learning-goal (Pi skill)
A structured goal-setting exercise for use with Pi, ported from the Claude Code plugin by Dr. Cat Hicks and Dr. John Flournoy.
What it does
Guides you through a 10-15 minute exercise to set a concrete learning goal using Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII). You'll:
- Name a specific skill you want to grow in
- Sharpen it using the SMART framework
- Visualize what achieving it means to you
- Identify realistic obstacles
- Build if-then plans that turn obstacles into action triggers
- Produce a goal card you can revisit
Why this approach
Positive visualization alone can actually reduce goal pursuit -- it satisfies the motivational need without producing action. MCII corrects this by pairing your desired outcome with an honest look at what stands in the way, then connecting each obstacle to a concrete if-then response. The research shows this combination creates stronger commitment and follow-through than either technique alone.
The skill is designed so that you generate your own goals, obstacles, and plans. The facilitator asks questions and reflects back what you say -- it won't suggest answers. This matters: self-generated obstacles activate stronger mental associations between the cue and the planned response.
For the full scientific rationale and references, see references/PRINCIPLES.md.
Usage
This skill uses disable-model-invocation: true, so it stays out of your system prompt until you need it:
/skill:learning-goal
Requires enableSkillCommands: true in Pi settings.
Attribution
Original work by Dr. Cat Hicks and Dr. John Flournoy, licensed under CC-BY-4.0. Based on their research with software teams and people learning technical skills in their workplaces.