focus-tracker_skill

Overview

This skill maintains a single persistent focus file in the workspace root to preserve the current project state across session restarts and memory compactions. It prevents the agent from losing track of active work, drifting between topics, or asking redundant questions about what was being done. Use it to create, update, resume, and archive a concise resume point for any multi-step task.

How this skill works

On session start and after any context compaction, the skill checks for a FOCUS.md file and reads it to resume the active project instead of asking the user what was being worked on. When a new focused project begins, the skill creates or replaces FOCUS.md with a short structured summary, plan, and an explicit "Active State" resume point. When the work completes or the user pivots, the skill appends a brief entry to FOCUS-LOG.md, clears FOCUS.md, and continues.

When to use it

• Starting a multi-step project that will span sessions or memory compactions
• Resuming work after a session restart or after a memory compaction
• When the user says "we're working on X" or redirects focus
• If the agent realizes it has lost track of the current task
• Proactively at session start to check for unfinished work

Best practices

• Keep FOCUS.md under ~50 lines: short context, objective, plan, and a single Active State
• Update Active State before pausing or ending a session so the resume point is precise
• Archive completed focuses to FOCUS-LOG.md with completion date and one-line outcome
• Enforce one focus at a time: archive the old focus before creating a new one
• Read FOCUS.md instead of asking the user "what were we doing?" when it exists

Example use cases

• Working through a multi-step bug fix that may require restarting the session later
• Running a research task that involves multiple data pulls and manual verification steps
• Coordinating a multi-stage content draft where subtasks complete across days
• Handing off an interrupted workflow to another agent or human with a clear resume point
• Protecting progress during aggressive memory compaction or periodic cleanup