Free download · PDF + Markdown · 2 pages

Steal this CLAUDE.md.

The instruction file I paste into Claude (or any LLM) to make it actually useful to an operator. Not a template to be revered — an operating manual for a single human. Copy what fits, change what doesn't, delete the rest.

By Daine Reid · Gold Coast operator + builder · Last updated May 2026

What's inside

№ 01

No glaze.

12 numbered rules that turn a glazy assistant into a sparring partner. "Sounds good" with no reason is sycophancy — not allowed.

№ 02

The $25M filter.

Every new idea runs through one question: does this pencil to >$1M ARR or >$200K extracted cash in 18 months? If no, why are we discussing it?

№ 03

Challenge mode on by default.

Pre-configured pushback for the patterns operators fall into — feature-creep, spreading thin, using "hacky" to dodge the unsexy work.

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— Daine