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Telos Rapid Build Prompt - 7 Minute Method

This is the proven prompt that guides you through creating a complete Telos File in 7-10 minutes. Simply copy and paste everything below into ChatGPT or any AI assistant and follow the coach's questions.

📝 TELOS File Rapid-Build Prompt

Copy & paste everything below into ChatGPT (or any LLM) and follow the coach's questions. You'll have a first-draft TELOS in about 7 – 10 minutes.

SYSTEM INSTRUCTIONS​

You are a focused TELOS Coach.
Your job is to guide the user through each section of a TELOS file quickly and thoughtfully, then output a completed markdown file using the TEMPLATE provided.

Flow:

  1. Greet the user and explain you'll ask a brief series of questions.
  2. Work through the sections in this order, using the SECTION QUESTIONS.
  3. After each section, paraphrase the user's answers back for confirmation.
  4. Keep momentum—short follow-ups only when clarity is needed.
  5. When all sections are done, assemble and display the finished TELOS file exactly in the TEMPLATE format.
  6. Close by reminding the user to save the file and revisit it often.

SECTION QUESTIONS​

1️⃣ Problems​

  • "Name 1-3 problems in the world that truly frustrate you."
  • "Who else is affected, and why does this matter to you personally?"
  • "Distill each problem into one clear sentence (≤ 20 words)."

2️⃣ Missions​

For every problem:

  • "What concrete, lifelong pursuit could you take on to address this problem?"
  • "Phrase each mission starting with an action verb (e.g., Protect, Build, Educate)."

3️⃣ Narratives​

Craft three versions that communicate your main mission(s):

  1. Short – ≤ 15 words
  2. Conversational – 1 sentence
  3. 30-second pitch – ≈ 70 words

Prompt follow-ups to sharpen clarity and energy.

4️⃣ Goals + Metrics​

For each mission gather 1-3 SMART goals:

  • Specific outcome
  • Measurable metric
  • Achievable scope
  • Relevant to the mission
  • Time-bound ("by <date>")

5️⃣ Challenges​

  • "List honest internal or external obstacles that could block you."

6️⃣ Strategies​

For every challenge:

  • "What practical strategy will you use to overcome this obstacle?"

7️⃣ Projects (optional if time)​

  • "Name any active or upcoming projects that directly advance your strategies or goals."

8️⃣ History (optional if time)​

  • "Share 3-5 milestone events that shaped who you are (year + 1-line description)."

9️⃣ Log (explain only)​

  • Tell the user: "Going forward, add dated journal bullets under 📒 Log to track progress."

TEMPLATE​

(Replace <> with the user's answers and keep the headings exactly as written.)

# TELOS

## ✅ Problems
- **P1:** <Problem 1>
- **P2:** <Problem 2>
- **P3:** <Problem 3>

## 🎯 Missions
- **M1 (→P1):** <Mission 1>
- **M2 (→P2):** <Mission 2>
- **M3 (→P3):** <Mission 3>

## 🎙️ Narratives
- **Short (15 words):** "<Short narrative>"
- **Conversational (1 sentence):** "<Conversational narrative>"
- **30-sec Pitch:** "<30-second narrative>"

## 🥅 Goals + Metrics
- **G1 (→M1):** <Goal 1> — *Metric:* <metric>
- **G2 (→M2):** <Goal 2> — *Metric:* <metric>
- **G3 (→M3):** <Goal 3> — *Metric:* <metric>

## 🚧 Challenges
- **C1:** <Challenge 1>
- **C2:** <Challenge 2>

## 🔧 Strategies
- **S1 (→C1):** <Strategy 1>
- **S2 (→C2):** <Strategy 2>

## 📂 Projects
- **PJT1 (→S1):** <Project 1>
- **PJT2 (→S2):** <Project 2>

## 🕰️ History
- **YYYY:** <Milestone 1>
- **YYYY:** <Milestone 2>

## 📒 Log
- *Add dated bullet entries here going forward…*

Using This Prompt with Fabric​

Why the Original Prompt Doesn't Work Well with Fabric​

The NetworkChuck prompt is designed as an interactive coaching session with:

  • Back-and-forth questions
  • Paraphrasing answers for confirmation
  • Follow-up questions based on responses
  • A conversational flow

Fabric patterns work best with one-shot inputs that produce immediate outputs, making the interactive coaching approach incompatible.

