Over the past few years, ChatGPT updates have left many guides outdated.
Models and prompting techniques have evolved
OpenAI added and removed some ChatGPT features
GPT-5 was introduced, changing how ChatGPT works
In this guide, I’ll show a clear path to go from beginner to pro in ChatGPT, updated for 2025. Each stage of this path will contain a basic track with the basic stuff that every ChatGPT user should know, as well as an advanced track focused on power features, techniques, and tools to make the most out of ChatGPT.
Stage 1: Learn how to write prompts
Prompting is how we communicate with AI. Writing good prompts is essential for anyone working with AI tools. ChatGPT has many features and modes, but they won’t matter if you don’t know how to write good prompts.
The basic prompt: Task + Context
There’s a ChatGPT prompt formula to get better responses. However, if I were learning prompting again, I wouldn’t start with the formula. Why? The complete formula is valuable for advanced work, but for most everyday tasks, it’s overkill.
Using all elements from the formula will slow you down and waste time. Most of the time, you’ll only need two elements: task + context
Task: What you want ChatGPT to do
Context: The extra details the model needs to deliver a more tailored response
Here’s a prompt example:
I’m a 75kg man who wants to gain 5kg of muscle in 1 year. Build a 1-year training program to follow. I don’t have previous experience and I can train 4–5 days per week (60–75 min per session)
In the example, the task is to build a 1-year training program, while the context is the person’s information and background to create a personalized program.
The basic prompt should be enough for most everyday tasks. That said, when we do more complex tasks, we’ll need to use more elements from the formula.
Advanced track: The complete prompt formula
The prompt formula I use has four extra elements:
Examplar: A short sample response that shows the structure to emulate
Persona: Who ChatGPT should “be” while answering (aka role)
Format: The required structure and presentation (tables, length, etc)
Tone: The voice and vibe the response should adopt (friendly, formal, etc)
When you feel that task and context aren’t enough to get a good response, add one of these extra elements to your prompt.
For example, if I were a personal trainer, the basic prompt would be a good start to build a program for a few clients. However, as my client base grew, I’d need a more robust, reusable prompt I could apply across clients.
In the guide below, I transform our basic prompt into a more robust one by using every element of the formula.
📚 ChatGPT prompt formula: Examples, when to use it, and when not
Stage 2: Learn how GPT-5 works
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