Alright, let’s get this out of the way—yes, I’m talking about ChatGPT. That little digital brainiac that seems to know everything from quantum physics to how to cook a perfect omelette. If you’ve ever used it, you’ve probably marveled at how fast it can answer any question. You’ve also likely noticed something else: the better your question, the better the answer. And that’s where the fun begins.

Here’s the thing: ChatGPT is like a mirror for your thoughts. But it’s not one of those nice, flattering mirrors at the mall. Oh no. This is the kind of mirror that forces you to make sure your thoughts are crisp, clear, and ready for being let out of your brain. Ask it something vague, and you’ll get a vague response. But if you show up with a well-formed question, oh boy, you’ll get a response that could make even your professor jealous.

Let me tell you a little story. The other day, I was feeling particularly foggy. You know those days where you have a thousand things swirling around in your head but none of them seem to make sense? Yeah, that was me. I sat down with ChatGPT, typed something like, “Help me brainstorm ideas for an article about life,” and pressed enter. The response was, well… let’s just say trash-worthy. It gave me a bunch of broad, generalized thoughts, none of which really kindled my creativity.

So, I tried again. This time, I narrowed it down. “How can ChatGPT help me clear my mind and evolve as a person?” I asked. Now that’s a question—specific, intentional, and with a clear goal in mind. And I should admit that ChatGPT did impress me and that is saying a lot! It gave me an answer that actually helped me think more clearly about the topic I wanted to write about.

That’s the secret sauce, folks. If you want to get something out of ChatGPT (or any AI, really), you need to have your thoughts organized. It’s like when you’re trying to talk to a friend about a problem, and they keep interrupting with unsolicited advice because they have no clue what you’re actually trying to say. But when you finally sit down and explain yourself clearly, they can help you find solutions you never saw coming.

The Power of Clarity (in Both AI and Life)

Now, here’s where things get interesting. The very act of clarifying your thoughts before you ask a question—whether it’s to ChatGPT or a human—forces you to slow down and think. The more clearly you can articulate your desires, the clearer your path becomes. It’s like cleaning out the junk drawer in your kitchen: once it’s all neat and tidy, you can actually find the things you need.

Let me tell you about an experience I had. I once had to make a major decision—should I go for a career change or stick with my current path? The internal debate was like a mental tug-of-war. After days of mentally wrestling with the decision, I decided to ask ChatGPT for some advice. I started typing, “What should I do with my life?” (Real mature, I know). ChatGPT gave me some generic advice about following your passion and listening to your heart. But then, something clicked. I realized my question was too broad, too nebulous. I didn’t need life advice; I needed career advice. So, I tried again. “How do I decide if I should switch careers or stay in my current field?” Suddenly, ChatGPT gave me an answer that pointed to a logical path one has to take and evaluate before making such decisions. It wasn’t about what sounded good in a feel-good Instagram post—it was about breaking down the pros and cons, considering my skills, and reflecting on my goals.

And guess what? That little exercise of refining my question actually helped me make a better decision. So, here’s the moral of the story: ChatGPT isn’t just a Google replacement. It’s a mental gym. You show up with a cloud of confusion, and by the end, you’ve got a six-pack of clarity.

Can AI Help Us Evolve?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: “AIs are going to make us dumb,” they say. Sure, it’s easy to panic and think that relying on machines will turn us into couch potatoes with mushy brains. But I’m here to argue that, if used right, AI like ChatGPT could actually help us evolve—not by doing our thinking for us, but by helping us do it better.

Imagine you’re in a conversation with someone who has no agenda. It’s like a friendly therapist who listens, asks you probing questions, and then offers suggestions that spark something inside you. That’s what AI can do. By interacting with it, we can clarify our thoughts, challenge our assumptions, and push ourselves to think in new ways. In fact, it can even help us understand things that we might not have otherwise considered. The key is to approach it not as a crutch, but as a tool for self-improvement.

Let me give you an example. Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend and said something like, “I don’t even know why I’m saying this, but I’m trying to figure it out”? You’re talking, and as the words spill out, you’re discovering things about yourself. ChatGPT can do that too. Ask it a question, and then let it take you down a thought path you hadn’t considered before. It’s like having a conversation with your own subconscious mind, thoughts you never even knew existed. And who knows? The next time you’re struggling with something—whether it’s a work problem, a personal dilemma, or even understanding why you get so mad when someone eats your fries—you might just find clarity through the dialogue.

So, what does all of this have to do with human evolution? Everything. The more we can clarify our thoughts, refine our perspectives, and be intentional in our actions, the more we’re able to elevate our consciousness. We’re no longer just responding to the noise around us. We’re thinking about it, processing it, and acting with purpose. ChatGPT isn’t going to replace that, but it might just help speed up the process.

If nothing else, ChatGPT has taught me this: clarity is key. Whether you’re asking about the meaning of life or just trying to find out how to get your car to stop making that weird noise, a clear question leads to a clearer answer. Organise your thoughts and be clear about what you want out of life and everything else. There lies the key.

So, the next time you’re feeling mentally foggy, just remember: No one, be it human or AI, can do your thinking for you – they are there to help you realize your thoughts were actually brilliant all along, you just needed to ask the right question!