Everyone blames AI for bad answers.
But most people never ask it to think first.
They jump straight to “Do this,” then get confused when the output feels off.
The fix is embarrassingly simple.
You force the machine to explain its logic before generating the result.
AI fills in the blanks you never defined - tone, format, missing context, what “good” means, what the goal actually is etc. - and more than likely fails at matching what YOU had in mind.
The fix?
Give it more context.
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⚙️ SYSTEM BREAKDOWN (step-by-step)
➙ Step 1: Ask for Missing Info
AI tells you what it needs rather than hallucinating.
➙ Step 2: Make It List Assumptions
This exposes the invisible logic behind the output.
➙ Step 3: Have It Outline the Approach
You get to approve the method before it executes.
➙ Step 4: Only THEN Generate the Final Answer
Output becomes sharper, cleaner, and aligned with your intent.
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PROMPT TEMPLATE
Use the Explain-Then-Do protocol.
Before completing my request, first tell me:
1. Missing Information
Identify what information you need from me to produce the best possible result. Ask me questions if necessary.
2. Assumptions
List the assumptions you are making about the task. Ask for clarification if needed
3. Approach
Explain how you will solve the request step-by-step. Be concise. I don't have time to read too much.
After those three sections, produce the final output.
Here is what I need you to do:
[PASTE WHATEVER IT IS]______
Most people treat AI like a vending machine: input → output.
But large models think in layers.
When you interrupt the autopilot and make the system surface its reasoning, you strip out ambiguity, prevent hallucinations, and force alignment.
The result is a deliberate answer instead of a blind guess. Reasoning-before-execution is how you turn a model into an actual collaborator.
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BTW… IF YOU’RE INTO AI ART…
I just launched an e-guide on how to prompt AI properly to get perfect results every time. Check it out here:
How to Create PRO Level AI Images 🎨
Tutorial on how to structure your prompts so you get what you want everytime
Reply with the next thing you need your AI to do
I’ll show you how much better it gets once you force it to think with logic and reasoning first.
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