You gave a clear command. Your AI Puppy brought back something random. We have all been there. This guide shows you how to diagnose the problem fast, fix your prompt, and get a result you can use.

TL;DR

When outputs go off the rails it is usually one of five things.

1. Vague goal. 2) Conflicting instructions. 3) Missing context or examples. 4) Asking for too much in one go. 5) Using the wrong tool or model for the job.
   Use the triage flow below. Then apply the prompt patterns and copy them into your next run.

Why “sit” becomes “spin”

Common root causes:

• Ambiguity. The model cannot read your mind. If your goal is fuzzy you get fuzzy.
• Collisions. You give two rules that do not agree. The model guesses.
• Context gaps. No examples. No brand voice. No constraints. Results drift.
• Scope creep. Ten tasks in one prompt leads to mush.
• Model or mode mismatch. Long form writing with a tiny context window. Video motion asked from an image tool. Wrong fit.

Real talk: when my image prompts misbehave

I am not immune to stubborn outputs. Some days my AI Puppy gives me moody skies when I asked for crisp sun. Other days it invents props I never wanted. The fix is rarely one giant change. It is a few precise tweaks in the right order.

What I notice first

I scan for three things. Shape. Light. Identity.
If the shape is wrong I get odd compositions or limbs that bend in strange ways.
If the light is wrong I get glam HDR or muddy gray.
If identity drifts I lose the face, the outfit, or the brand setting.

How I slow the scene down

When images warp, my first move is to reduce verbs. One action per shot. One camera move. One anchor noun that must be in the frame. I name the lens feel and light in one short line. Then I add a small negative list to block the model’s habits.

Two mini case studies from my desk

Case 1: Triptych that barely moved

The problem
I asked for a triptych sequence of stairs, tying shoes, and plating food. The left panel did not move. The middle panel blinked and nothing else happened. The right panel tried to be a cooking show.

What we changed together

• We wrote the movement as verbs per panel. One step up then hold. One lace pull then tuck. One spoon rotate then still.
• We chose one camera path. Slow slider only. No roll.
• We locked identity. Preserve face and outfit. No plastic skin.
• We set a time budget. Two seconds per panel. Six seconds total.

Result
Gentle motion in each frame. Clean loop. Usable b-roll for a vertical cut and a 16:9 version for YouTube.

Case 2: Wardrobe drift and the mystery prop

The problem
Grace looked great in one image and then showed up with the wrong backpack and a second hiking pole in the next. In another shot a workbook appeared when I wanted a clean scene.

What we changed together

• We listed three required nouns. Backpack color, trekking poles, living room plant.
• We added a reference image and said match colors exactly.
• We used a tiny negative list. No extra pole. No books in hand. No readable text.
• We pinned the composition. Mid shot. Eye level. Natural window light.

Result
Consistent outfit and props. No stray items. A sequence that looks like the same day with the same character.

My quick image rescue loop

1. Write the goal in one sentence.
2. List the three nouns that must be in frame.
3. Describe one camera path and one light note.
4. Add a short negative list to block the model’s habits.
5. Show one small reference.
6. Limit the movement to one verb.
7. Rerun and compare side by side.

I do not change everything at once. I fix one variable and run again. Most of the time that is enough.

A before and after you can copy

Before
“Triptych. Healthy lifestyle. Cinematic. Soft light.”

After
“Triptych sequence.
Left panel. One step up on the stair then hold. Eye level. Slow slider. Natural window light.
Middle panel. Hands pull laces once then tuck. 35mm feel. Natural motion blur.
Right panel. Spoon rotates once while placing berries then still. Keep label text unreadable.
Preserve identity and outfit. No HDR glam. No extra props. Six seconds total. Two seconds per panel.”

What to do when it still will not listen

Switch the tool or switch the shape. If an image tool keeps inventing objects, try a tighter crop or a simpler verb. If you need motion that is precise, use a video model. If a face keeps drifting, anchor with a clean reference and fewer words. When in doubt, shrink the request. One verb. One camera move. One negative list.

That is how I work it out with my AI Puppy on the tough days. Small moves. Clear rules. One fix at a time.

The 90-second triage flow

Use this quick loop to rescue a stubborn task.

1. Name the outcome
   One sentence. “Write a 700 word blog intro in my voice that teaches X.”
2. Pin the inputs
   Paste the exact facts, links, assets, or style notes the model must use.
3. Freeze the rules
   List three constraints. Length. Tone. Format.
4. Show an example
   One short sample of the shape you want.
5. Cut the scope
   If you have more than one verb split the task. Plan then draft. Draft then edit. Edit then format.
6. Pick the right mode
   Text for writing. Image for images. Video tool for motion. Table tools for data.
7. Run and review
   Score the output on a simple rubric. If score is low fix one thing and run again.

The CPR framework for prompts

C = Clarify what you want
P = Prioritize the must haves
R = Restrict the freedom that causes drift

Drop this at the top of your prompt:

Goal: <one sentence outcome>
Audience: <who and why they care>
Inputs you must use: <bullets or pasted text>
Do not do: <bullets>
Priority order: <1..3>
Format: <exact sections or JSON or table>
Length: <words or time or steps>
Voice: <plain, warm, practical. no hype>

Anatomy of a high-leverage prompt

• Role. “Act as a senior editor for Plant Based Flex.”
• Outcome. “Produce a 9 paragraph article with a hook, three sections, a summary, and a CTA.”
• Guardrails. “Avoid dashes in sentences. No fluff. No medical claims.”
• Materials. Paste quotes, outlines, or data.
• Examples. One short sample in your voice.
• Finish line. “Stop after the CTA. No extras.”

Five quick fixes that work today

• Replace adjectives with measurable targets.
  Bad: “Make it concise.” Good: “Keep it under 140 words.”
• Turn “and” into numbered steps.
  Bad: “Brainstorm and outline and write.” Good: “Step 1 brainstorm. Step 2 outline. Step 3 draft.”
• Swap “good” with a rubric.
  “Meets goal if it mentions A B C. Fails if it uses claims of cure.”
• Add a negative list to block model habits.
  “Do not use embark delves unlock unleash.”
• Show one mini example.
  The model imitates shapes. Give it a shape.

Prompt patterns you can copy

1) Outline first then draft

You are my planning partner.
Goal: Plan a 1,000 word blog post titled "When your AI Puppy won't obey!"
Produce: An outline with H2 and H3 headings. Add 1 sentence under each H3 that states the point.
Rules: No dashes in sentences. Plain language. Max 12 headings.
Stop after the outline.

Then run a second prompt:

Use the approved outline below to write the article.
- Keep each paragraph 2 to 4 sentences.
- End with a short CTA to join my newsletter.
Outline:
<paste outline>

2) Diagnose a stubborn task

Act as a prompt mechanic.
Goal: I tried to generate a 16:9 hero image for “Aging Through Time” and got fantasy faces.
Here is my prompt and tool: <paste> Tool: Runway Gen-3
Return:
1) The top 3 likely causes.
2) A minimal fix prompt.
3) A stronger fix prompt with references.
4) A checklist for the next run.

3) Rewrite in my voice with guardrails

Role: Editor for Plant Based Flex brand.
Task: Rewrite the following to be warm, factual, and conversational. Avoid hype. Avoid dashes in sentences.
Keep 8th grade clarity. Keep my phrases "Thrive Beyond 60" and "flex your plant power" when natural.
Return only the revised text. No preface.
Source:
<paste text>

4) Research summary with citations scaffold

Act as a research summarizer.
Topic: Hydrogen tablets and liver health.
Return:
- 5 key findings in plain language.
- Notes on study quality.
- What is unknown.
- A short safety note to discuss with a clinician.
Format:
H2 headings. Bullet points. 150 words per section. No medical claims.

5) Video motion fix for gentle movement

Use this when your clips freeze or warp.

Goal: 16:9 photoreal b-roll with subtle motion.
Subject: Triptych sequence of stairs, tying shoes, plating food.
Camera: Slow slider or dolly. No roll. No whip. 24–35mm feel. Natural motion blur.
Movement per panel:
- Left: one step up then hold. Eyes glance up.
- Middle: hands tighten laces one pull then smooth tuck.
- Right: spoon rotates once while placing berries then still.
Constraints: Preserve identity and wardrobe. No plastic skin. No HDR glam. No readable labels.
Output: 6s total. 2s per panel. Loop safe.

Modality playbook

Long form writing

• Split into plan then draft then edit.
• Paste any quotes or facts you need it to keep.
• Give a target word count for each section.

Images

• Add 3 to 5 nouns that must be present.
• Add camera and light notes. One sentence each.
• Add a short negative list. “No text. No logos. No fog.”

Short video

• Describe movement in verbs per second.
• Lock camera path. One move only.
• State clip length and cut rhythm.

Tables and data

• Specify exact columns and data types.
• Ask for CSV or JSON if you need it clean.

The self-audit checklist

Before you hit run ask these:

• What is the single outcome
• What inputs did I paste
• What three rules matter most
• What will I accept as done
• What is one thing I will test next if this fails

A simple scoring rubric

Score each output from 1 to 5 on:

• Goal match. Did it do the job
• Accuracy. Are facts and steps correct
• Fit. Does it sound like me
• Format. Can I paste it as is

Anything below 4 gets one fix then another run.

When to stop and switch tools

• You need live prices or flights. Use the web.
• You need motion. Use a video tool.
• You need exact math or a chart image. Use a spreadsheet or a plotting tool.
• You need brand fonts and layout. Finish in Canva or your editor.

Mini case study

Task. “Create a 10 scene drone tour of the Siphon Draw Trail with gentle motion.”
First attempt. Output had jitter and odd color shifts.
Diagnosis. Ambiguous movement. No time budget. No identity constraints.
Fix. Added per scene verbs. Locked lens choice. Stated no people. Stated 4 to 6 seconds per scene.
Result. Clean glide. Consistent light. Usable cut list.

Copy-paste library

Global header for any creative prompt

Role: Helpful expert who writes in clear, friendly language.
Voice: Warm. Direct. Practical. No dashes in sentences. No fluff.
Priorities in order: Accuracy. Clarity. Brand fit.
If information is missing ask one precise question then continue with a best effort.

Negative list starter

Avoid: hype words, medical claims, fake statistics, made-up citations, generic filler like "in today's world", overuse of emojis, and long run-on sentences.

Format locks

Return format:
- Title
- Hook paragraph
- Three H2 sections with 2 to 3 short paragraphs each
- Summary bullets
- CTA
Do not add anything else.

Try this now for your next post or writing project

Use the outline prompt from the patterns. Approve the outline. Run the draft prompt. Score it with the rubric. Apply one fix. Run again. You will feel the shift. Your AI Puppy learns how you like to work because you made the rules easy to follow.

Want a shortcut to smoother results and fewer retries? Grab my free Prompt Rescue Checklist and Prompt Swipe File below. Print the checklist and keep it by your keyboard, then copy the swipe prompts when your AI Puppy starts to wander. You will clarify goals faster, fix the one thing that matters, and get brand-fit outputs you can use today. Download both now and train your AI Puppy to listen the first time.

Download here:

• Prompt Rescue Checklist
• Prompt Swipe File

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This resource is for educational and lifestyle inspiration only. While I share how I personally use tools like ChatGPT, I am not a certified tech expert. Use AI at your own pace and comfort level, and consult a professional for technical advice as needed.

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