Start

Session Start Skill

Start MARVIN session with full context loading and daily briefing.

When to Use

• When user types /start
• At the start of any Claude Code session in the MARVIN directory
• When resuming work after a break

Process

Step 1: Establish Current Date

date +%Y-%m-%d

Store as TODAY. Use for all file naming and date references.

Step 2: Load Context

Read in order:

1. state/current.md — Current priorities, open threads, and state
2. sessions/{TODAY}.md — If exists, we're resuming today
3. If no today file, read sessions/{YESTERDAY}.md for continuity

Step 3: Review Goals

Check state/goals.md for:

• Annual goals and progress
• Monthly targets

Step 4: Assess Progress

Check content/log.md for current month:

• Content shipped vs. goals
• Days remaining in month

Step 5: Check Follow-ups

Review state/current.md for any follow-up items:

• Surface any items with review date ≤ TODAY
• Remind user of upcoming follow-ups within 3 days

Step 6: Surface Proactive Alerts

Compile and present:

• Active priorities from state/current.md
• Open threads needing attention
• Content pacing status (if behind)
• Any deadlines approaching

Step 7: Greet User

Present a concise briefing:

• Date and day of week
• Top 3 priorities
• Any alerts or nudges
• Ask how to help today

Output Format

Good morning! It's {Day}, {Date}.

**Today's Focus:**
1. {Priority 1}
2. {Priority 2}
3. {Priority 3}

**Alerts:**
- {Alert if any}

**Progress ({Month}):**
- {Goal 1}: X/Y
- {Goal 2}: X/Y

How can I help today?

Notes

• If this is a resumed session (today's log exists), acknowledge what was already covered
• Keep briefing concise — details on request

Skill created: 2026-01-22