Stop prompting like it’s 2023: Drop these 5 old ChatGPT habits now
We've come a long way since ChatGPT first launched. From smarter and faster models to an overall more natural conversation, it's hard to believe the model was just launched a few years ago.
But approaches that made sense in 2023 simply don't work as well now. Today's ChatGPT is much better at maintaining context, reasoning through complex problems and collaborating over multiple back-and-forth messages. Yet many people are still using it the way they did years ago, missing out on some of its biggest improvements.
If your ChatGPT conversations haven't evolved, these are the five habits I'd leave behind.
1. Stop trying to write one perfect prompt
One of the biggest myths that refuses to die is that every ChatGPT conversation has to begin with a massive prompt containing every possible detail.
It doesn't, especially now that ChatGPT is better at understanding context. In fact, I've found I get better results by treating ChatGPT like a collaborator instead of a vending machine that spits out responses.
For the best results, start with a simple request, look at what it produces and then refine it together over a few follow-up messages. When you do this, the conversation actually becomes part of the creative process, and the final result is usually much stronger than trying to predict every requirement upfront.
2. Stop treating ChatGPT like a search engine
If you're only asking ChatGPT for quick facts with Google-style searches, you're barely scratching the surface.
Search engines are great for finding information and considering how much energy AI uses, it's good to keep using Google or favorite search engine for that. But ChatGPT shines when you need help thinking through information.
That means, instead of asking, "What's the best laptop under $1,000?"
Try asking: "Compare these three laptops under $1,000 for a journalism student who travels frequently. Explain the tradeoffs, recommend one and tell me what I'd be giving up by choosing it."
Or instead of requesting a definition, ask ChatGPT to compare ideas, explain why experts disagree or summarize multiple viewpoints before making a recommendation. The more you ask it to analyze and synthesize, the more valuable it becomes.
3. Don't ignore Memory if it fits your workflow
One feature I think many people overlook is Memory. When enabled, ChatGPT can remember details like your writing style, recurring projects or personal preferences, so you don't have to repeat the same instructions every time you start a conversation.
For example, if you regularly ask ChatGPT to write in a conversational style or help with the same ongoing project, Memory can save a surprising amount of time.
Of course, it's not for everyone. If you'd rather every conversation start fresh, you can turn Memory off or manage exactly what ChatGPT remembers. The important thing is knowing the feature exists and deciding whether it makes sense for how you use ChatGPT.
4. Don't settle for the first answer
One of the best prompts I use comes after ChatGPT has already answered. Instead of copying the first response, I'll ask things like: "Critique your own answer." Or, "What's missing?"
In most cases, the first response is often just a starting point. Some of my favorite ChatGPT conversations have gone through five or six rounds of refinement before I was happy with the result.
5. Stop using the same ChatGPT tool for every task
Many people still think of ChatGPT as one AI assistant. In reality, it's become a collection of specialized tools.
If I'm researching a complicated topic, I'll use Deep Research. If I'm solving a difficult reasoning problem, I'll choose a reasoning-focused model. If I need an illustration or concept image, I'll switch to image generation. For long-term projects, I'll organize everything inside Projects instead of starting over from scratch every time.
Choosing the right capability for the job often makes a bigger difference than rewriting your prompt another dozen times.
ChatGPT has changed, so should your approach
The biggest change is that ChatGPT has become much more of a collaborator. But for that reason, the habits that worked during ChatGPT's first year aren't necessarily the ones that produce the best results today. Instead of chasing the perfect prompt, think of ChatGPT as a partner you can brainstorm with, challenge, refine and revisit over time.
Once you make that shift, you'll probably find yourself spending less time fighting the AI and more time getting exactly what you need.
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