Executing Tasks

Executing Tasks

Work through task lists systematically.

Announce: "I'm using executing-tasks to work through this checklist systematically."

Iron Law

ONE TASK AT A TIME - VERIFY BEFORE MOVING ON

Process

Step 1: Identify Current Task

Find the first incomplete task:

- [x] Completed task
- [x] Completed task
- [ ] ← THIS ONE (current)
- [ ] Pending task

Step 2: Announce

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

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:

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:

- [ ] 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:

Progress: 3/10 tasks complete
Current: Task 1.4

Completion

When all tasks are [x]:

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.