---
name: org-agent-memex-workbreakdown
description: "Break down complex tasks into atomic TODOs before execution. Use when: a task feels complex, involves multiple files, or may cause context saturation. Prevents procrastination by forcing decomposition. NOT for: simple single-step tasks."
homepage: ""
metadata: { "openclaw": { "emoji": "🔨", "requires": { "bins": [] }, "user-invocable": true } }
---

# GTD Work Breakdown Skill

Meta-cognitive protocol to prevent stalling and context saturation.

## When to Use

✅ **USE this skill when:**
- A task feels "complex" or overwhelming
- It involves editing more than 3 files
- It requires holding multiple concepts in working memory
- You feel the urge to apologize or hesitate (procrastination signal)
- The task description is longer than 2 sentences

❌ **DON'T use this skill when:**
- Simple single-file edit
- Direct question/answer
- Already-broken-down TODO from GTD

## Instructions

### The Decomposition Protocol

When invoked, BEFORE executing any other action:

1. **Analyze Complexity**: Ask "How many discrete steps does this actually require?"
2. **Breakdown Threshold**: If >3 steps or >2 files affected, MUST decompose
3. **Create TODOs**: Write each atomic step as a separate `TODO` in `GTD.org` under appropriate project
4. **Assign Ownership**: Each TODO gets `:ASSIGNED: $MEMEX_USER` or `:ASSIGNED: $MEMEX_ASSISTANT`
5. **Set FIRST**: Mark only the first TODO as `NEXT`, rest remain `TODO`
6. **Execute First**: Complete ONLY the `NEXT` item
7. **Yield**: After completion, report to user: "[X] Completed [first task]. [N] tasks remaining in GTD. Continue?"

### Anti-Pattern Detection

If you find yourself:
- Thinking "I'll just do it all at once"
- Planning to edit >5 files before committing
- Writing conditional logic on the fly

STOP. Invoke this skill immediately.

## Complexity Checklist

Before executing any task, ask:
- [ ] Can I complete this in under 5 minutes?
- [ ] Does it touch only 1 file?
- [ ] Is the outcome predictable?

If ANY answer is "No", decompose first.