diff --git a/navi/core/agent.py b/navi/core/agent.py
index 9e9b37b..894185b 100644
--- a/navi/core/agent.py
+++ b/navi/core/agent.py
@@ -520,9 +520,12 @@
             content=(
                 self._build_system_prompt(profile.system_prompt)
                 + "\n\n---\n\n"
-                "[PLANNING] Before taking any actions, outline a concise numbered plan "
-                "for this request. Max 6 steps. Be specific — name which tools you will use "
-                "and what you expect to find. Do not execute anything yet."
+                "[PLANNING] Decide whether this request requires a multi-step plan.\n\n"
+                "If the request is a simple question, a conversation, or can be answered "
+                "in a single step without tools — respond with exactly: DIRECT\n\n"
+                "Otherwise outline a concise numbered plan (max 6 steps). "
+                "Be specific: name which tools you will use and what you expect to find. "
+                "Do not execute anything yet."
             ),
         )
         planning_ctx: list[Message] = [planning_system]
@@ -542,6 +545,15 @@
             plan_text = (response.content or "").strip()
             if not plan_text:
                 return []
+            # Model signalled that no plan is needed — proceed directly
+            if plan_text.upper().startswith("DIRECT"):
+                log.debug("agent.planning_skipped", reason="direct")
+                return []
+            # Sanity check: a real plan should have at least one numbered step
+            import re as _re
+            if not _re.search(r"^\s*\d+[\.\)]", plan_text, _re.MULTILINE):
+                log.debug("agent.planning_skipped", reason="no_numbered_steps")
+                return []
             # Inject plan as assistant message so the main loop starts with it in context
             session.context.append(Message(role="assistant", content=plan_text))
             log.debug("agent.plan_ready", length=len(plan_text))