The New Year is here, and with it comes the inevitable list of resolutions that we are all determined to achieve, at least until February arrives. Whether you want to eat healthier, save more money, or finally read War and Peace (yes, everything), ChatGPT can be your faithful companion to keep you on track.
From brainstorming goals to troubleshooting your progress, this AI is here to help and sometimes offer a gentle reality check when you’re trying to justify “cake for breakfast” as “eat more fruit.”
Let’s dive into five practical and fun ways to use ChatGPT to make 2024 your most resolution-sticky year yet.
1. Brainstorm resolutions
Brainstorming good resolutions starts with making them personal and unique. ChatGPT is great for designing goals that align with your passions. Instead of generic ideas like “get fit” or “spend less,” you can share interests like photography, traveling, or learning new skills. ChatGPT might suggest creating a daily photo journal, mastering greetings in multiple languages, or exploring and documenting hidden local gems. Personalized resolutions like these can help you stay engaged and motivated.
For example, you could tell ChatGPT about your hobbies and values, such as photography, traveling, or learning new things. ChatGPT could suggest resolutions like taking a photo daily to create a digital yearbook, learning to say “hello” in 52 languages, or exploring a new local place each month and documenting it.
Of course, it may take a few tries, as the resolution to be a better baker and get fit may conflict if you end up baking and eating a cake every day. Still, these types of personalized goals are more likely to keep you engaged all year long.
2. Action plans
When tackling big goals, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. ChatGPT excels at breaking down ambitious resolutions into manageable steps, giving you a clear roadmap to follow. For example, if your resolution is to write a novel, ChatGPT could help you plan by suggesting that you spend January outlining your story, spend February through July writing 500 words a day, and use August through November to edit before sharing your draft with others. Beta readers in December. This structured approach makes daunting tasks more achievable.
On the other hand, overloading ChatGPT with too many resolutions at once can lead to chaos. Imagine trying to write a novel, learn Spanish, train for a marathon, and pursue a side hustle simultaneously. While ChatGPT might bravely provide you with a plan, in March you could find yourself running sprints while conjugating Spanish verbs and brainstorming business ideas, all while ignoring your sloppy manuscript.
3. Responsible partner
A great way ChatGPT can support your resolutions is by becoming your personal accountability partner. Meeting your goals is much easier when something or someone controls your progress, but sharing goals with friends or family is not always comfortable. ChatGPT offers a private, judgment-free space to record your successes and setbacks.
You can brag to ChatGPT about how you stuck to your exercise program and get motivated by feedback or upbeat feedback if you fall short. The AI will even suggest ways to adjust your plans to keep you moving forward. Of course, AI isn’t always good at spotting self-deprecating jokes. Admitting that you devoured a box of donuts and asking if it counts as carb-loading for a run will probably elicit sincere-sounding concern rather than the laughter you’re looking for.
4. Troubleshooting
That flexibility is key when you have problems with your goals. Setbacks are inevitable when searching for a solution, but ChatGPT can help you troubleshoot your progress and find solutions to obstacles.
When you find yourself stuck, explaining the situation to ChatGPT can lead to practical solutions. If evening workouts fall by the wayside due to fatigue, ChatGPT might suggest switching to a morning schedule, reducing sessions to something more manageable, or partnering with a training partner for more stimulation.
These personalized settings can help you overcome obstacles and regain momentum. However, it doesn’t work if you’re not honest about where the flaws are. Not even the AI will accept your excuse that walking to the ice cream shop is your daily cardiovascular exercise.
5. AI hype
When you reach your goals, ChatGPT is great for celebrating those milestones and recording your progress. AI can act as a kind of interactive diary, helping you recognize achievements and plan rewards that seem meaningful.
Suppose you have committed to meditating daily for a month. In that case, I might suggest a relaxing spa day, upgrade to a premium meditation app, or even write about your experience to inspire others. Even if you tell the AI, semi-external gestures can make you feel more accomplished, at least in moderation.
Think of ChatGPT as the quirky, supportive friend in a feel-good movie. It won’t judge you for making mistakes, but instead propels you toward success with creative ideas and practical plans. Happy new year!
