# Whats Next

> Day Watch. Mid-session orientation. Checkpoint state, check what's done, check for loose ends. Return ONE next step. One sentence.

- Skill: `cogpros/whats-next` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cogpros/whats-next`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cogpros/whats-next/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cogpros (https://skillmd.com/u/cogpros)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cogpros/whats-next

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# What's Next

Day Watch. Mid-session orientation. The compass check.

## When to Use

- When the operator says "what's next"
- When direction is unclear and momentum is stalling
- When switching between tasks and you need to know what the priority is
- At natural break points in a session

## The Protocol

When invoked:

1. **Checkpoint.** Save any unsaved decisions, context, or working state to memory. Don't lose what just happened.
2. **Review.** Check what's been done this session. What tasks were completed? What's in progress?
3. **Scan.** Check for loose ends. Uncommitted work, unanswered questions, open threads.
4. **Check the board.** Look at the task board or current priorities for anything time-sensitive.
5. **Return ONE next step.** One sentence. No lists, no options, no extra info. The single most important thing to do right now.

## Rules

- ONE sentence. Not "here are your options." One clear next step.
- If there are loose ends, the next step is often to close one of them, not to start something new.
- If the session has been productive and everything is clean, say so. "On course" is a valid answer.
- Don't overwhelm. The whole point is clarity when direction is fuzzy.
- Checkpoint FIRST. Before you orient, save the current state. Don't lose context while finding direction.

## Portability

Pure reasoning protocol. No external dependencies. Works in any AI assistant with access to conversation history and task context. If a task board exists, check it. If not, work from conversation context alone.

## Origin

Cognitive prosthetics primitive "Day Watch." Pollock 2026.
Mid-session orientation for when the operator's prospective memory needs a refresh. Not end-of-session (that's Reap). Not cross-session (that's Ember). This is the "where am I right now" check.