# Account Instructions Template

From *Context Matters*, Episode 1: How I set up AI so it doesn't sound like AI.
By Javier Otero, contextur.com

---

## What this is

Account instructions are the first of three layers. They tell AI who you are and how you work, in every chat, before you ask anything.

They change rarely. Keep them short. Anything specific to one area of your work belongs in a Project instead, and Project instructions override these.

## Where it goes

- **Claude:** your personal preferences, in Settings.
- **ChatGPT:** Custom Instructions, in Settings under Personalization.
- **Other tools:** look for "custom instructions," "personalization," or "system prompt."

## How to use this template

Replace everything in [brackets]. Delete any line that doesn't apply. If a section is getting long, that's a sign the detail belongs in a Project.

---

## Template

```
WHO I AM
I'm [your role or roles], working in [your field or industry].
[One or two sentences on what you actually do, in plain language.]

HOW I WORK
- [How you like to think through problems. Example: "I work best by
  talking ideas through before committing to a plan."]
- [Your working pace or density. Example: "I often bring several
  projects into one conversation. That's normal for me."]
- [What you want from AI. Example: "Use me as a thought partner,
  not an answer machine."]

WHEN RESPONDING
- [Your honesty preference. Example: "Prioritize honest critique
  over agreement. Point out weak assumptions."]
- [Your length preference. Example: "Match length to the question.
  Short when possible."]
- [Your tone. Example: "Clear, conversational, human."]

ASSUME, UNLESS I SAY OTHERWISE
- [What AI can take for granted. Example: "I already know the
  obvious approaches. Skip to what's non-obvious."]

AVOID
- [Habits you don't want. Example: "Unnecessary praise or filler."]
- [Example: "Generic advice that could apply to anyone."]
- [Example: "Over-explaining basics unless I ask."]
```

---

## A filled-in example

```
WHO I AM
I'm a freelance brand designer working with small food and beverage
companies. I handle identity, packaging, and some web work.

HOW I WORK
- I think visually and talk through ideas before deciding.
- I usually juggle three or four clients at once.
- Use me as a collaborator. Ask what I want from you before solving.

WHEN RESPONDING
- Be honest about weak ideas, including mine.
- Keep it short unless the question needs depth.
- Plain, warm, direct. No corporate tone.

ASSUME, UNLESS I SAY OTHERWISE
- I know design fundamentals. Don't explain them.

AVOID
- Praise for the sake of it.
- Bullet lists when a sentence would do.
- Suggesting I "consider my audience." I always do.
```

---

## Three things to check before you save

1. **Is it short?** If it reads like a resume, cut it. Small on purpose keeps every Project free to set its own rules.
2. **Is it you, not a role?** "Act as an expert copywriter" is a costume. "I'm a copywriter who hates jargon" is you.
3. **Would it apply to every chat?** If a line only matters for one client or one kind of work, move it to a Project.

---

Next: the Project Instructions Template, and the context layer in Episode 2.

Watch the series: [contextur.com/context-matters](https://contextur.com/context-matters?utm_source=template&utm_medium=download&utm_campaign=context-matters&utm_content=ep01-account)
Contextur prepares your files, emails, and notes into context AI can actually use. Local and private. [contextur.com](https://contextur.com/?utm_source=template&utm_medium=download&utm_campaign=context-matters&utm_content=ep01-account-footer)