Hi Reader,

Most writing problems aren’t about writing.

You already know what you want to say.
You’ve done the thinking.
You have the ideas.

But writing still takes longer than it should.

You start, stop, rewrite, adjust — and the result rarely feels as clear as it did in your head.

The problem isn’t your ability.
It’s the lack of a system.

A better way to approach writing
​Instead of figuring things out while writing, separate the thinking from the writing.

Start with this:

1. Define the angle
​Before writing anything, clarify what the piece is actually about:

“I need to write [type of piece] for [audience].
The goal is [what they should understand or do].
Help me sharpen the angle and identify what matters most.”

This removes most of the hesitation.

2. Build a simple structure
​Then ask:

“Based on this angle, suggest a simple structure — what comes first, what follows, and how it should end.”

Now you’re not guessing anymore.

3. Write with direction

At this point, writing becomes execution.
You’re not trying to figure things out mid-way.
You’re filling in a structure that already makes sense.

Try this today

Before your next piece of writing, run this:

“I need to write [piece] for [audience].
The goal is [outcome].
Help me clarify the angle and give me a simple structure.”

You’ll spend less time rewriting — and more time producing something clear from the start.

This approach comes from the upcoming book Mastering AI for Productivity, where we break down practical systems for writing faster and more clearly without starting from scratch.

More on that soon.

— Mastering AI Team
Make AI work for you