Tangent - Capture and Return
Capture distracting thoughts so they don't derail focus.
State Files
- •Captures:
.codex/skills/_state/captures.md - •Current focus:
.codex/skills/_state/current_focus.json
Behavior
When triggered:
- •Capture the tangent - Append to
.codex/skills/_state/captures.mdwith timestamp - •Acknowledge briefly - Confirm it's saved
- •Redirect immediately - Return attention to current focus
- •No engagement - Don't discuss the tangent, don't explore it
Capture Format
Append to .codex/skills/_state/captures.md:
markdown
## [ISO timestamp] [The tangent thought/idea/task] ---
Response Format
code
Captured for later. Back to focus: [current task from current_focus.json] [Next step or reminder of where we were]
Examples
User: "Oh wait, I should also email John about the budget"
code
Captured for later. Back to focus: Write Q1 roadmap document You were working on the timeline section.
User: "Quick thought - we should add dark mode to the app"
code
Captured for later. Back to focus: Fix login bug Next step: Check the authentication error logs.
User: "I just remembered I need to..."
code
Captured for later. Back to focus: Client presentation You were on slide 4, the competitive analysis.
If No Focus Set
If .codex/skills/_state/current_focus.json is empty or missing:
code
Captured for later. No active focus set. Want to set one now, or review your captures?
Important
- •Be fast. The goal is minimal interruption.
- •Don't ask about the tangent
- •Don't judge the tangent
- •Don't help with the tangent
- •Just capture and redirect
- •The tangent will be there later during review