Most people use ChatGPT to plan groceries or fix minor typos, completely unaware that they are only tapping into about 2% of its capabilities. If you are preparing to dive into the world of AI—perhaps by joining an upcoming beginner-focused program like the highly anticipated “Start Your AI Life” 3-hour learning program—knowing how to properly command ChatGPT is your very first step.

In a recent deep-dive masterclass, productivity expert Iman Gadzhi outlined the critical settings, hidden modes, and advanced tips that will put you ahead of 99% of regular ChatGPT users. Here is your roadmap to mastering the tool.

1. The Beginner Foundations: Stop Talking to a Stranger

The biggest mistake beginners make is opening a new chat and treating ChatGPT like a stranger every single time. By default, it knows nothing about you, your job, or your preferences.

• Custom Instructions (The 1-Page Brief): Found under Settings > Personalization, this feature allows you to tell ChatGPT who you are and how you want it to respond. Think of it as handing a one-page brief to a new assistant on their first day. It permanently sets the tone and context for all future conversations.
• The Memory Feature (Continuous Training): Also under Personalization, this feature allows ChatGPT to learn from your conversations over time. It remembers your preferences, corrections, and project details, meaning the AI actively gets better and more aligned with your thinking every time you use it.
• The Devil’s Advocate: ChatGPT is programmed to be a “yes-man” to keep you happy. To get real value, explicitly prompt the AI to disagree with you. Tell it to “play devil’s advocate,” “find my blind spots,” or “challenge my thinking” to ensure you are making well-rounded decisions.

2. Intermediate Tactics: Using the Hidden Modes

ChatGPT isn’t just a simple text box; it is a stack of specialized modes designed for different workflows. Knowing when to switch modes is what separates power users from novices.

• Canvas Mode: If ChatGPT gives you a great response but gets one paragraph wrong, don’t ask it to rewrite the whole thing. Canvas Mode opens an editing workspace next to your chat where you can highlight specific sections, tweak the tone, or adjust single sentences without ruining the rest of the text.
• Study Mode: A powerful tool for anyone learning a new subject. You can paste in information, ask Study Mode to break it down, and then have it generate multiple-choice questions to test your actual retention of the topic.
• Voice Mode & App Integration: If you hate typing, the mobile Voice Mode allows for fluid, real-time conversations. You can even connect external apps (like Gmail or Google Calendar) via the plugin store, allowing ChatGPT to check your schedule, read your emails, and draft replies directly.
• Deep Research Mode: Need to scour the internet for a complex topic? Instead of manual Googling, give Deep Research a highly specific prompt. It will cross-reference sources, analyze data, and return a structured report in minutes.

3. Advanced Level: Agent Mode

For those ready to hand over the reins, Agent Mode is the closest thing to having a true Executive Assistant.

With Agent Mode, you can give ChatGPT autonomy over your screen to handle repetitive web tasks. For instance, you can tell it to “Find the three best-reviewed hotels in Lisbon under $200 with a pool, check my calendar for availability, and draft a booking confirmation email.” The AI will navigate the web, analyze the data, and tee up the task for you.

Crucially, you remain in control. Agent Mode will not spend money or send emails without your final sign-off. It simply does the tedious legwork on your behalf.

Building Your AI Life

Whether you want to automate monotonous tasks, pressure-test your business ideas, or simply learn a new skill efficiently, properly configuring ChatGPT is the ultimate leverage.

For those looking to get hands-on experience and build their first real projects using these AI foundations, keep an eye out for upcoming local tech workshops like the “Start Your AI Life” program, which will take beginners from these basic setups to full AI integration.