I use the 'patch' prompt to solve everyday problems — here’s how it works

I find myself shaking my head and saying, "never a dull moment," more often than I'd like. This is true with the chaos of family as well as unexpected AI model updates or the release of new AI features. From personal to professional well, it's hardly ever dull.

And while things aren't always "off," they are out of my control most of the time. I can't plan when a new model is going to drop or when my kid is going to get sick. But when something inevitably pops up — in my schedule, with my energy level, the kids' schedule — you name it, I often need something I can hold on to when I'm trying to wrangle the chaos.

That’s why I created the "patch" prompt for ChatGPT. Now, whenever I’m dealing with a problem (big or small), this is the first thing I use to figure out what to do next.

What is the patch' prompt?

The "Patch" prompt is a simple way to reduce any problem down to a few steps. This prompt is about figuring out what caused the issue in the first place, finding realistic ways to fix it and taking action right away, if needed.

While it doesn't find the solution, it does help create a reasonable starting point.

The exact patch prompt: I’m dealing with this situation: [insert problem]. What’s actually causing it — and what are a few simple ways I can fix it right now? Keep it realistic, quick to try and include one idea I probably haven’t thought of.

I store this one in my library of prompts and in my ChatGPT Projects, so I can come back to it at any time. You can even make a custom GPT of it if you don't want to re-prompt the AI every time.

Why this works

Rather than leading with broad questions like, "Why am I not sleeping well?" "Why can't I find a job?" or "Why won't my kid stop playing video games?"

The patch prompt forces ChatGPT to find a system for the problem. In essence, you're asking what's wrong right now and what's my next move?

That shift makes the response: more specific, far more practical and easier to act on immediately. Because of these simple steps, you can use the patch prompt anytime something isn’t working.

How to try it

Whatever you're struggling with, be it personal or professional, identify the problem. Keep it simple, don't overthink the wording. With enough context, ChatGPT should be able to get the gist of it. Some examples could be:

• "I want to be invited, but I don't actually want to go"
• “I’m always tired in the afternoon”
• “I don’t have time for anything outside of work and kids”

Once you've added the problem to the patch prompt, wait for the response. You don't need to do everything the AI suggests, just look for the easiest thing and try it first. Let that be your starting point.

Here are a few examples of how the 'patch' prompt plays out

Problem: “Everything feels scattered during the day”

This is one of those examples when your day feels scattered not because you have too much to do, but because your attention is constantly being pulled in different directions. There’s no clear starting point, too many open loops and everything feels equally urgent, so nothing sticks.

The patch: In this case ChatGPT told me to pick one anchor task, park everything else and prioritize in three lanes.

The result: Instead of reacting all day, the AI has given a clear focal point. This allows your brain to feel quieter, decisions will seem easier and maybe things will actually get finished.

Problem: “I am never invited and all my friends are hanging out without me”

This is one of those problems that everyone from grade school children to adults deal with. ChatGPT immediately identified the issue as a sense of feeling like you’re being left out, but the deeper issue is a mix of invisible expectations and passive dynamics. So while it may seem like your friends don't want to include you, there may be other reasons such as, assuming you’re busy, not interested or “already have plans."

The patch: ChatGPT offered several valid options such as reaching out first, being intentional about making plans and staying in the loop.

The result: By implementing this patch you shift yourself from waiting to be included to actively being connected. From there, plans should start happening more naturally. While this might seem obvious, the way in which ChatGPT offers the suggestion makes it feel far more doable because the "patch" comes in steps.

Problem: "I can't find a job"

It's no secret that the job market is terrible right now. So this prompt feels very real and relatable. Using the "patch" prompt, ChatGPT will break it down with more actionable steps and solutions.

The patch: In this case, the patch is positioning yourself and not applying broadly. And instead of job boards, get closer to hiring managers, industry professionals and reaching out rather than just submissions.

The result: By taking this approach, people might find that they will go from applying to hundreds of applications to creating their own opportunities instead.

The takaway

One thing this prompt has taught me is that most problems don’t need complicated solutions. What they do need is a clear starting point, a simple action and a way forward. And that's exactly what the "patch" prompt gives you.

Whatever the problem — big or small — this is where I start. Most of the time, that’s enough to get things moving. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried Claude’s new Cowork feature — and it ran my laptop from my phone
• Google just fixed the biggest problem with leaving ChatGPT — I tried it
• I thought this credit card alert was real — ChatGPT told me it was a scam in seconds