AI is Here to Stay: Essential Prompts to Simplify Your Life

Embracing the Power of AI

Picture this: I was enjoying a romantic dinner with my husband in Paris when we encountered a wine menu entirely in French. Barry was in search of a Napa cabernet equivalent, so I took a quick snapshot of the menu and consulted ChatGPT. In mere seconds, it provided a wine recommendation, which I verified with the waiter—who gave it a thumbs-up. This experience highlighted how artificial intelligence can enhance our daily lives in unexpected ways.

AI for Everyone

You might believe that AI is reserved for tech experts, programmers, or large corporations. However, the truth is that AI is accessible and beneficial for anyone willing to explore its potential. This year, instead of overlooking this powerful tool, why not embrace it? You’ll find it easier and more useful than you might expect.

Getting Started with AI

One common question I receive is, “How do I access ChatGPT?” You can use it directly on the web or download the app for iPhone or Android devices. For most users, the free version is sufficient. I personally opt for ChatGPT Plus at $20 a month, which offers enhanced features and quicker response times. If you find yourself relying on AI frequently, consider an upgrade—it could be worth it.

While ChatGPT is my go-to choice for AI, there are other options available, such as Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude. Regardless of the platform you choose, the interaction remains similar: think of it as having a conversation rather than simply searching for information.

Using AI Responsibly

As with any tool, it’s crucial to use AI wisely and verify its results. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation like those lawyers who relied on AI for drafting court documents, only to be caught with obvious errors. Always double-check the information AI provides.

Understanding Prompts

Have you heard about prompts? These are the texts, questions, or commands you give to an AI system to direct its responses. A well-crafted prompt leads to more accurate and valuable answers. The term “priming” refers to providing your chatbot with clear instructions. For instance, you might ask it to “Limit your response to 250 words” or “Format the results as a table.” The more specific you are, the better the output will be.

Keep in mind that AI doesn’t have the ability to read your mind. It relies entirely on the information you provide. Use “do” and “don’t” in your prompts to specify your needs. For example, if you’re preparing a meal for friends with allergies, you could say, “Create a recipe for six people. Do include protein, fruits, vegetables, and carbs. Don’t include dairy products, shellfish, or nuts.”

Seven Essential Prompts to Simplify Your Life

Here are seven prompts that can make your life easier:

Set Actionable Goals: “I have a goal for 2025 to [insert goal]. Can you help me make it SMART?” If you feel overwhelmed, try: “I want to [insert goal], but it feels overwhelming. Can you break it down into manageable tasks?”
Request More Examples: Use the prompt, “Give me 10 more examples,” to brainstorm and generate creative ideas.
Seek Improvement: Ask, “How can I make this better?” and attach anything you’ve written for feedback and suggestions.
Your Personal Assistant: If you have messy notes, prompt the AI with, “Turn these notes into a professional email.” Paste your notes, and let it do the rest. Follow up with, “Is there anything that needs more details?”
Summarize Long Emails: For lengthy emails, try, “Summarize this email for me. Tell me what I need to do, then draft a thoughtful reply. Here is the email.” Paste the content, and let AI handle the rest.
Create a Fitness Plan: Ask for a personalized fitness plan with, “Create a 30-day fitness plan for fat loss and muscle gain for a [male/female] beginner at [your age].” You can even request more specific goals.
Communicate Constructively: Instead of sending a frustrated message to a loved one, ask the AI, “Make this message sound more friendly.”

Prioritizing Privacy

Although AI can seem like a reliable ally, remember that it is also a data-collecting tool. Be cautious about the information you share. Avoid entering passwords, sensitive financial details, or confidential work data. A good rule of thumb is: don’t share anything you wouldn’t want to be public.

With free accounts like ChatGPT and Perplexity, you can disable memory features in the app settings. For Google Gemini, you’ll need a paid account to access this option.

Empower Yourself with Technology

Don’t hesitate to enhance your tech skills at your own pace. With the right approach, AI can become an invaluable resource in your daily life.