Hello!

If you're like most people I talk to, AI feels like this big overwhelming thing. You want to use it but don't know where to start without getting lost in tools or tutorials.

Given all of the AI noise and hype that we constantly have to endure, you'd be forgiven for thinking that you've already been left behind (and only massive, overnight transformation in everything you do can save you).

You may also have started signing up for a pile of new AI tools that promise the world - and then get forgotten moments after you start your free trial.

But the truth is that true, sustainable transformations don't happen overnight.

They are the result of establishing small, repeatable, consistent wins, which compound over time.

They become habits.

So, what I want to do here is give you a clear example of the kind of tiny AI habit (that takes 5 minutes or less, and actually works) and doesn't involve any new apps, special skills or training.

All you need is your preferred AI assistant (ChatGPT, MS Copilot, Claude, Gemini and Grok are all perfectly fine).

The 5‑Minute AI Habit

1. Pick one thing you do a lot (like writing emails or taking meeting notes).
2. Grab this simple prompt template and copy-paste it into a note or new doc on your computer. The app or tool you choose to store it in is irrelevant - just make sure it's easy to get back to every day.
3. Then tweak the prompt for your task.
4. Use it once a day for a week (add a daily reminder to your phone and your calendar to open this at the same time every day).
5. See what time you save and if it feels useful.
6. Tweak and improve it. See how the results change based on the instructions you provide. That's it.

Here's the prompt template to copy:

Context: My audience is [who you're talking to, like 'my team']. Keep it [simple, like 'under 200 words'].

Role: You're my [your job, like 'marketing lead'] helping me [your goal, like 'write clear emails faster'].
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Instruction: Turn this [your input, like 'meeting notes'] into [what you want, like 'a short email summary'] in [your style, like 'friendly and direct']. [Include any specific do's or don't's]. Then give me [the output, like 'a ready-to-send email draft'].

Real-world example:

• Before: 22 minutes to write a daily status email.
• After: 5 minutes with a reusable prompt and quick edit.
• Weekly saving: ~85 minutes.

And this is for one type of email only. Think about how much time you can save if you identify 4 or 5 tasks that you do regularly each week that you can accelerate in this simple way.

Common mistakes to skip:

• Don't chase new tools. Use what you already have.
• Don't try to be a hero. Small daily wins add up. Pick one repeatable thing to use this for and do it every day. Don't try and change the way you do everything in one go.
• Don't pick vague tasks. Make it something concrete you can measure.

Pro tip: the more specific and detailed the instructions and context you provide, the better, e.g. mention your industry, the size or nature of your business, any relevant background information, your personal experience and role. And tell the AI tool to assume a very specific role, including any domain or industry experience that you'd like it to have or exhibit.

Just remember: CONTEXT, ROLE, INSTRUCTION.

Your move: Pick one task right now. Write it down. Try the template today.

Reply "Habit" and I'll send you a one-page checklist to make it stick.

Have fun out there,

Andy

P.S. I'd love to hear from you. What's on your mind when it comes to AI? What questions or concerns do you have? What challenges are you grappling with? Let me know - I read every reply.