The makes use of for ChatGPT are practically infinite. From summarizing sophisticated paperwork to brainstorming week night time dinner concepts, individuals use OpenAI‘s chatbot for a wide range of causes.
However after spending hours with OpenAI’s chatbot this yr, I’ve realized that probably the most helpful factor ChatGPT does — the factor that quietly saves probably the most time — is one thing a lot easier, and in reality, neglected.
It’s the one use case virtually no one talks about, but it’s what makes the largest distinction in day-to-day life with AI. And also you don’t want fancy prompts, superior instruments or expert-level information to get it. You simply want one easy behavior.
Beneath, I’ll clarify what that behavior is, why it really works so nicely and the way it could make ChatGPT really feel much less like a search engine and extra like a second mind you possibly can borrow anytime.
The simple trick: narrate your thought process
Most people wrongly treat ChatGPT like Google — they ask a query, anticipate a solution and transfer on. However the mannequin turns into considerably extra highly effective while you flip the script. Discuss to it the best way you’d discuss to a buddy whereas considering out loud. For instance:
- “Right here’s what I’m making an attempt to determine…”
- “I’m torn between these two concepts and I don’t know why…”
- “One thing about this doesn’t really feel proper…”
- “I feel the issue could be X, however I’m undecided…”
- “Let me dump my mind first — are you able to assist me kind this?”
The second you narrate your inner reasoning, you activate ChatGPT’s greatest talent: structured reflection. It listens, organizes your ideas and affords the lacking items you didn’t discover.
And in contrast to each different “hack,” this one doesn’t require you to memorize a particular immediate or phrase. You merely clarify what’s occurring in your head.
Why it works: ChatGPT is built for messy thinking
When you ask ChatGPT a straightforward question (i.e.“What should I make for dinner?”), you get a straightforward answer. But when you give it half-formed ideas, doubts or competing priorities, something interesting happens.
It automatically:
- Sorts your priorities
- Flags blind spots you didn’t see
- Offers “If X, then Y” guidance
- Breaks your messy thoughts into steps
- Shows you alternative paths
- Helps you pick the one that fits your actual goals
This is why “thinking out loud” to ChatGPT feels so productive: it creates the clarity your brain is too overwhelmed to articulate. Whether you do this with a prompt or in Voice Mode, ChatGPT can give you the clarity you need.
Real example: the 60-second clarity check
Say someone is trying to decide whether to take a new job offer.
Prompt: “I have a job offer with better pay, but my current job has better work-life balance. I keep leaning toward staying, but something about the offer feels important. Can you help me think this through?”
In this scenario, the user is struggling emotionally with what to do but ChatGPT provides intense clarity by laying out the trade-offs (salary, stress, commute, flexibility). It highlights hidden factors that may not have been considered earlier such as future growth, manager style or burnout risk. And, it will press you to get clarity by asking questions that reveal personal priorities.
ChatGPT can help by reorganizing jumbled thoughts with clear pros/cons and show how each option aligns with long-term goals.
Within a minute, the person goes from “I’m torn” to “Now I understand what’s really driving this decision.”
In practice, this helps with nearly everything
Here are situations where this “think with ChatGPT” approach works shockingly well:
- Making decisions: Should you hire Candidate A or B? Buy this or that? Say yes or no? Tell ChatGPT your reasoning, and it will sharpen your thinking.
- Figuring out why something feels “off”: If a plan or idea doesn’t sit right, narrate it. It will surface the missing consideration immediately.
- Getting unstuck: When your brain is spinning, the simple act of saying,
“Here’s where I’m stuck” gives the model something to anchor to. - Drafting anything faster: Instead of “Write this for me,” try:
“Here’s what I want to say. Here’s why it matters. Here’s what I can’t figure out.” Your output will be 10x better. I personally use this one all the time. - Breaking big goals into steps. Whether it’s budgeting, career planning or reorganizing your house, thinking out loud gives ChatGPT enough context to structure your path.
The takeaway
As humans, we are faced with decisions every day. Some are easier than others, but when it comes to the really complicated ones that eat away at us, leaning on ChatGPT can really help. Instead of tackling the problem on your own, ChatGPT (or your preferred chatbot, can help ease the decision making process.
Give it a try next time you’re at a crossroads. You might just find that the answer you’re seeking is easier to reach when you ask a chatbot.
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