ChatGPT: A Daily Essential
ChatGPT has been my go-to technology for over two years, replacing traditional search engines with its versatility. Paying for a subscription has ensured I always have access to the latest features.
General Use: Beyond Search Engines
Unlike search engines that rely on SEO and precise queries, ChatGPT handles ambiguous questions and delivers direct, tailored answers. Examples include:
• Comparing health insurance features without contacting HR.
• Troubleshooting phone settings.
• Explaining baking ingredient differences without reading lengthy blogs.
• Finding local hiking spots with website links.
• Providing historical weather data in table format
Kitchen Hero
ChatGPT has become my ultimate meal-planning assistant. Whenever I’m stuck with leftover ingredients like carrots or celery, I ask it for recipes that fit the season (lately, cozy holiday meals). It quickly gives me ideas, and I can refine them by adding or excluding ingredients.
Once I’ve decided what to make, I ask ChatGPT for links to the recipes and save them in Paprika. If you’re not using this app yet, you’re missing out. It’s a one-time purchase, but it skips all the blog fluff, grabs just the ingredients and directions, and organizes everything for you.
Smarter Shopping
Whether I’m hunting for holiday deals or just researching products, ChatGPT saves me time and money. For example, I recently asked it to help me find a good deal on a camping tent. Not only did it suggest a well-reviewed brand, but it also found me a 50% off sale that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.
Right now, I’m using it to research cars as I plan to buy a new-used one later this year. It’s helped me compare car brands for reliability, repair costs, and gas mileage. Once I narrowed it down to a specific make and model, I asked ChatGPT to create a table comparing the features and generations of that model. Now I know exactly what to look for when I start shopping locally.
Conclusion
Two years ago, people asked me how to prepare for the rise of AI, and my answer hasn’t changed: the key lies in the question. Success comes down to asking the right questions, a skill known as prompt engineering. This approach is already shaping workflows in companies worldwide. Master the art of asking precise, thoughtful questions, and you’ll unlock its full potential.