9 creative prompts to unlock your best ideas in ChatGP — straight from OpenAI’s top‑100 list
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If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re not alone. Luckily, OpenAI recently shared 100 of the most popular ChatGPT prompts to help users get more from AI, and buried in that list are a handful that stand out for unlocking creativity.
Whether you’re brainstorming, writing, designing or just trying to think differently, these nine prompts can help you break through mental blocks and start creating again.
1. Visualize a concept
Prompt: "Create an image to help me visualize [concept]."
Sometimes, words just don’t cut it. Seeing a concept as an image can spark ideas, clarify your thinking and even inspire new directions. Whatever you're using ChatGPT for, be it studying physics or designing a brand logo, ask ChatGPT to generate an image that brings your idea to life, then refine it until it matches what’s in your head.
Try it when you’re stuck explaining an abstract idea or want to see your thoughts in visual form.
2. Challenge your thinking
Prompt: "I want to become better at [topic]. Let’s do a simulation exercise so I can practice."
One of ChatGPT’s biggest creative strengths is its ability to play roles and run scenarios. If you’re learning something new, say, public speaking, negotiation or writing code, ChatGPT can simulate real-world practice sessions. This not only builds skill but helps you think more flexibly and confidently about tough subjects.
Use this prompt when you want to build soft skills, improve communication or test your problem-solving style.
3. Find the right word
Prompt: "What are better options than [word] in this sentence?"
Every writer knows the pain of finding a word that’s close but not quite right. ChatGPT can act like a thesaurus, but one that understands tone and context. Beyond suggestions, it can also explain why one word fits better than another, helping you improve your vocabulary and style over time.
This is a great trick for writers, marketers trying to get the perfect hook or anyone working to polish their message.
4. Make a visual prototype
Prompt: "Make me an image of [describe what you want visualized]."
Seeing an early version of your idea (even a rough one) can completely change how you develop it. ChatGPT’s in-chat image generation can bring your sketch, layout or product idea to life in seconds.
It’s a fast, low-stakes way to experiment visually before investing serious time or money. Give it a try to test creative direction, logos or product concepts.
5. Brain dump your thoughts
Prompt: "I’m going to brain dump what’s on my mind. Can you help me organize my thoughts?"
When your brain feels cluttered, ChatGPT can be the perfect thinking partner. This prompt is especially great with Voice Mode. Just talk (or type) freely and it will sort through the mess as it groups ideas, outlines themes and even highlights connections you missed.
I like this one a lot when I'm planning or untangling creative overwhelm. I've even used it for journaling.
6. Turn ideas into action
Prompt: "Build me a 4-week plan to start integrating the principles of [book or article] by [author]."
Some books and articles inspire you to change, but then life gets in the way. This prompt turns inspiration into action by helping you structure a realistic plan. ChatGPT can break big goals into weekly steps, giving you a roadmap to actually apply what you’ve learned. I used this prompt after I read Atomic Habits by James Clear and then again with Let Them by Mel Robbins.
It's a really great prompt for self-improvement fans and lifelong learners.
7. Find your superpower
Prompt: "Ask me 10 questions about what I enjoy, excel at, or find meaningful. Then suggest five domains where my strengths might lie. Ask only one question at a time."
Self-discovery is one of the most underrated uses of AI. With the right questions, ChatGPT can act like a career coach and help you uncover your natural strengths, passions and areas of talent.
Try this one when you’re stuck in a rut or exploring new directions at work or in life.
8. Match your mood
Prompt: "I’m feeling [mood] today. Help me understand [topic] knowing that’s how I feel."
When I first saw this prompt I kind of ignored it, though I was intrigued. I finally went back to it and realized how useful it can be. ChatGPT isn’t just about logic; it can tune its tone to match your mood.
Whether you’re anxious, tired or curious, when you tell it how you feel, it explains things in a way that resonates with you and meets you were you are. It’s like having a study buddy who actually gets you.
Honestly, I use this one when I need empathy as much as information.
9. Get motivated
Prompt: "I’m working on [topic]. Motivate me."
Imagine saying this to a person! My husband would probably give me a 30-second pep talk and leave me to my own devices. Even though he loves me, there's just only so much an individual can do to motivate someone. But ChatGPT can tailor motivation to your specific goals, personality and style.
Whether you’re starting a big project or just trying to get through a Monday, ChatGPT can hype you up with a pep talk and a practical action plan. Try this one before diving into a rough task or when your creative energy dips.
Bottom line
Although AI can never replace human creativity, OpenAI’s top prompts reveal that asking the right questions can help spark something new. With the right prompt, ChatGPT can become your visualizer, coach, motivator and brainstorming partner all in one.
Next time you’re feeling stuck, try one of these — and see where your imagination takes you.