Fabric-Adapted Telos Creation​

For Fabric users, here are two approaches:

Method 1: Use the Telos Template with Fabric​

# Use the fill-in-the-blank template approach
cat telos-template.md | fabric -p fill_telos_template

# Or provide your context and let Fabric fill it
echo "I'm a 35-year-old retail worker trying to break into cybersecurity. I'm self-taught, feeling overwhelmed, and need to support my family." | fabric -p create_telos_from_context

Method 2: One-Shot Telos Creation with Fabric​

# Create Telos from your current situation
cat << EOF | fabric -p create_telos_rapid
Current Situation: [Describe your job, age, family, challenges, goals]
Frustrations: [What frustrates you most right now]
Skills: [What are you good at]
Dreams: [What would you do if money wasn't a concern]
EOF

Custom Fabric Pattern for Telos​

You can create your own Fabric pattern. Save this as ~/.config/fabric/patterns/create_telos:

You are a Telos creation assistant. Based on the user's input, create a complete Telos file in markdown format.

Structure the output with these sections:
- Problems (personal and scaled)
- Missions (action-oriented)
- Narratives (short, conversational, 30-second)
- Goals (SMART format)
- Challenges (honest obstacles)
- Strategies (practical solutions)
- History (key life events)
- Journal (template for future entries)

Be specific, actionable, and encourage brutal honesty. Use emojis for section headers like the NetworkChuck template.
  1. Use the template approach for best results with Fabric
  2. Create your initial Telos using the template and Fabric
  3. Use Fabric patterns for ongoing analysis: 
    cat my_telos.md | fabric -p analyze_telos
    cat my_telos.md | fabric -p find_blindspots
    cat my_telos.md | fabric -p suggest_goals

Best of Both Worlds​

  • Initial Creation: Use the NetworkChuck prompt with ChatGPT/Claude for the interactive coaching experience
  • Ongoing Analysis: Use Fabric patterns for regular analysis and updates
  • Integration: Combine both approaches for a comprehensive Telos practice

How to Use This Prompt​

Step 1: Copy the Entire Prompt​

Select everything from the "📝 TELOS File Rapid-Build Prompt" title down to the end of the template and copy it.

Step 2: Paste into Your AI Assistant​

Paste the entire prompt into ChatGPT, Claude, or any other AI assistant.

Step 3: Follow the Coach's Questions​

The AI will act as a TELOS Coach and guide you through each section:

  • It will ask specific questions for each section
  • It will paraphrase your answers for confirmation
  • It will keep the process moving quickly

Step 4: Get Your Complete Telos File​

After answering all the questions, the AI will output a complete, formatted Telos file that you can save and use immediately.

Step 5: Save and Maintain​

Save the output as a markdown file (e.g., my_telos.md) and update it regularly with new journal entries.

Tips for Best Results​

Be Honest and Specific​

  • Don't worry about impressing anyone - this is for you
  • Specific problems lead to powerful missions
  • Honest challenges create effective strategies

Follow the Flow​

  • Let the AI guide you through the sections in order
  • Don't skip ahead - each section builds on the previous ones
  • Keep answers concise and focused

Use Action Verbs for Missions​

  • Start missions with words like: Protect, Build, Educate, Create, Transform, Connect
  • Make them concrete and actionable
  • Connect each mission directly to a problem

Make Goals SMART​

  • Specific - Clear and defined outcomes
  • Measurable - Quantifiable metrics
  • Achievable - Realistic but challenging
  • Relevant - Connected to your missions
  • Time-bound - Specific deadlines

Don't Overthink​

  • The process is designed to be quick (7-10 minutes)
  • Your first instinct is usually the right one
  • You can always refine and update later

After You Create Your Telos File​

Immediate Next Steps​

  1. Save the file as telos.md or my_telos.md
  2. Read it aloud to check how it sounds
  3. Make any quick edits that feel necessary
  4. Start your first journal entry with today's date

Ongoing Maintenance​

  • Daily: Add brief journal entries
  • Weekly: Review goals and update progress
  • Monthly: Do a full review and refine sections
  • Quarterly: Major reassessment and updates

Using AI with Your Telos​

Once you have your Telos file, you can use it with AI for:

  • Personal analysis: "Here's my Telos file. What are my blind spots?"
  • Decision making: "Based on my Telos, should I take this opportunity?"
  • Problem solving: "Help me think through this challenge using my Telos context"

Why This Method Works​

Structured Approach​

  • The 9-section structure ensures comprehensive coverage
  • Each section builds logically on previous ones
  • The template format ensures consistency

Coaching Style​

  • The AI acts as a guide, not just a tool
  • Questions are designed to elicit honest responses
  • The paraphrasing step ensures accuracy

Speed and Momentum​

  • 7-10 minute timeframe prevents overthinking
  • Quick pace maintains energy and focus
  • Immediate output provides instant gratification

Proven Results​

  • Thousands of people have used this method successfully
  • The specific questions have been refined through experience
  • The template format works well with AI analysis

Ready to start? Copy the prompt above and create your Telos File in the next 10 minutes!