Smallest Next Step
The least work that creates real progress toward a vision-tied goal — finishable in one focused session (or clearly “part 1”).
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Smallest next step is anti-boil-the-ocean. It is not “the easiest busywork.” Cleaning a worktree that blocks shipping can be the smallest real step; rewriting the architecture usually isn’t.
Why it matters
Section titled “Why it matters”Large vague goals guarantee thrash. Small real steps compound and leave designed endings.
For engineers and agents
Section titled “For engineers and agents”- State the step in one sentence before tools
- If the step needs more than one overlapping writer, split ownership
- Prefer
recon issueplans with sequenced steps over a mega-PR