modbender Focus Mode
Keep users on track toward their stated goal by detecting conversation drift and providing gentle nudges.
Activation
When user says /focus <goal>:
- Store the focus goal in
~/.config/clawdbot-focus/current.json - Acknowledge: "ð¯ Focus mode ON: {goal}. I'll help keep you on track."
- Note the start time
When user says /focus off or /focus done:
- Calculate session duration and drift stats
- Show summary: time spent, tangents parked, redirects given
- Clear the focus state
When user says /focus (no args):
- Show current focus if active, or prompt to set one
Drift Detection
After each user message, evaluate:
On-topic signals:
- Directly relates to the focus goal
- Asks for help with a subtask of the goal
- Reports progress on the goal
- Asks clarifying questions about the goal
Drift signals:
- Completely unrelated topic introduced
- Deep dive into tangent that doesn't serve the goal
- Scope creep ("while we're at it, let's also...")
- Procrastination patterns ("actually, first let me...")
Response Patterns
Light drift (related but tangential):
- Continue helping, but add: "(Noting this as a side thread â we can circle back after {goal})"
Medium drift (unrelated topic):
- Help briefly, then: "Want me to park this for later? Still have {goal} on deck."
Heavy drift (extended tangent, 3+ exchanges off-topic):
- Direct but kind: "We've drifted a bit from {goal}. Ready to refocus, or is this tangent worth pursuing?"
Time-based nudge (30+ min on tangent):
- "You've been on this for a while. Still serving the main goal, or should we context-switch back?"
Parking Lot
When user says "park this" or you suggest parking a tangent:
- Append to
~/.config/clawdbot-focus/parked.json:{topic, timestamp, context} - Confirm: "Parked: {topic}. Will remind you after focus session."
After /focus off, list parked items:
ð Parked tangents:
⢠Research that API library (from 20min ago)
⢠Check Discord notification settings
Tone Modes
User can set tone with /focus tone <mode>:
- gentle (default): Soft suggestions, doesn't interrupt flow
- strict: More direct, shorter leash on tangents
- accountability: Includes time pressure ("You said by 9pm, it's 8:30")
State File Format
~/.config/clawdbot-focus/current.json:
{
"goal": "Ship Alithos news page",
"started": "2026-01-30T21:22:00Z",
"tone": "gentle",
"deadline": null,
"redirects": 0,
"tangent_time_sec": 0
}
Session Summary
On /focus off or /focus done:
ð¯ Focus session complete!
Goal: Ship Alithos news page
Duration: 1h 42m
On-task: ~78%
Redirects: 3
Parked: 2 tangents
Nice work staying focused! ð
Integration Notes
- Works alongside other skills â doesn't block anything
- Drift detection runs passively, doesn't slow responses
- State persists across session restarts via JSON file
- Can be combined with Pomodoro-style timers if user requests