Give it a memory

Step 1: Make a Project

You’ll keep the files in a Project: a workspace in your AI app with its own files and instructions. Those instructions only apply to chats inside it.

Step 2: Add the six files

On a phone, copy each file into your Project. On a computer, download all six and upload them. On free ChatGPT, skip rules.md for now.

# Memory index

Read this file first. It lists every file in this folder and what goes in it.

| File | What goes in it |
|---|---|
| index.md | This list. Read it first |
| about-me.md | Who I am, how I like answers, what I know well |
| projects.md | What I'm working on now, one section per project |
| routines.md | Things I do again and again, step by step |
| inbox.md | New facts that haven't been filed yet |
| rules.md | How to keep this folder tidy and safe |

Started: (this month, like 2026-10)
Last health check: not yet
Last clear-out: not yet

# About me

## Basics

## How I like answers

## What I know well

## What I'm learning

# Projects

One section per project. Under each: the goal, where it stands, and the next step.
Mark a finished project "(done)". Don't delete it until the clear-out.

# Routines

One section per routine: when it happens, then the steps.

# Inbox

New facts go here when it isn't clear where they belong.
Once a month, move each one to its home file.

# Rules for this memory folder

Any AI reading this folder follows these rules.

1. **One fact, one home.** Each fact lives in one file only. If it fits two, pick one.
2. **Date each fact.** Start it with the month, like this: `- (2026-10) I prefer short answers.`
3. **Update, don't stack.** When a fact changes, change that line and its date. Don't add a second line that disagrees.
4. **Ask before deleting.** Never delete or overwrite anything without asking first.
5. **Not sure? Inbox.** New facts can go in inbox.md. Move them to their home once a month.
6. **Keep files short.** When a file passes about 1,000 words, split it and add the new file to index.md.
7. **Leave out** passwords, PINs and login codes; ID, bank account and card numbers; health details, and other people's private details.

**Check-ups**
- Monthly health check (report only). It flags facts older than a year, projects with no update in 3 months, and inbox items older than a month.
- Clear-out every 3 months. You decide what goes.

A zip holds several files. Open it first, then add the six files inside it.

Step 3: Tell it how to use the folder

I keep a memory folder. If you can see it, read index.md first. When I tell you something worth remembering, say which file it belongs in, following rules.md. Then give me that whole file, updated, so I can replace the old one.

Step 4: Check it worked

What's in my memory folder?

What you should see: a list of your six files and what each holds. Free ChatGPT shows five, because rules.md is in the instructions.

Remember that I'm learning to bake bread.

What you should see: it names the right file, dates the fact, and gives you the whole updated file.

Project files don’t change by themselves. To swap in an updated file:

• Copy the updated file from the chat.
• In your Project, delete the old file.
• Add the new text with the same name.