Why your prompts fail — and the Meta Prompt that fixes it


Hi Reader,

Save this (you’ll use it weekly).

The right prompt is like magic. It gets you dependable results every time. It takes the frustration out of the creation process. It’s the foundation of a rock solid and repeatable workflow.

But here’s the thing: A prompt needs to be custom to your task. So most copy-and-paste prompts aren’t valuable.

Instead, you need to learn the Meta Prompt™.

What it is: AI knows how to use AI better than people. Meta Prompting is using AI to create your prompt before actually jumping in to the work.



The Formula (Copy & Paste)

Prompt:
I’m building a prompt to [describe the task in one sentence].
Inputs you can expect: [list exact inputs—files, links, formats, context]
Desired outputs: [paste a short example of the perfect output]
Your job: Write a single, complete prompt that will guide an AI to do this task at high quality and consistency.
Important:
• If anything is unclear or missing, ask clarifying questions before writing the final prompt.
• Print the finished prompt inside one clean code block for easy copy-paste.

Why This Works

  • It forces clarity on inputs and outputs before you start.
  • It turns a vague request into a repeatable workflow.
  • It asks AI to do what it does best: structure a process.

Most prompts fail because they’re too generic. You don’t need hundreds of prompts. You need to know how to prompt. AI can get you there faster.

The Meta Prompt™ starts with YOUR workflow, then writes the perfect prompt for it.

Try It This Week

  • Pick one task you do repeatedly (writing briefs, summarizing calls, drafting emails).
  • Paste the Meta Prompt™ formula.
  • Save the finished prompt in your systems (Notes, project docs, or your prompt library).
  • Use it the next time. Refine once. Then lock it.

Reply for More Resources

Reply with “META” and I’ll send you a short step-by-stepwalk through of video of how to do it.

Save it. Use it. Master it.

Tell me how it goes!

-Dan đź–¤

PS- I’m thinking about doing a Prompting Masterclass. I’d demonstrate how to Meta Prompt, give real life examples, and answer questions.
​
When you reply, tell me if a workshop would be helpful!

PPS - For those of you who got two copies of this newsletter, thanks for your patience with my over-enthusiastic clicking of the SEND button!

The Meaning Movement

Hi! đź‘‹ I'm Dan. I write for entrepreneurs who want to harness AI without losing their humanity. Join 10,000+ readers who are learning to combine cutting-edge technology with emotional intelligence, building businesses that serve life, not consume it. Raw insights, practical strategies, and real talk about the journey ahead.

Read more from The Meaning Movement

Hi Reader, Everyone’s talking about “AI agents” right now. But most people are confused about where automation stops and agents begin. Here’s the truth: they’re not as distinct as the charts make them seem. Automation: If this happens, do that. Boolean logic. Predefined rules. Fast, reliable, but rigid. AI automation: Same structure, but now you’re calling an LLM for one or more steps. Still deterministic overall, but with flexibility where you need it. AI agent: Non-deterministic. Adaptive....

a brain in a box

Hi Reader, ChatGPT has a hidden unlock that most people don’t know about. It’s called Project memory control. And it solves one of the biggest frustrations with using AI for multiple things: the messy, tangled memory that bleeds into everything. The Problem with a Shared Brain Memory is nice. It gives AI context so you don’t have to repeat yourself. But it’s messy. It remembers that one-off search you did for a gift and thinks it’s your new career path. It mixes the feedback from a client...

Hi Reader, I’ve always struggled to post consistently. For the longest time, I thought it was just me being lazy. Or perfectionist. Or not having anything valuable to say. But I found an unlock that changed everything. The Struggle Was Real I still get all up in my head. I feel like I don’t have anything to say. Get frustrated when posts don’t perform. Sound familiar? Here’s what I didn’t realize: I was suffering from Content Blindness. Every day, I was having brilliant conversations. Solving...