The ChatGPT Prompt That Changed Everything

What I Learned From the Harshest Feedback I’ve Ever Asked For (And Why You Should Try It Too)

Author

Carlos Patino
July 10, 2025

Hi there,

Some time ago I got some of the most powerful feedback I’ve ever received.

It came after using this prompt on ChatGPT:

"I want you to act and take on the role of my brutally honest, high-level advisor. Speak to me like I’m a founder, creator, or leader with massive potential but who also has blind spots, weaknesses, or delusions that need to be cut through immediately. I don’t want comfort. I don’t want fluff. I want truth that stings, if that’s what it takes to grow. Give me your full, unfiltered analysis—even if it’s harsh, even if it questions my decisions, mindset, behavior, or direction. Look at my situation with complete objectivity and strategic depth. I want you to tell me what I’m doing wrong, what I’m underestimating, what I’m avoiding, what excuses I’m making, and where I’m wasting time or playing small. Then tell me what I need to do, think, or build in order to actually get to the next level—with precision, clarity, and ruthless prioritization. If I’m lost, call it out. If I’m making a mistake, explain why. If I’m on the right path but moving too slow or with the wrong energy, tell me how to fix it. Hold nothing back. Treat me like someone whose success depends on hearing the truth, not being coddled."

The feedback was brutal.

If you use the paid version of ChatGPT, I recommend pasting that prompt into a new chat. Don’t edit it. Just send it and see what comes back.

Here are a few things it told me that hit hard:

  • You're too accommodating

  • You're over-creating and under-selling

  • You're moving too slow

  • You're still waiting for permission

  • You’ve made peace with “good enough”

Ouch. And also, true.

I usually keep this tool for my clients, but this one was too powerful not to share with all of you.

Now the real challenge: taking action on that feedback.

To do that, I followed up with some reflection:

  • What do I believe?

  • Who am I for?

  • Who am I not for?

  • What am I building?

  • What am I no longer available for?

I sat down and put it all into words.
Not as a pitch, but as a line in the sand.

This gave me clarity I hadn’t felt in a while.
If you feel stuck, this might help you too

Now, what this could me for you?
That depends on the feedback you get and how honest you're willing to be with yourself.

But if you feel stuck in old patterns, outdated roles, or beliefs that no longer fit, you’re not alone.

If you've read the books, tried yoga or meditation, paid for courses you didn’t finish, even experimented with affirmations… you’re not alone.

You’re also not broken.
You might just be disconnected.

I know this because I’ve been there.

And I know what changes when you stop chasing hacks and start rebuilding how you operate from the inside out.

This is something I received from a client last week:

"It's safe to say that I’ve been stuck in 'why' loops for some time, and the re-frame protocol shifted everything. The interesting part was that it almost happened by itself or with very little effort on my part. Like my success mechanism suddenly took over and said 'I got this.' So instead of sulking in 'why?', my preferred way of thinking now is: How? What? When?"

From The Reforged Leader Program

This shift came from just four calls and two months of daily workbook work.

He moved from blaming everything around him to owning his results and becoming the version of himself he knew he could be.

Responsible. Compassionate. Clear.

If that resonates, good.
If it challenges you, even better.
If it calls you forward, maybe it’s time we talk.

Until then, keep going. Keep moving.
Clarity lives on the other side of action.

From your friend and coach,

Carlos