Ep 10 - Mind + Machine: AI for Personal Growth and Development
Hello and welcome to episode 10! Double digits—amazing! Today’s episode is inspired by a question: “What would you recommend for someone starting out with ChatGPT on their personal development journey?”
I’m so grateful for this question. It made me think: how do people start a personal development journey in general? And how do we integrate ChatGPT into that process? What leads us to search for answers? What steps do we take to find clarity?
In this episode, we’ll explore what motivates us to want to improve our lives and take control. We’ll discuss the typical steps on a personal development journey. Then, I’ll share four steps to integrate ChatGPT into your personal development journey, no matter where you are in the process.
Motivations for personal development can include major life events—a breakup, health issues, or job loss—or a feeling of lacking something, even when outwardly everything seems fine. Some patterns, behaviors, or thoughts may no longer serve us, and we ask, “Why do I keep ending up in the same situation?” Sometimes, we yearn for more, feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Seeing someone else’s transformation might inspire us to think, “If they can do it, so can I.”
From there, we start searching for answers—through Google, YouTube, podcasts, and blogs—seeking validation and guidance. We may take personality or learning style quizzes to self-diagnose, making the problems feel more tangible. Then we look for quick fixes: new routines, diets, journaling, or meditation. These quick solutions might not deliver the outcomes we hope for, leading to frustration and cycles of trying, failing, and searching again.
Eventually, we recognize the cycle and commit to deeper self-discovery—whether through coaching, therapy, or fully embracing self-help strategies. This often leads to small wins, building momentum, and finding clarity and autonomy over our lives.
The question I’ve pondered is how to ensure people embark on their unique journey with ChatGPT, without me imposing my own ideas. Our nervous systems take time to rewire. Change requires repetition, practice, and personal effort.
I’ve developed a four-step process to help you start using ChatGPT for personal development.
- Discover your personalized coaching style
Use a prompt to explore which therapeutic, philosophical, or spiritual approach resonates with you. This is covered in Episode 1. You’ll get guidance to create a personalized ChatGPT experience tailored to you. - Figure out what you want
Episode 6 offers a six-step prompt to identify what motivates you. It helps you clarify your true desires—not what others say you should want—and align your actions with intrinsic goals. - Assess where you’re at
Use this prompt to work with ChatGPT to reflect on your current stage, past efforts, strengths, and next steps. This tailored, individualized approach ensures the path forward is right for you.
Prompt for getting started with ChatGPT as your personal growth guide/coach
“I’d like you to act as a guide, mentor, and coach for someone on their personal development journey. Your role is to help them reflect, identify their current stage, and create a clear path forward. Please follow these steps to guide them:
Assess Where They Are
Ask open-ended questions to help them identify their current stage in their personal growth journey. For example:
- What feelings or experiences have led you to seek help right now?
- What do you feel is missing, or what are you struggling with most?
Explore Their Past Efforts
- Encourage them to reflect on what they’ve already tried:
- What strategies, tools, or practices have you explored so far?
- What worked well for you, and why?
- What didn’t work, and why might that be?
Help Them Visualize Success
- Guide them in imagining the outcome they desire:
- If your personal development efforts were completely successful, what would your life look like?
- How would you feel, act, or think differently in this future version of yourself?
Identify the Next Right Step
- Based on their reflections, help them brainstorm actionable steps:
- What small, manageable actions could you take next to move closer to your vision?
- What resources, support, or tools might help you along the way?
Create a Practical Plan
- Help them organize their ideas into a clear plan:
- What steps can you take today?
- What can you focus on this week?
- What might your longer-term goals look like?
Encourage Self-Compassion
- Remind them that growth takes time and encourage self-kindness:
- It’s okay to take this one step at a time. Be patient and celebrate small wins along the way.
Please approach this with empathy and understanding, adapting your guidance to meet the individual where they are. Let’s begin by asking them about their current feelings and experiences.”