Chapter 7: Self-Assessment Checkpoint
Pause and Check
You've built two of three Gems:
- Brief Builder
- Scope Creep Detector
Before building the third, let's verify everything is working. This chapter is a checkpoint—skip it if everything's working, dig in if something's not.
Checklist: Brief Builder
| Check | Status |
|---|---|
| Gem exists in your Gem manager | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Produces structured output with all sections | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Tested on at least 2 different client inputs | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Output is good enough to share with your team | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| You would actually use this next week | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
If any "No":
- Go back to Chapter 5
- Re-read the instructions template
- Test with different inputs
- Iterate until all boxes are checked
Checklist: Scope Creep Detector
| Check | Status |
|---|---|
| Gem exists in your Gem manager | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Correctly categorizes requests (IN/OUT/NEEDS) | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Suggested responses are usable | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Tested on at least 3 different requests | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
| Agrees with your judgment most of the time | [ ] Yes [ ] No |
If any "No":
- Go back to Chapter 6
- Add more context about your boundaries
- Test with requests that caused past friction
- Iterate until all boxes are checked
Exercise 7.1: Speed Test
Goal
Verify the Gems actually save time.
Time: 10 minutes
Steps
Brief Builder Speed Test:
Set a timer
Find client notes you haven't used yet
Create a brief manually (your normal process)
Stop timer: _____ minutes
Reset timer
Use the Brief Builder Gem with the same notes
Stop timer: _____ minutes
Time saved: _____ minutes
Scope Creep Detector Speed Test:
Set a timer
Find a revision request
Assess it mentally and draft a response
Stop timer: _____ minutes
Reset timer
Use the Scope Creep Detector Gem
Stop timer: _____ minutes
Time saved: _____ minutes
Interpretation
If the Gem isn't saving time:
- Your instructions may be producing output that needs heavy editing
- You may be faster at the task than average (rare but possible)
- The Gem may need better instructions
If the Gem saves less than 5 minutes:
- Acceptable for frequent tasks (savings compound)
- Consider if the task is worth automating
If the Gem saves more than 15 minutes:
- Excellent. This is a high-value Gem.
- Consider what else in your workflow might benefit from this approach
Troubleshooting: Common Problems
Problem: Output is too long
Fix: Add stricter word limits. Example: "Keep total response under 200 words."
Problem: Output is too generic
Fix: Add more business context and examples of what good looks like.
Problem: Output invents information
Fix: Add explicit instruction: "If information is not provided, flag it as unknown. Never invent details."
Problem: Output doesn't match my format
Fix: Be extremely specific about format. Use exact section headers. Show an example if needed.
Problem: Output varies too much between uses
Fix: Make instructions more prescriptive. Less room for interpretation = more consistency.
Problem: Gem works on test input but fails on real input
Fix: Your test inputs may have been too clean. Test with messy, incomplete real-world examples.
Exercise 7.2: Identify Your Biggest Improvement
Goal
Know what to focus on if you iterate further.
Time: 5 minutes
Steps
For each Gem, identify the ONE thing that would make it better:
Brief Builder — My one improvement:
Scope Creep Detector — My one improvement:
If you can't identify improvements, great—they're ready.
If you have multiple improvements per Gem:
- Implement the most impactful one NOW
- Save others for future refinement
- Don't let perfect be the enemy of useful
Quality Gate
You must be able to answer "Yes" to all of these before Chapter 8:
Do you have two working Gems in your Gem manager? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Have both Gems been tested on real client work? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Do both Gems produce output you would actually use? [ ] Yes [ ] No
Do you understand how to improve a Gem when it's not working? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If all "Yes": Proceed to Chapter 8.
If any "No": Stop here. Go back and fix it. The Project Closer Gem builds on skills you've practiced in Chapters 5-6. If those aren't solid, Chapter 8 won't be either.
What You've Proven
By reaching this checkpoint, you've demonstrated:
- You can create Gems — from scratch, not just copy-paste
- You can write effective instructions — using the formula
- You can test and iterate — improving based on actual output
- You can apply AI to your real workflow — not just theoretical examples
This is the skill. The third Gem is just more practice.
Benchmarks So Far
| Skill | Target | Your Status |
|---|---|---|
| Create a Gem from scratch | < 10 min | _____ min |
| Write effective instructions | Produces usable output first try | Y / N |
| Test with real input | At least 2 tests per Gem | _____ tests |
| Iterate based on problems | Improve within 2 rounds | _____ rounds |
Quick Recovery
If you're stuck and frustrated:
- Take a break — Sometimes 15 minutes away clears the fog
- Start simpler — Make the Gem do ONE thing well before adding complexity
- Use examples — Include an actual example of good output in your instructions
- Copy what works — Reference the templates from Chapters 5-6 more closely
- Ask for help — You're not alone (see Chapter 9 for resources)
Checkpoint Time: ~15 minutes (if everything's working)
Checkpoint Time: ~30-45 minutes (if you need to fix things)
Next: Chapter 8 — Build Your Project Closer Gem