when-stuck

Apply the STOP → THINK → INVESTIGATE → ASK framework to resolve blockers.

1|Updated Nov 19, 2025

Search Tags:#productivity #problem-solving #framework #stuck #STOP-THINK-INVESTIGATE-ASK

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/MihaiOnSoftware/.ai --skill when-stuck-mihaionsoftware

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: when-stuck
Source: https://github.com/MihaiOnSoftware/.ai/tree/main/skills/when-stuck
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/MihaiOnSoftware/.ai --skill when-stuck-mihaionsoftware

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill helps professionals regain problem-solving discipline when they feel stuck, enabling a structured approach to move forward without unnecessary frustration.

Core Features & Use Cases

STOP → THINK → INVESTIGATE → ASK framework: provides a disciplined sequence to pause, analyze, and decide the next action.
Guidance for when and how to ask for help to maximize productive collaboration.
Use Case: during a complex debugging session or planning a task, apply the framework to break the problem into actionable steps and continue progress.

Quick Start

In a blocked task, instruct the AI to apply STOP → THINK → INVESTIGATE → ASK to determine the next best action.

Frequently Asked Questions about when-stuck

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I regain problem-solving momentum when stuck on a complex debugging task?▼

Regain problem-solving momentum when stuck by applying the STOP → THINK → INVESTIGATE → ASK framework, which enforces a disciplined sequence to pause, analyze, and decide the next best action systematically.

What is the STOP THINK INVESTIGATE ASK framework for knowledge work?▼

The STOP THINK INVESTIGATE ASK framework is a structured problem-solving process that guides you to pause, analyze the blocker, research the context, and decide when to ask for help to maximize productive collaboration.

How do I know when to ask for help during a blocked programming or planning task?▼

You know when to ask for help during a blocked task by reaching the final ASK step in the framework, ensuring you have already stopped, thought through the problem, and investigated potential solutions before requesting collaboration.

Can I apply a structured problem-solving framework without external tools or dependencies?▼

You can apply this structured problem-solving framework without external tools because it requires no dependencies, operating entirely within your current task context to break problems into actionable steps.

Does a systematic problem-solving process work for decision points and planning blockers?▼

A systematic problem-solving process works for decision points and planning blockers by applying structured thinking to re-evaluate the situation, enabling steady progress without unnecessary frustration during complex knowledge work.