10 ChatGPT Prompts to Increase Productivity and Problem Solving

Have you ever faced a decision or problem that felt too complex to unpack? Tools like ChatGPT are now making it easier to break down mental roadblocks, rethink old habits, and approach tasks with sharper clarity. With the right prompts, AI becomes more than just a chatbot - it becomes a productivity tool, creative partner, and strategic sounding board. Here are 10 carefully crafted prompts that are changing how people think, work, and solve problems across different parts of life.

1. “Explain this like I’m five: [insert topic]”
This prompt simplifies complex concepts, whether it’s cryptocurrency, climate policy, or machine learning. It’s ideal for cutting through jargon and building a foundational understanding before diving deeper.

2. “What are the opposing views on [insert issue]?”
Instead of echo chambers or one-sided perspectives, this prompt helps users explore both sides of controversial or nuanced debates, enabling more informed opinions.

3. “Help me break down this problem: [describe your situation]”
Whether it’s a work dilemma or a personal decision, this prompt guides the AI to analyse the situation step by step, helping users uncover root causes, assumptions, or alternative paths.

4. “Give me 3 creative angles for [insert goal or idea]”
Stuck on how to market a product, pitch an idea, or write a bio? This prompt generates fresh directions that break mental ruts and spark new thinking.

5. “What would [insert expert or persona] say about this?”
Asking AI to roleplay as experts like Steve Jobs, Marie Curie, or Sun Tzu encourages reframing problems from different lenses. It’s especially useful in brainstorming or leadership scenarios.

6. “What am I not seeing here?”
This prompt pushes AI to act like a second brain, pointing out blind spots, overlooked variables, or alternative interpretations. It’s great for challenging assumptions or stress-testing plans.

7. “Summarize this into a 30-second pitch”
Whether prepping for interviews or refining an idea, this prompt distils long-form content into a clear and concise message that sticks.

8. “How could this go wrong?”
This prompt forces a focus on risk, helping users anticipate failure points or unintended consequences - especially valuable in business, product design, or planning.

9. “Compare [Option A] vs [Option B] for [insert goal]”
Perfect for decision-making, this prompt compares two paths side-by-side, showing pros, cons, and trade-offs in a structured format.

10. “What questions should I be asking about this?”
When exploring something new or unfamiliar, this meta-level prompt equips users with a better inquiry framework, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.


These prompts aren’t just clever commands - they represent a shift in how people interact with technology to refine ideas, make better choices, and think more strategically. As AI tools become more accessible, the value lies not just in what they can say, but in how we prompt them to help us think more clearly.