Step 5

Prompt Systems & Libraries

Build repeatable workflows that compound your AI results over time

Top 1% of Users

What This Is

Step 5 is where you stop reinventing the wheel every time you use AI. Instead of crafting prompts from scratch, you build a personal library of proven prompts that work. You create systems—templates, frameworks, and saved instructions—that make your best results repeatable. This is the shift from "good at prompting" to "systematic about prompting." Every great output becomes a template for future outputs.

Why It Matters

Most people start from zero every conversation. They remember vaguely what worked before but can't replicate it consistently. At Step 5, your AI results compound. That email format that landed well? Saved. That research prompt that got great data? Templated. You build institutional knowledge about what works for you, turning sporadic wins into reliable workflows. This is how you move from "AI user" to "AI operator."

Tools

Notion organize prompts by category with tags | Apple Notes / Google Keep quick capture and retrieval | Text Expander / Raycast instant prompt insertion via shortcuts | ChatGPT Memory persistent context across conversations

Your Starter Library

Build your library around these categories. Full prompts for each are on the next page.
Writing & Communication
Email Tone Adjuster
Meeting Summary Generator
Difficult Message Drafter
Thinking & Planning
Decision Clarifier
Weekly Planning Session
Problem Breakdown
Research & Analysis
Deep Research Request
Competitive Analysis
Document Summarizer
Learning & Explaining
Concept Explainer
Teach Me Like I'm New
Counterargument Generator
Quick Start → "Help me create a prompt library. What categories should I start with for [my role]?"
Meeting Summary Generator Writing & Communication
Transform these meeting notes into a structured summary. Meeting: [MEETING NAME] on [DATE] Attendees: [LIST OF PEOPLE] Raw Notes: [PASTE YOUR NOTES] Output format: 1. Key decisions made (with who made them) 2. Action items (with owners and deadlines) 3. Open questions requiring follow-up 4. Next meeting topics (if any) Keep it concise. Use bullet points. Flag anything unclear with [NEEDS CLARIFICATION].
Variables: Yellow highlights show what changes each use
Time to use: 30 seconds to fill in vs. 10 min to write fresh
When it works: Any meeting with notes you need to share
Common tweak: Add "in [AUDIENCE]'s language" for exec summaries

How To Do It

1.

Capture What Works

When a prompt produces a great result, immediately copy it somewhere permanent. Don't trust yourself to remember.

2.

Identify the Variables

Look at what would change if you used this prompt again. Mark those parts with [BRACKETS] so they're easy to spot and fill.

3.

Organize by Use Case

Group prompts by when you'd use them: Writing, Research, Planning, Analysis. Make them findable in the moment you need them.

4.

Iterate and Improve

Each time you use a prompt, note what worked and what didn't. Update the template. Your library gets better over time.

Real-World Examples

Weekly Status Email Library

Created three status email templates: one for executives (bullet points, metrics), one for peers (context + blockers), one for clients (progress + next steps). Pick the right one in 10 seconds, fill variables, done.

Meeting Summary System

Built a prompt that takes raw meeting notes and outputs: decisions made, action items with owners, and open questions. Run it within 5 minutes of every meeting. Never miss a follow-up again.

Research Request Template

Templated the Deep Research prompt from Step 3 with variables for [TOPIC], [TIME PERIOD], and [OUTPUT FORMAT]. What used to take 10 minutes to write now takes 30 seconds to customize.

Pro Tips

Start small: capture your next 5 good prompts before building an elaborate system.
Use text expansion tools (TextExpander, Raycast) to insert prompts with keyboard shortcuts.
Include "bad output" notes—what the prompt tends to get wrong so you know what to watch for.
Review monthly: delete prompts you never use, refine ones that almost work, duplicate what's great.
Key Insight

"Reaching Step 5 positions you in the top 1% of AI users. The difference isn't talent—it's systems. While others start fresh every time, you're building on proven foundations. Your AI results compound because your prompts compound."

Step 5

Starter Prompt Library

Copy these prompts to start your personal library—then customize

Reference Page
Writing & Communication
Email Tone Adjuster
When you need to change how a message sounds
Rewrite this email to be [MORE PROFESSIONAL / FRIENDLIER / MORE DIRECT / SHORTER]. Keep the main message but adjust the tone. Here's the original: [PASTE EMAIL]
Meeting Summary Generator
After any meeting with notes to process
Turn these meeting notes into a clear summary with: (1) Key decisions made, (2) Action items with owners, (3) Open questions to resolve. Notes: [PASTE NOTES]
Difficult Message Drafter
When you're avoiding writing something hard
Help me write a [MESSAGE TYPE] about [SITUATION]. I need to [GOAL] while maintaining [RELATIONSHIP/TONE]. Key points to include: [POINTS]. What I want to avoid: [CONCERNS].
Thinking & Planning
Decision Clarifier
When stuck between options
I'm deciding between [OPTION A] and [OPTION B]. Ask me 5 questions that will help me understand what I actually want. Focus on surfacing my assumptions and values, not giving me advice.
Weekly Planning Session
Every Sunday evening or Monday morning
Help me plan my week. My top 3 priorities are: [PRIORITIES]. Commitments I can't move: [FIXED]. What I'm worried about: [CONCERNS]. Ask me questions to clarify my focus, then suggest a simple structure for the week.
Problem Breakdown
When something feels overwhelming
I'm facing this problem: [PROBLEM]. It feels overwhelming. Help me break it into smaller, concrete pieces. What are the actual components? What can I control vs. what can't I? What's the smallest next step?
Research & Analysis
Deep Research Request
When you need comprehensive, sourced information
Research [TOPIC] for me. Context: [WHY I NEED THIS]. Deliverable: [FORMAT—table, bullets, summary]. Requirements: cite sources, flag estimates, cover [TIME PERIOD]. Use reputable sources only.
Competitive Analysis
When evaluating market or options
Compare [OPTION A], [OPTION B], and [OPTION C] on these dimensions: [CRITERIA]. Format as a table. Include pros/cons for each. Note which is best for [MY SPECIFIC SITUATION].
Document Summarizer
Before reading anything long
Summarize this document in [3-5 bullets / one paragraph / key takeaways]. Focus on: [WHAT I CARE ABOUT]. Flag anything surprising or that contradicts common assumptions. Document: [PASTE]
Learning & Explaining
Concept Explainer
When you need to understand something new
Explain [CONCEPT] like I'm smart but new to this field. Use an analogy. Then tell me what most people get wrong about it and what the practical implications are.
Teach Me Like I'm New
When learning a skill or tool
I want to learn [SKILL/TOOL]. I'm starting from [CURRENT LEVEL]. My goal is to [WHAT I WANT TO DO]. Give me a learning path with 3-5 steps, starting with what to do today.
Counterargument Generator
Before making a case or decision
I believe [POSITION/DECISION]. Steelman the opposite view—give me the 3 strongest arguments against my position. Then tell me which counterargument is most likely to be right.
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