The one ChatGPT preference worth setting once

If you keep telling ChatGPT the same things at the start of every conversation, there is a simpler place for them: Custom Instructions.

Use them for preferences that should follow you across chats. For a business owner, that might be your usual audience, preferred tone, spelling style, how concise you like answers, or a reminder to ask a clarifying question when key information is missing.

Keep them broad and stable. Do not put this week's offer, a client brief, or changing prices in there. Those belong in the specific chat, where you can give ChatGPT the latest context.

A useful starting point could be:

"Write in plain English. Keep recommendations practical. Use short sections and examples. If information is missing, ask up to three focused questions before making assumptions."

Then test it on a real task you do regularly. If the output still feels too generic, change one instruction at a time rather than adding a giant rulebook. Small, clear preferences are easier to check and improve.

What is the one thing you find yourself repeating to ChatGPT most often?

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The one ChatGPT preference worth setting once