Troubleshooting Common Issues

Feeling Stuck? Let's Get It Sorted.

Even the best systems can have hiccups. This guide is here to help you solve the most common issues you might run into while using the workflows. My goal is to get you back to building as quickly as possible.

Find your issue below, and let's walk through the fix together.

Setup & Configuration Issues

"My Custom GPT / Claude Project / Gem isn't following the workflow."

This is the most common issue, and the fix is usually simple. It means the AI doesn't have the instructions clearly in its "mind."

• Diagnosis: The workflow instructions weren't loaded or understood correctly.
• The Fixes:
• 1. Re-state Your Intent: Start your chat with a very clear instruction.
  2. • For example: "Let's use our systematic workflow for [Your Goal]. Please begin with the first phase of the attached document."
  2. Check Your Setup (The "Is it plugged in?" check):
  3. • For Claude/Gemini: Double-check that you pasted the entire workflow text into the "Instructions" or "Project Instructions" field. Sometimes a copy-paste error can miss a section.
     • For ChatGPT: Ensure you uploaded the full workflow document into the "Knowledge" section of your Custom GPT. This is crucial. The compressed instructions tell it what to do, but the document in "Knowledge" gives it the details.
  3. The "Hard Reset": If all else fails, create a new Project/Gem/GPT from scratch. It's rare to need this, but a fresh start solves 99% of stubborn setup problems.

Workflow Execution Issues

"The AI is skipping steps or mixing up the phases."

This usually happens when the request is complex or ambiguous. The AI is trying to be "helpful" by taking a shortcut, but we need it to be systematic.

• Diagnosis: The AI needs to be gently guided back to the structured path.
• The Fixes:
• 1. Be Explicit: You are the director. If the AI skips ahead, correct it directly.
  2. • For example: "Good start, but you missed a step. Let's go back to Phase 2, Step B: [Name of the step]."
  2. Focus on One Phase at a Time: Instead of asking for the entire project at once, guide it phase by phase.
  3. • Instead of: "Create a full business plan."
     • Try: "Let's start with Phase 1 of the business plan workflow."
  3. Reinforce the Rules: Remind it of its purpose.
  4. • For example: "Remember to follow the systematic process we've established."

"The AI's responses feel too generic."

This is a classic "garbage in, garbage out" problem. The workflow provides the process, but the quality of the output depends on the quality of your input.

• Diagnosis: The AI doesn't have enough specific context about your project.
• The Fixes:
• 1. Provide More Context Upfront: Before starting a workflow, give the AI the essential details. Who is your customer? What is your product? What is your goal?
  2. Upload Supporting Documents: Use the "Knowledge" or attachment feature. If you're creating content, upload samples of your writing. If you're building a business case, upload market research. The more it knows, the better it performs.
  3. Refine Your Inputs at Each Step: When the workflow asks you to provide information, be as detailed as possible. Your specific, nuanced input is what turns a generic draft into a brilliant one.

General Advice

"This feels a bit slow or overwhelming the first time."

That's completely normal.

• Diagnosis: You're learning a new skill—directing an AI through a professional-grade process. It's different from simple one-shot prompting.
• The Fix: Trust the process. The first time you use a workflow, it will feel methodical and deliberate. The second time, it will feel familiar. By the third time, it will feel fast and powerful. You're building a new muscle, and it gets stronger with every rep.

"My free account seems to be limiting the workflow."

• Diagnosis: Free tiers on AI platforms have context limits, meaning they can "forget" instructions during very long conversations.
• The Fixes:
• 1. Work in Sessions: Break your project into smaller chunks. Focus on completing one or two phases in a single session.
  2. Re-attach the Document: If you have to start a new conversation, simply re-attach the workflow document and use the "magic prompt" from the "How to Use" guide to get the AI back on track instantly.

If you're still stuck after trying these steps, feel free to reach out. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps me make these workflows better for everyone.