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More from Tom's Guide
If you’ve ever stared at a blank screen waiting for inspiration to strike, you’re not alone. Luckily, OpenAI recently shared 100 of the most popular ChatGPT prompts to help users get more from AI, and buried in that list are a handful that stand out for unlocking creativity.
Whether you’re brainstorming, writing, designing or just trying to think differently, these nine prompts can help you break through mental blocks and start creating again.
1. Visualize a concept
Prompt: "Create an image to help me visualize [concept]."
Sometimes, words just don’t cut it. Seeing a concept as an image can spark ideas, clarify your thinking and even inspire new directions. Whatever you're using ChatGPT for, be it studying physics or designing a brand logo, ask ChatGPT to generate an image that brings your idea to life, then refine it until it matches what’s in your head.
Try it when you’re stuck explaining an abstract idea or want to see your thoughts in visual form.
2. Challenge your thinking
Prompt: "I want to become better at [topic]. Let’s do a simulation exercise so I can practice."
One of ChatGPT’s biggest creative strengths is its ability to play roles and run scenarios. If you’re learning something new, say, public speaking, negotiation or writing code, ChatGPT can simulate real-world practice sessions. This not only builds skill but helps you think more flexibly and confidently about tough subjects.
Use this prompt when you want to build soft skills, improve communication or test your problem-solving style.
3. Find the right word
Prompt: "What are better options than [word] in this sentence?"
Every writer knows the pain of finding a word that’s close but not quite right. ChatGPT can act like a thesaurus, but one that understands tone and context. Beyond suggestions, it can also explain why one word fits better than another, helping you improve your vocabulary and style over time.
This is a great trick for writers, marketers trying to get the perfect hook or anyone working to polish their message.
4. Make a visual prototype
Prompt: "Make me an image of [describe what you want visualized]."
Seeing an early version of your idea (even a rough one) can completely change how you develop it. ChatGPT’s in-chat image generation can bring your sketch, layout or product idea to life in seconds.
It’s a fast, low-stakes way to experiment visually before investing serious time or money. Give it a try to test creative direction, logos or product concepts.
5. Brain dump your thoughts
Prompt: "I’m going to brain dump what’s on my mind. Can you help me organize my thoughts?"
When your brain feels cluttered, ChatGPT can be the perfect thinking partner. This prompt is especially great with Voice Mode. Just talk (or type) freely and it will sort through the mess as it groups ideas, outlines themes and even highlights connections you missed.
I like this one a lot when I'm planning or untangling creative overwhelm. I've even used it for journaling.
6. Turn ideas into action
Prompt: "Build me a 4-week plan to start integrating the principles of [book or article] by [author]."
Some books and articles inspire you to change, but then life gets in the way. This prompt turns inspiration into action by helping you structure a realistic plan. ChatGPT can break big goals into weekly steps, giving you a roadmap to actually apply what you’ve learned. I used this prompt after I read Atomic Habits by James Clear and then again with Let Them by Mel Robbins.
It's a really great prompt for self-improvement fans and lifelong learners.
7. Find your superpower
Prompt: "Ask me 10 questions about what I enjoy, excel at, or find meaningful. Then suggest five domains where my strengths might lie. Ask only one question at a time."
Self-discovery is one of the most underrated uses of AI. With the right questions, ChatGPT can act like a career coach and help you uncover your natural strengths, passions and areas of talent.
Try this one when you’re stuck in a rut or exploring new directions at work or in life.
8. Match your mood
Prompt: "I’m feeling [mood] today. Help me understand [topic] knowing that’s how I feel."
When I first saw this prompt I kind of ignored it, though I was intrigued. I finally went back to it and realized how useful it can be. ChatGPT isn’t just about logic; it can tune its tone to match your mood.
Whether you’re anxious, tired or curious, when you tell it how you feel, it explains things in a way that resonates with you and meets you were you are. It’s like having a study buddy who actually gets you.
Honestly, I use this one when I need empathy as much as information.
9. Get motivated
Prompt: "I’m working on [topic]. Motivate me."
Imagine saying this to a person! My husband would probably give me a 30-second pep talk and leave me to my own devices. Even though he loves me, there's just only so much an individual can do to motivate someone. But ChatGPT can tailor motivation to your specific goals, personality and style.
Whether you’re starting a big project or just trying to get through a Monday, ChatGPT can hype you up with a pep talk and a practical action plan. Try this one before diving into a rough task or when your creative energy dips.
Bottom line
Although AI can never replace human creativity, OpenAI’s top prompts reveal that asking the right questions can help spark something new. With the right prompt, ChatGPT can become your visualizer, coach, motivator and brainstorming partner all in one.
Next time you’re feeling stuck, try one of these — and see where your imagination takes you.
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!