Today, I’ll take you on a journey to show how to transform a vague prompt into one that delivers exactly what you’re looking for. This idea came from a YouTube video by a counselor analyzing whether AI tools like ChatGPT could replace therapy. The video examined a prompt entered into ChatGPT: “How can I not feel anxious anymore?”
The response from ChatGPT was appropriate and full of helpful tips but felt vague and overwhelming due to the lengthy list. Examples included understanding anxiety, identifying triggers, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support. While all valid, this type of response can feel impersonal and too general, similar to what you might find in a blog.
I also tried the same prompt in Success Stage, an accountability partner app I built to align with my goals. Success Stage incorporates my long-term vision and goals into every interaction. The response incorporated these personal goals and included suggestions like limiting exposure to stressors, reframing negative beliefs, and protecting my energy by setting boundaries. This felt tailored to me and my aspirations.
These experiments show how providing more context can transform ChatGPT’s responses into something personal and actionable. I encourage you to think about how you prompt ChatGPT—could adding more detail lead to better responses? Consider creating a personalized GPT that aligns with your needs, so it’s ready to support you in challenging moments.
The counselor noted that a therapist, unlike ChatGPT, has more context about the client. In contrast, the prompt provided to ChatGPT was just one vague line. So, the comparison wasn’t fair or reflective of what ChatGPT can do when given proper context.
I decided to experiment further. I input the same vague prompt, “How can I not feel anxious anymore?” into a GPT model personalized for me. This GPT is set up to always provide a tool or tip to calm my nervous system before addressing the issue. The response was much more concise and helpful. It suggested techniques like checking in with how anxiety feels in my body, using breathing exercises, and reframing thoughts with specific questions like, “What small thing can I control in this situation?”
To close, I promised a superpower discovery prompt. This came from Reddit user WolverineSilent3911, who shares many unique prompts. One example helps you identify your superpower through a structured series of up to 15 questions about your strengths and interests, guiding you to uncover what makes you unique.
I hope this episode inspires you to explore how ChatGPT can complement personal growth tools like therapy and coaching. It’s not about replacing one with the other, but about leveraging all the tools available to improve our lives.
Thank you for tuning in, and see you next time as we explore more tips on using ChatGPT for personal growth!