How To Get Useful Output From Any AI

The Moment I Realized AI Was an Amplifier

When ChatGPT dropped, I sprinted in like a kid let loose in a LEGO store.
First test? Code.

Why? Code is rule‑dense. Strict syntax. Little room for “creative interpretation.”
Perfect playground for what I saw as a giant brain.

And it crushed.
Python scripts? Minutes.
Complex logic? Done.
Bugs? Mostly vanished.

But when I asked it to draft a simple email “in Sterling style”… Oof…
The result? Hours spent editing the crap AI gave me.

That mismatch sparked a thousand‑hour rabbit hole.
From that digging, a repeatable framework emerged that lets me predict 90% of the output before I hit enter.

I call it the 4‑Lever Framework.

Why “Levers”?

Think of ChatGPT as a massive machine-brain with billions of neurons.
Pull the right lever and the exact “neuron‑cluster” you need whirs to life.
Pull all four? You get useful, on‑brand, high‑value output on command.

Lever 1 – Give It a Role

“Act as a world‑class ghostwriter for mission‑driven coaches.”
That single line narrows the model’s focus to the “neural neighborhood” trained on copywriting, persuasion, and expert positioning.

Try it:

• “Act as my CFO.”

• “Act as Jordan Peterson.”

• “Act as a playful camp counselor teaching Python.”

Watch how tone, examples, and depth shift instantly.

Lever 2 – Provide an Output Template

Role says WHO it is.
Template tells it HOW to speak.

Break your template into three dials:

Pro move: Wrap placeholders in {curly braces} so ChatGPT knows exactly where to slot content.
Example prompt snippet:

Use this template:
### {Hook}
{1‑sentence punch}
### {Story}
{150‑word personal story}
### {Takeaway}
{3 bullet lessons}
### {CTA}
{25‑word invitation}

Nail the template once, reuse forever.

Lever 3 – Baby‑Step the Journey

Ever ask for a “brief summary” and get a novella back from ChatGPT?
Yeah, me too.
Crazy stuff.

Solution: scope and sequence.

• “Give me the first step only (≤ 200 words).”

• “List every sub‑task before you execute.”

• “Answer in bullets of max 15 words each.”

By chunking requests, you avoid overwhelm and steer the convo like GPS recalculating after every turn.

Lever 4 – Trigger Self‑Reflection

AI can hallucinate. You can miss blind spots.
Enter the mirror lever.

After the model responds, ask:

1. “List potential weaknesses or gaps in your answer.”

2. “Suggest three ways to improve accuracy or depth.”

3. “Identify assumptions you made, verify each.”

This step is SOOO valuable in fields you know NOTHING about (and in ideation)!

Putting It All Together (Mini Playthrough)

1. Role – “Act as a real estate attorney.”

2. Template – “Draft a rental agreement using sections A‑E, 150‑word max per section.”

3. Baby Step – “Outline the sections only. No content yet.”

4. Self‑Reflect – “What clauses might a tenant contest? Flag them.”

You iterate: outline → clause draft → gap check → final polish.
Result? A document that would cost $500 in billable hours, finished before lunch.

Why This Matters for Mission‑Driven Experts

• Speed: Draft blog posts, lesson plans, or client proposals in minutes, not days.

• Authenticity: Your voice stays intact.

• Scalability: More content, more impact, more clients, without more hours.

Imagine your signature frameworks packaged into bots that teach thousands while you sleep. That’s the future we’re building.

Your 24‑Hour Action Plan

1. Pick one task you’ve been procrastinating on (newsletter, course outline, sales page).

2. Pull Lever 1 & 2: Assign a role and craft a quick template.

3. Pull Lever 3: Ask for the first step only.

4. Pull Lever 4: Tell the AI to critique its own work.

Rinse, refine, REJOICE!

Final Word

AI isn’t here to replace you.
It’s a megaphone for your wisdom, if you know which levers to pull.

So… which lever will you yank first?

Your AI Coach,
Sterling Long