Recording what you want assistance with is the basic premise behind programming a crystal. You simply determine what kind of assistance you would like from your crystal friend, and then respectfully ask the crystal to agree to help you.
With focused intent and a clear request, it really couldn't be any easier. Programming your crystal isn't a requirement. The crystal will still function in all kinds of ways (such as raising vibrations, clearing a room of negative energy and amplification of positive energy, among other things).
However, if you are going to request the help of a crystal for something specific (during meditation for magical work, astral travel or to contact Angels or Spirit Guides, for example), you will get better results if you program your crystal with that specific intent.