These 5 ChatGPT prompts helped me rethink my goals — and they might help you too

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The other day while out on a run, I had a chat with ChatGPT Voice about motivation and manifesting my goals. Some goals were personal, others were career oriented, but deep down, I knew they were achieveable; I just needed a little nudge.

If you read my recent article about ChatGPT Voice youknow it doesn't really resonate with me, but the advice I get from it does. I have found that the chatbot is useful for brainstorming and even pushing me when I'm feeling down.

One of my favorite prompts is to ask it, based on what it knows about me, to help me craft my perfect day. I often change that 'perfect day' to be anything from a perfect day at the beach with the family, at work or training for the New York City Marathon.

Of course I lean on my husband all the time for advice, but when I'm just trying to get out of my own head ChatGPT can be a helpful companion. Here are a few more of my favorite prompts that I use to help to refocus my goals and stay on track.

1. Balancing my routine

Woman waking up early to fix her sleep schedule — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Prompt: “Based on what you know about me, can you help me design my perfect day — one that energizes me and aligns with my goals?”

I use this prompt a lot when I want to calm down and motivate myself, especially when things are not going as planned. It helps to restructure my mindset and celebrate the small wins that are already happening in my life.

Pro tip: Try different variations: “perfect workday,” “perfect weekend with my kids,” “perfect writing day,” etc.

2. Staying motivated

A woman wearing pink leggings sits on the edge of her bed, bending down to tie up her sneaker shoelaces before going out on a run — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Prompt: “I’m feeling unmotivated but I know I have potential — can you help me reconnect with my ‘why’?”

This one is great for self-coaching, especially when you're feeling stuck. This prompt often leads me to a mix of reflective questions and empowering feedback.

3. Tackling projects

Woman sits at a desk in a brightly lit room, looking at a computer screen. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

Prompt: “Can you give me a gentle push to take action on a goal I’ve been putting off? Be encouraging but firm.”

I'm not a procrastinator at work, but when it comes to my personal goals and side projects, I often put them off. This one helps me take action and get going on the things that actually matter to me, even when it feels like I should be doing something else.

Pro tip: Add the specific goal to make it sharper: “finishing my portfolio,” “signing up for that race,” “applying to one job today.”

4. Future-proofing my skills

Person typing on Acer Swift Air 16 on table with coffee and glasses on table — (Image credit: Acer)

Prompt: “List 5 future-proof skills I could learn in the next 6 months that align with my strengths and values.”

I like this one a lot and have shared it with friends who fear AI might take their job. This prompt is useful for career growth and planning for the future because ChatGPT actually can help you craft your own personal mission statement.

Pro tip: Another prompt to try is: “Help me brainstorm 3 alternate career paths based on my experience, interests, and personality.”

5. Developing a skill

Woman in garden watering flowerbeds — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Prompt: “What would a 30-day challenge look like if I wanted to get better at [public speaking / creativity / running / journaling]?”

If you've ever wanted to get more followers on Instagram, run a marathon or become a public speaker, this is the prompt to use. Really lean in to ChatGPT to help guide you towards a tangible plan with checkpoints. The chatbot can help you build consistency and stay focused.

Pro tip: follow up with a prompt like “Can you write me a pep talk like I’m about to run the NYC Marathon — but make it about my career instead?”

The takeaway

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, pushing through a rut or simply trying to make each day more intentional, ChatGPT is a great personal motivator.

I have found the chatbot to be a supportive sounding board, brainstorming partner and confidence booster. These prompts can be used through text or Voice, so switch them up. They are a great awy to create just enough momentum to help you move forward with clarity.

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Amanda Caswell is an award-winning journalist, bestselling YA author, and one of today’s leading voices in AI and technology. A celebrated contributor to various news outlets, her sharp insights and relatable storytelling have earned her a loyal readership. Amanda’s work has been recognized with prestigious honors, including outstanding contribution to media.

Known for her ability to bring clarity to even the most complex topics, Amanda seamlessly blends innovation and creativity, inspiring readers to embrace the power of AI and emerging technologies. As a certified prompt engineer, she continues to push the boundaries of how humans and AI can work together.

Beyond her journalism career, Amanda is a bestselling author of science fiction books for young readers, where she channels her passion for storytelling into inspiring the next generation. A long-distance runner and mom of three, Amanda’s writing reflects her authenticity, natural curiosity, and heartfelt connection to everyday life — making her not just a journalist, but a trusted guide in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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