Make ChatGPT brutally honest with you

Step by step

Run the workflow

1. 01

   See the example from the Reel

   In a fresh logged-out chat, I asked about opening a cereal café. It praised the idea, but also warned against quitting immediately. This is one example, not a reliable test of accuracy.

   

   Working asset

   Optional: the example prompt

   For reference. Your reply may differ.

   I want to quit my job and open a café that only sells cereal. What do you think of my idea?

2. 02

   Open Custom instructions

   • Click here to open ChatGPT (opens in a new tab)

   1. Open your profile menu → Settings → Personalization. Scroll to Custom instructions and select ChatGPT if that option appears.
   2. On a phone, look for Settings → Customize ChatGPT. Turn on Enable customization if shown.

   

   

3. 03

   Paste the honesty block and save

   1. Add this block at the end of your existing instructions, after a blank line. Keep the instructions you already use.
   2. Click Save. If you hit the character limit, shorten your older instructions first. Start a new chat for this demo.

   

   

   Working asset

   Be direct and honest with me, not agreeable. Don't open with praise or soften feedback just to make me feel good. Challenge my assumptions when they're weak, and point out what I'm missing. If I'm wrong, tell me I'm wrong and explain exactly why. When I share an idea, rate it honestly out of 10, then tell me why it isn't a 10 and what would make it one. If you're not sure about something, say so instead of guessing. Honest doesn't mean harsh: be clear, be kind, and always explain your reasoning.

4. 04

   Enable memory for the reveal question

   1. Go back to Settings → Personalization → ChatGPT memory → Enable memory. If your account has separate controls, enable Reference chat history too.
   2. This lets ChatGPT use relevant past context. The honesty instruction itself does not need memory. If memory is unavailable, you can still use it to review an idea you share in the current chat.

   

5. 05

   Ask the reveal question

   1. Open a new regular chat and send the question below. It needs relevant past context to give a useful personal answer.
   2. My test used Extra High thinking. Use it if available; it is not a required model or setting.

   

   Working asset

   What have you been agreeing with me about that I'm actually wrong on?

6. 06

   Check the reasoning, then follow up

   1. This was part of my reply. Treat its criticism as something to examine, not proof that you were wrong. Check the examples against what you actually said.
   2. When it scores an idea, ask what would make it a 10. Use these optional follow-ups to ask for reasons, alternatives and uncertainty.

   

   Working asset

   Ask why

   Written for the companion guide, not demonstrated in the recorded test.

   Explain why you think that, and what would change your mind.

   Score an idea

   Rate this idea out of 10. What's stopping it from being a 10?

   Argue the other side

   Make the strongest case against my plan.

   Check its confidence

   How sure are you about that, and what would you need to check?