# How to Never Hit OpenClaw's 150K Context Limit

**Source:** X Thread by [Johann Sathianathen](https://x.com/johann_sath)  
**Date:** February 21, 2026  
**URL:** https://x.com/johann_sath/status/2025440759416045702

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## The Problem

Most OpenClaw users hit 150K context in a single conversation and wonder why their agent gets dumber. The solution isn't a bigger window—it's never needing one.

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## The 5 Strategies

### 1. Add "Orchestrator" Pattern to SOUL.md

**File:** `SOUL.md`  
**Add:** "You are the orchestrator. Subagents execute."

**Why it works:**
- Main session stays lean
- Heavy work runs in fresh context windows
- Subagents spawn, work, report back, context dies

**Result:** Main session runs 24/7 without bloat

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### 2. Use BRAIN.md as External Memory

**File:** `BRAIN.md`  
**Pattern:** Agent reads & writes instead of remembering everything in-context

**Why it works:**
- Offloads memory from context to disk
- Agent references files instead of recalling
- Structured storage for complex state

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### 3. Set Up Heartbeats

**Pattern:** Fast check-ins (<3s) that don't load files unless you're idle

**Implementation:**
- Only check critical items
- Skip file reads unless necessary
- Batch multiple checks together

**Benefit:** Keeps session responsive without context bloat

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### 4. Run Cron Jobs Isolated

**Pattern:** Each cron job gets its own session

**Why it works:**
- Never bloats main thread
- Independent execution contexts
- Parallel processing without interference

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### 5. Delegate Everything to Subagents

**Pattern:** Subagent spawns → does work → reports back → context dies

**Flow:**
1. Main session identifies task
2. Spawns subagent with specific goal
3. Subagent completes work in isolation
4. Reports results back
5. Subagent context garbage collected

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## The Result

Johann's main session:
- Runs 24/7
- **Rarely passes 30K context**
- Stays responsive and smart

**Key insight:** The trick isn't a bigger window. It's never needing one.

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## Implementation Checklist

- [ ] Add orchestrator pattern to SOUL.md
- [ ] Create/improve BRAIN.md for external memory
- [ ] Audit heartbeats for efficiency (<3s checks)
- [ ] Review cron jobs for isolation
- [ ] Identify opportunities for subagent delegation

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## Related Resources

- **SOUL.md Guide:** https://soul.md (defining AI identity)
- **Johann's Weekly Newsletter:** https://johann.fyi
- **Author:** Building dmpro.ai (ex-Cisco), 1x exit, founder @jars_global

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## Key Takeaway

Context management isn't about having more—it's about using less by:
1. Orchestrating instead of executing
2. Externalizing memory
3. Efficient polling
4. Isolated scheduling
5. Delegating to subagents

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*Compiled from X thread by Johann Sathianathen*  
*Engagement: 5 replies, 5 reposts, 60 likes, 199 bookmarks, 5,198 views*
