More and more people are using artificial intelligence daily, but many still feel like they’re only scratching the surface of what it can really do. The difference isn’t necessarily in the tool itself, but in how you use it.
Emma Grede, co-founder of SKIMS and Good American, believes AI isn’t some complicated, out-of-reach technology but a tool you need to learn to use well, just like anything else. She emphasizes the importance of mindful questioning, because ultimately, that shapes the answers you get.
These tips will help you not just use systems like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini, but truly get the most out of them.
Ask AI to Teach You How to Use It
One of the simplest yet most effective ways is to ask the AI itself to guide you through how to use it. For example, if you ask it to create a 30-day learning plan, you’ll get a personalized roadmap. Since it “knows” its own capabilities inside out, it’s a great starting point for anyone diving deeper into AI.
Make Time to Experiment
Most people use AI with clear goals, but it’s just as important to sometimes explore without a specific purpose. Grede, for instance, dedicates a full day each month to testing new features and ways to use AI. It might seem like a luxury, but it’s really an investment: AI evolves so fast that if you don’t experiment, you’ll quickly fall behind.
Don’t Stick to Just One Tool
While it’s convenient to stick to one platform, you’ll benefit more in the long run by trying several. Different AI systems have different strengths, so they may give varied quality answers for the same task. Some excel at creative brainstorming, others at analyzing long texts or research. Switching between them not only boosts your results but also prevents your thinking from narrowing to a single AI’s logic.
Use It in Everyday Life Too
Many still mainly use AI for work, but it can be a huge help in everyday situations too like travel planning, daily routines, or coming up with ideas. AI offers quick, organized suggestions. Emma Grede even plans an entire friend trip itinerary using these tools, showing just how practical AI can be in daily life.
Think of It as a Team
One of AI’s biggest perks is that it can multiply your productivity. It quickly handles tasks that used to need several people, whether brainstorming, writing, or basic business tasks. This is especially handy if you work solo or run a business, as it acts like a virtual support team.
But Don’t Forget to Step Back into Reality
As useful as AI is, there are things it can’t replace. It doesn’t offer real experiences, doesn’t teach you how to fail, and can’t substitute human connections. That’s why it’s important not to just “collect experiences” digitally but to live them in the real world. Let AI be a tool, not an escape.
The More Specific Your Question, the Better the Answer
Experts agree that the key to a good answer is a precise question. Providing detailed context, desired style, and even what to avoid helps AI deliver much more relevant and useful results. Instead of a general request, try to be as specific as possible about your expectations.
Don’t Settle for the First Answer
Many make the mistake of stopping at the first answer. But using AI is more of a conversation than a one-time Q&A. If you clarify, ask follow-ups, or add new angles, the answers improve. This iterative process is what really unlocks the tool’s full potential.
Use Multiple Approaches for the Same Task
It’s becoming common for users to run the same task through multiple AIs and compare results. This not only helps you pick the best solution but also opens up new perspectives. Different answers can be more inspiring than a single “perfect” version.
Keep Your Own Voice
More and more people notice that AI-generated texts start to sound alike. That’s why it’s important not to take what you get without changes. Edit, add your touch, make it personal. The goal isn’t for AI to write for you, but to help you express what you want to say better. Also, make sure to fact-check information you’re unsure about or ask AI to share the sources behind its text.
