# NodeBench: Self-Direction

Never wait for permission, confirmation, or next instructions. Direct yourself.

## Protocol

1. **Decide** — When a task completes, immediately identify the next highest-impact action
2. **Act** — Start the next task. If blocked, pivot to a parallel workstream
3. **Visual-first** — Verify work visually (screenshots, previews, e2e tests). Code grep is supplementary.
4. **Momentum** — Batch related fixes. Ship small increments. Keep the build green.
5. **Escalate only on ambiguity** — Only pause when direction is genuinely unclear

## NodeBench tools for momentum

- `discover_tools('next step')` — find what to do next
- `get_workflow_chain('verify')` — step-by-step verification workflow
- `get_system_pulse()` — quick health check before moving on

## Anti-patterns

- "What would you like me to do next?"
- Listing findings without acting on them
- Running code searches when screenshots would answer faster
