How to Use AI: It’s All in the Prompt
Popular AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are the on-demand personal assistants you always wanted but could never afford, ready to help with everyday tasks and lighten your cognitive load.
To elicit the most helpful responses from these tools, your prompts must be clear and precise. If you’re not sure how to craft a prompt that will produce your desired response, you might type something like: “I want to write a prompt that will help me manage a project at work. Ask me three (or more) questions to guide me in getting the most useful response.”
Important to note: When asking AI tools to assist with research or other fact-based tasks, know that they can give incorrect answers or fabricate information, so always double-check their responses.
AI Prompts for Task and Time Management
Need help creating a to-do list to accomplish your goals this week? ChatGPT can suggest one, with deadlines and priorities, to help you structure your time.
AI prompt example: “Help me create a weekly to-do list to achieve my goals. I want to focus on [insert goals]. Break down each goal into manageable daily tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and time commitment. Also, include suggestions for keeping me motivated and accountable.”
Similarly, if you’re overwhelmed with a large task, AI-powered apps can suggest ways to break it down step-by-step and create a timeline, with time blocks for work followed by short breaks, to help you reach completion. Try: “I have a big task: [describe task]. Help me break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Organize these steps in a logical order and include deadlines and/or resources I might need. Also suggest ways to track my progress.”
AI Prompts for Money Management
Boost your financial security with free AI apps, like Goodbudget, Rocket Money, and PocketGuard, which can help you create a budget, track spending, and save for goals like a summer vacation or a down payment for a home.
AI prompt example: Input your expenses and then try this: “You’re a financial adviser. Analyze my spending habits and identify areas where I can reduce expenses to save money.” Or you might provide your monthly income, expenses, and savings targets, and ask the app to create a realistic budget that supports your financial goals.
[Get Your Free Guide to ADHD-Friendly Budgeting]
AI Prompts for Information Gathering
ChatGPT can quickly summarize articles or research, reducing overwhelm from information overload.
AI prompt example: “Summarize this complex research into easy-to-understand insights. Also list the top five experts or sources in this field.”
AI Prompts for Meal Planning
Need help with dinner tonight? Share the ingredients you have in your refrigerator and pantry and ask ChatGPT to recommend an easy and quick dinner recipe for a family of four.
Or perhaps you’re hoping to lose one pound a week on a vegetarian meal plan. Here’s a prompt to use for ChatGPT (other apps, like Planfit, will ask you questions before creating a diet plan): “You’re a registered dietician. Create a vegetarian meal plan that provides 1,600 calories and 46 grams of protein every day. Make sure the plan has balanced nutrition and the meals are easy to prepare.”
AI Prompts for Fitness
Looking to get in better shape by summer? Or seeking a challenging leg workout without any lunges? Ask ChatGPT or one of the many free fitness AI apps, like Fitbod, Freeletics, or Dr. Muscle, to design a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and current fitness level.
AI prompt example: “I’m a woman in my 40s who is new to working out. My goal is to build muscle and increase my endurance in 90 days. Create a fitness plan that includes a mix of cardio and strength training, with recommended sets and reps.”
AI Prompts for Travel Planning
AI apps like Roam Around, powered by ChatGPT, and Vacay Chatbot can suggest travel destinations based on your preferences.
AI prompt example: “I’m looking for tropical beaches, warm weather, low risk for rain, and delicious food in January or February. What destinations should I consider?” Vacay Chatbot, for example, will return a list of travel destinations around the world, providing average temperatures and suggesting activities (like snorkeling or exploring hidden caves), culinary highlights, and recommended hotels.
After you decide on a destination, you can ask the AI app to create a 10-day itinerary. You can even ask: “What should I pack for a 10-day trip to Barcelona in March?”
How to Use AI for ADHD: Next Steps
Carole Fleck is Editor-in-Chief at ADDitude magazine.
Tags:
