Stop Using ChatGPT (or Any LLM) Like Google
If you’re only asking it questions, you’re missing the point.
We’ve seen this happen in every AI workshop we run—especially in our popular “AI as Your Second Brain” program.
Participants are asked to complete a simple task, like generating a chicken rice recipe. And what do most of them do? They go straight to ChatGPT and type:
“chicken rice recipe.”
Now don’t get us wrong—that will give you a recipe.
But that’s not using ChatGPT as AI. That’s using it like Google.
And that’s where most people stop… and miss the real power of large language models (LLMs).
Then come the complaints:
“ChatGPT isn’t smart.”
“It gives me random or fake info.”
But here’s the truth:
It’s not the tool. It’s the method.
What If You Used AI as Your Second Brain?
The whole idea behind our “AI as Your Second Brain” workshop is this:
Our human brains are incredible. We analyze, adapt, problem-solve, and think creatively. But we’re also human—sometimes foggy, burnt out, or stuck.
That’s where AI comes in. Not to replace our thinking—but to extend it.
Think of it as your second brain. One that helps you organize thoughts, brainstorm ideas, clarify concepts, and create things faster—with less friction.
A second brain that never gets tired, distracted, or blocked.
But to unlock that kind of value, we’ve got to stop treating AI like a search engine.
How ChatGPT Is Different from Google
Let’s break it down:
🔍 Google retrieves existing content. It’s perfect for looking up facts, links, or references.
🧠ChatGPT generates new content based on how you frame your input. It’s more like brainstorming with a creative partner than “searching.”
That difference is huge—and it’s why prompting matters.
What ChatGPT (and LLMs) Actually Respond To
We’ve helped hundreds of professionals improve their prompting skills, and here’s what we’ve learned:
There’s no rigid formula—but there is a structure behind every great prompt.
We call it the Prompt Stack—and it includes six powerful elements:
💡 The 6 Elements of a Great Prompt
- Task
- Context
- Content
- Persona
- Output Format
- Tonality & Style
You don’t always need all six. But even using three or four will noticeably improve the output.
🍚 A Better Way to Ask for Chicken Rice
(Real example from our workshops)
Instead of just typing “chicken rice recipe,” here’s how we walk people through chained prompting—a step-by-step approach to co-creating with AI.
- Set the goal: “I want a chicken rice recipe my grandma would love.”
- Add context: “She likes it cooked with chicken stock, ginger, and a bit of butter.”
- Set persona & format: “Act as a professional Chinese chef. Give me clear quantities and step-by-step instructions, starting with the stock, and show what can be done in parallel.”
This is how you go from a generic response to something personal, practical, and aligned with your intention.
Shift the Mindset, Unlock the Power
Next time you open ChatGPT, don’t treat it like Google.
Treat it like your second brain.
Set the scene. Add context. Guide it.
Layer your prompt like a conversation—not a command.
And watch how dramatically the quality improves.
We help individuals and teams use AI not just to save time—but to think better, work smarter, and create more.
Want to go deeper into high-performing prompts using all six elements?
We’ll break it down further in our next post.
Until then, remember:
Treat your AI like a collaborator—not a search box.
