Everyday productivity
Five levels of AI setup, from first chat to full routine
You will know your current level, what the next level adds and one small project to reach it.
Before you start
- An AI assistant you have used at least once
- A notes app
- A recurring task to improve
How the levels work
Each level adds one new habit. Do not skip ahead. If a level feels shaky, spend another week on it before moving on.
Tools and features change often. The habits below do not depend on any one product.
Level 1: Ask clear questions
State the goal, the audience and the length. Check every fact.
- Test: you can get a useful draft from one prompt in under five minutes.
Level 2: Give it your context
Write a short note about you, your work and how you like answers. Paste it into new chats.
- Test: answers sound like they were written for you.
Level 3: Save what works
Keep the best prompts in a library with a title and a use note.
- Test: you can find and reuse a prompt in ten seconds.
Level 4: Connect one tool
Connect a single app, such as your documents, with read-only access. Test with a harmless question.
- Test: it finds a document you know exists, and nothing you did not allow.
Level 5: Run a routine
Put one task on a schedule with a human check at the end, such as a weekly summary of your notes.
- Test: the routine runs for four weeks and you still review every output.
Choose your next project
Write down your level and one project for the next. Put a date in your calendar to review.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping levels
- Connecting several tools at once
- Automating before you can check the output
- Buying tools to solve a habit problem
Final checklist
- I know my current level
- I passed the test for it
- I chose one project for the next level
- I set a review date