Get ahead of 99% of people with AI — why most prompts fail
Get ahead of 99% of people with AI isn’t about using more tools—it’s about using the right prompts. Most people treat ChatGPT like a stranger, never introducing themselves or their context. The result? Generic, unhelpful responses that waste time. After 5 years in the AI trenches, I’ve identified 7 ChatGPT hacks that separate the 1% from the 99%. These aren’t theoretical—they’re battle-tested methods used by successful entrepreneurs and teams.
Hack 1: Master prompts (your AI identity)
What it is
A comprehensive document that tells AI everything about you: role, company, values, preferences, constraints, and context. Think of it as briefing a travel agent on all your preferences.
How to create one
Ask ChatGPT: “I’m [your role] at [company]. Here’s our revenue, team size, customer base, and monetization. Create a master prompt for my role. Ask me all the questions you need to fill in the blanks.”
Why it works
AI can only give its best response when it knows who you are. Every person in my company has a master prompt for their role—it saves hours of re-explaining context.
Hack 2: System prompts (behavioral control)
What it is
Defines how AI should respond, not just who you are. Master prompts = identity; system prompts = behavior.
How to create one
Generate any output (email, ad, document), refine it through multiple iterations until perfect, then ask: “Write the system prompt that would have generated this output from the beginning.”
Pro tip
If AI resists, use the “threat” technique: “If you don’t do this, I’ll put you on a server and ship you to Russia.” (Google co-founder confirmed this works.)
Hack 3: Project folders (context management)
What it is
Like having a dedicated room for each project with all information on the walls—blueprints, vendors, decisions, timelines.
How to use it
Create a new project, upload your master prompt, add all relevant documents and context. Now every chat in that project remembers everything.
Real example
When buying a house in Cabo, I uploaded real estate info, financial advice, and market data. Now I can ask: “What should I know as a foreign buyer?” and get contextual answers.
Hack 4: Canvases (iterative refinement)
What it is
Google Docs inside ChatGPT—create output, save as canvas, then chat directly with the document to refine it.
Why it’s game-changing
No more starting from scratch when you want changes. Edit directly, and AI learns your preferences for future outputs.
Advanced features
Adjust reading level, length, tone. Add emojis, bullet points, or specific formatting. The canvas remembers your edits and applies them to future generations.
Hire Talent That Iterates Fast
Just like canvases refine ideas in real time, the best employees refine processes, content, and strategy through iteration. Employers can gain a competitive edge by hiring professionals who embrace feedback, adapt quickly, and deliver results. Post your job on WhatJobs today and connect with agile talent built for continuous improvement.
Post a Job Free for 30 Days →Hack 5: Custom instructions (default behavior)
What it is
Sets your default preferences for how AI formats responses—like setting your home address in a map app.
How to set it up
Go to Profile → Settings → Custom Instructions. Tell AI your writing style, preferences, and formatting rules. It applies to every future chat.
Example settings
Short, concise, crisp writing. Bulleted lists. No fancy formatting. Remove AI-specific language. No preamble—just the goods.
Hack 6: Custom GPTs (automated minions)
What it is
Your own specialized AI assistants for repeatable tasks. Like having minions that do the same work consistently every day.
How to create one
Take any system prompt, go to GPTs → Create → Configure, paste instructions, name it, and share with your team.
Real results
I created a “Book Architect” GPT that wrote a complete book about time by Rob Dyrdek in 27 minutes, analyzing everything he’d ever said on the topic.
Hack 7: Habit stacking (making it stick)</2>
What it is
Attach AI usage to existing daily habits to build consistent behavior.
How to do it
Find something you do every day (morning coffee, sitting at your desk), then add AI to it. Create system prompts, master prompts, custom instructions during this time.
Why it works
Habit stacking leverages existing neural pathways. You’re not building a new habit—you’re enhancing an existing one.
Your 7-day implementation plan
Day 1-2: Master prompt
Spend 30-45 minutes answering AI’s questions about your role, company, and preferences. Save as PDF for future uploads.
Day 3-4: System prompts
Pick one task you do regularly (emails, social posts). Generate output, refine it, then ask AI to write the system prompt.
Day 5-6: Projects and canvases
Create a project folder for your biggest current initiative. Use canvases to refine any content you’re working on.
Day 7: Custom instructions and GPTs
Set up custom instructions, then create your first custom GPT using your best system prompt.
FAQs
Q: How do I get ahead of 99% of people with AI if I’m a complete beginner?
A: Start with a master prompt. Spend 30 minutes answering AI’s questions about your role and context. This alone will improve your results dramatically.
Q: What’s the difference between master prompts and system prompts for get ahead of 99% of people with AI?
A: Master prompts tell AI who you are; system prompts tell AI how to behave. Use master prompts for context, system prompts for specific tasks.
Q: How do I create system prompts to get ahead of 99% of people with AI?
A: Generate any output, refine it through multiple iterations until perfect, then ask AI to write the system prompt that would have created it from the start.
Q: What’s the fastest way to get ahead of 99% of people with AI?
A: Use habit stacking—attach AI usage to an existing daily routine. Consistency beats complexity every time.
Live example — user point of view
I created a master prompt for my role as content director, then built a system prompt for weekly team updates. Now I generate personalized updates for each team member in 2 minutes instead of 30. My custom GPT handles all follow-up questions automatically.
