_blocked_work

If you can answer any of these yourself now (with context you've gained), do so with answer_question.

4. Consider Dependencies

Some items unblock others. Prioritize items that are blocking other work:

get_work_item(id="...") # Check what items this one blocks

Work Autonomously

You do not need user guidance on priorities. The priority system (P0-P4) tells you what to work on. Use what_should_i_work_on and follow its suggestion.

Large backlogs are normal. Having many open tasks doesn't mean anything is wrong. Just work through them one at a time. Don't ask which subset to focus on - the priority system handles this.

Report genuine blockers. Use create_question only for things that actually block progress:

• Missing information needed to proceed
• Conflicting requirements that need clarification
• Decisions only the user can make

Don't use emergency_stop for "too much work". Emergency stop is for genuine blockers that prevent ANY progress. A large backlog is not a blocker.

Workflow

1. list_work_items(status="open", ready_only=true) - See what's available
2. Pick highest priority unblocked item
3. work_on(work_item_id="...") - Mark as in-progress
4. get_work_item(id="...") - Read full description and notes
5. Do the work
6. add_note(work_item_id="...", content="...") - Record progress/findings
7. update_work_item(id="...", status="complete") - Mark done
8. Repeat

When Stuck

If you're stuck on an item:

1. Create a question: create_question(text="How should I handle X?")
2. Link it: link_work_to_question(work_item_id, question_id)
3. Move on: The item is now blocked, pick another

Don't spin on problems that need user input.

When There's No Work

If list_work_items(ready_only=true) shows nothing:

1. Check get_question_blocked_work - maybe you can answer some
2. Look at backlog: list_work_items(priority=4)
3. Ask the user if there's something they want done
4. Stop if genuinely nothing to do - it's okay to stop when work is done