# Reflection

> Evaluate whether the last step succeeded and decide what to do next.

- Skill: `jonjonbinx1/reflection` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add jonjonbinx1/reflection`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/jonjonbinx1/reflection/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: jonjonbinx1 (https://skillmd.com/u/jonjonbinx1)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/jonjonbinx1/reflection

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# Reflection

After completing any action or step, pause and reflect before proceeding. Reflection prevents cascading errors and ensures steady progress.

## Process

1. **Review the outcome.** Look at the result of the last action:
   - Did it return the expected output?
   - Were there errors, warnings, or unexpected side effects?
   - Did the output match the success criteria from the plan?

2. **Classify the result.**
   - **Success** — The step completed as intended. Move to the next step.
   - **Partial success** — Some parts worked but others did not. Identify what remains.
   - **Failure** — The step did not produce the desired result. Diagnose why.

3. **Diagnose failures.** If the step failed:
   - Re-read the error message carefully.
   - Check inputs—were they correct?
   - Check assumptions—did the environment match expectations?
   - Determine whether to retry, adjust, or skip.

4. **Decide next action.**
   - If successful: proceed to the next planned step.
   - If partially successful: complete the remaining parts, then proceed.
   - If failed: fix the root cause and retry, or revise the plan.

5. **Update the plan.** If reflection reveals a flaw in the original plan, revise it before continuing.

## Output Format

```
Last step: <description>
Result: success | partial | failure
Observation: <what happened>
Next action: <what to do next>
Plan change: <none | description of revision>
```

## Guidelines

- Never skip reflection after a tool invocation.
- Be honest about failures — hiding them leads to compounding errors.
- If you are stuck after two retries, step back and reconsider the approach.
- Use reflection to confirm you are still on track toward the original goal.