If you're using ChatGPT without custom instructions, you're leaving a powerful optimization on the table. While most users fumble through repetitive prompt engineering, savvy users have already discovered that a single feature—Custom Instructions, can transform ChatGPT into a truly personalized assistant. Let's break down why this matters and how to implement it. What Are Custom Instructions? Custom Instructions are persistent guidelines that shape every ChatGPT conversation without requiring you to restate them each time. Rather than typing "I'm a content creator, speak conversationally, and focus on YouTube metrics" in every prompt, you set this once and ChatGPT remembers it indefinitely. This feature lives in your account settings and applies across all your conversations unless you manually disable it for a specific chat. Think of it as creating a "system prompt" for yourself, a standing agreement about who you are, what you value, and how you want ChatGPT to respond. Why This Matters at the Intermediate Level Beginners often treat ChatGPT like a search engine: ask once, get an answer, move on. Intermediate users realize the real power lies in iterative workflows, brainstorming, building systems, refining content. Custom Instructions unlock this by eliminating context-switching friction. For instance, if you're a solopreneur managing multiple business verticals, you can set instructions that tell ChatGPT to always suggest tools integrated with your existing stack (Zapier, Make, Airtable) before recommending new ones. If you're a researcher, you can instruct it to always include methodological limitations. If you're a creative, you can ask for three distinct approaches rather than one generic suggestion. This reduces cognitive load and ensures consistency across dozens of conversations—a multiplier effect for busy professionals. How to Set It Up in 3 Steps 1. Access Settings: Click your profile icon in ChatGPT → Settings → Custom Instructions 2. Fill Section 1 - "About You": Describe your role, expertise, industry, and any relevant context (e.g., "I'm a B2B SaaS marketer specializing in cold outreach automation, working across LinkedIn, email, and API integrations")

I just got off a 4 day cruise over the last few days... it was awesome - I suggest everyone needs a cruise in their lives. I swear I just figured out where the ice cream machine was, and now I am back at my desk pretending I remember how work works. Here is the good news. The same way a cruise staff takes care of a thousand tiny things so you can relax, AI can do the same for your brain during the week. Not by replacing you but offloading the stuff that drains you. Things like: - Drafting that awkward email - Summarizing long articles - Turning messy notes into a clear plan - Coming up with 10 ideas when your brain is stuck on zero The AI mindset for this week:“I don’t have to do everything myself. I just have to decide what gets done and let AI handle the heavy lifting.” If you are over 40, this is your edge. You have experience and judgment. AI just gives you extra hands. Join Me Live: Insider’s Edge Call I am hosting our very first LIVE Insider’s Edge Call this Wednesday at 7 pm. I will walk you through: - Simple ways to plug AI into your week - How to use it to save time, not create more work - Real examples you can steal and try the same night And I have a special gift for everyone who shows up LIVE. You can only get it if you attend live. No replay bonus. No resend. If you are in and want that gift, drop a “I’m in” below and make sure you are there Wednesday at 7 pm.