Each exercise gives you instructions to copy, a tip on what to change, and a follow-up question to dig deeper. Start with whichever one feels most useful today.
1. Turn a Messy Note Into a Checklist
Great for: meeting notes, brainstorm dumps, random ideas, project notes.
Here is a messy note I wrote. Turn it into a clean checklist organized by priority. Keep everything I wrote — just reorganize it. Ask me one question if anything is unclear. [Paste your notes here]
Customize: Replace the note with anything you have jotted down.
Good output should include: A numbered or bulleted checklist with items grouped by priority or category.
2. Draft a Polite but Clear Email
Great for: following up, making requests, sending updates.
I need to send an email about [topic]. Keep it polite but direct. Here is the situation: [2-3 sentences of background]. What I need the reader to do: [one clear outcome]. Give me two versions: one short, one with more explanation.
Customize: The topic, the background, and the outcome you need.
Good output should include: Two email drafts with clear subject lines and a polite closing.
3. Compare Two Options
Great for: deciding between products, services, plans, or approaches.
Help me compare [Option A] and [Option B] for [purpose]. Here is what matters to me: [list 2-3 priorities]. Give me a simple pros-and-cons table, then tell me which option you recommend and why.
Customize: The two options, the purpose, and your priorities.
Good output should include: A table with pros and cons, plus a clear recommendation with reasoning.
4. Plan the Next Seven Days
Great for: busy weeks, balancing priorities, staying realistic.
Help me plan my week. Here are my known commitments: [list them]. Here are my priorities: [list 2-3 priorities]. Here is what I want to make progress on: [list 1-2 projects or tasks]. Give me a day-by-day plan for the next seven days, keeping each day realistic. Leave space for the unexpected.
Customize: Your actual commitments, priorities, and projects.
Good output should include: A day-by-day plan with time blocks and a note about what to do if something changes.
5. Prepare Questions for an Appointment or Meeting
Great for: doctor visits, client calls, parent-teacher meetings, performance reviews.
I have an appointment about [topic] on [date]. Here is what I want to get out of it: [what matters]. Here is what I already know: [key facts]. Here is what I am unsure about: [what you want to ask]. Give me 3-5 questions to ask and one thing I should confirm before the appointment ends.
Customize: The appointment type, your goals, what you know, and what you are unsure about.
Good output should include: A short list of clear questions and one key confirmation to ask before leaving.
Tip: For any exercise, follow up by asking "What did I miss?" or "Give me one way to improve this." The most useful output often comes after the first draft.
Next Step
Once you have tried one or two exercises, read How To Check Your Ally's Work before using any output for something important. Or learn the core skill first: How To Give Your Ally Better Context.