Apply the collaborative, iterative model of AI pair programming to all knowledge work, including writing, strategy, and planning. This shifts the dynamic from a simple command-and-response tool to a constant thought partner, improving the quality and speed of all your work.
Instead of manually maintaining your AI's custom instructions, end work sessions by asking it, "What did you learn about working with me?" This turns the AI into a partner in its own optimization, creating a self-improving system.
Run separate instances of your AI assistant from different project directories. Each directory contains a configuration file providing specific context, rules, and style guides for that domain (e.g., writing vs. task management), creating specialized, expert assistants.
Create a single command that triggers scripts for your AI to consolidate tasks from various sources (like Trello), generate a daily to-do list in a notes app, and pull in new research. This streamlines your morning routine and provides immediate focus for the day.
Structure AI context into three layers: a short global file for universal preferences, project-specific files for domain rules, and an indexed library of modular context files (e.g., business details) that the AI only loads when relevant, preventing context window bloat.
When an AI's context window is nearly full, don't rely on its automatic compaction feature. Instead, proactively instruct the AI to summarize the current project state into a "process notes" file, then clear the context and have it read the summary to avoid losing key details.
To create detailed context files about your business or personal preferences, instruct your AI to act as an interviewer. By answering its questions, you provide the raw material for the AI to then synthesize and structure into a permanent, reusable context file without writing it yourself.
Don't try to create a comprehensive "memory" for your AI in one sitting. Instead, adopt a simple rule: whenever you find yourself explaining context to the AI, stop and immediately have it capture that information in a permanent context file. This makes personalization far more manageable.
Writing collaboratively with an AI can prevent the common habit of getting distracted between creative bursts. After reviewing a section, the AI's immediate prompt to start the next part acts as a psychological nudge, helping you maintain focus and momentum throughout a long project.