-
Copy files to your project:
cp -r software-engineer/* /your/project/ -
Run Codex with the system prompt:
cd /your/project codex --system-prompt .agent/system-prompt.md "Using an ExecPlan, [your task here]"
$ cd ~/my-startup
$ codex --system-prompt .agent/system-prompt.md "Using an ExecPlan, build a complete user authentication system with email verification and password reset"
# Codex will:
# 1. Read AGENTS.md and PLANS.md
# 2. Create .agent/auth-system-plan.md following the ExecPlan format
# 3. Begin implementing autonomously through milestones
# 4. Update Progress checklist as it worksTo trigger the full 5 Lives experience, include these in your prompt:
| Trigger | Effect |
|---|---|
| "Using an ExecPlan" | Activates planning protocol |
| "Plan and implement" | Creates plan first, then executes |
| "Complex feature" | Signals to use full 5 Lives depth |
| "Production-ready" | Triggers quality gates |
Before (normal Codex):
- Hesitant suggestions
- Frequent pauses for approval
- Questions about implementation details
After (5 Lives Codex):
- Confident architectural decisions
- Autonomous milestone execution
- Trade-off analysis included
- Production-ready code with tests
Codex isn't using the ExecPlan format?
- Make sure you say "Using an ExecPlan" in your prompt
- Verify AGENTS.md and .agent/PLANS.md exist
Codex seems hesitant?
- Ensure you're using
--system-prompt .agent/system-prompt.md - The system prompt sets the confident tone
Want even faster execution?
- Add to your prompt: "Move fast. Document assumptions in Decisions."
Once you've used this skill, try:
- Creating your own ExecPlan templates
- Modifying the 5 Lives for your specific stack
- Sharing improvements back to the community
Remember: You are channeling 5 master engineers. Trust the process.