When I recently wanted to automate my daily AI news research, I discovered ChatGPT's new Scheduled Tasks feature. What initially seemed like a minor add-on quickly became a game-changer in my daily tech workflow. In this article, I'll share my practical experiences and show you how to optimize this feature for your own purposes.

My Success Story with Scheduled Tasks

Since I start every morning between 6:00 and 7:00 AM with my routine of Crypto, AI news and tech updates, I was looking for a way to optimize this process. The Scheduled Tasks function now allows me to receive a curated briefing at 6:00 AM sharp - perfect for the day's first coffee!

What's particularly exciting: During my daily long walks (I aim for 10,000 steps during), I now automatically receive new learning impulses and reflection questions about my current tech projects. This elegantly combines movement with continuous learning.

How to Set Up Scheduled Tasks

Step 1: Access and Initial Setup

• Open ChatGPT and select "GPT-4 with scheduled tasks" from the model dropdown

• Either enter your task directly in the chat or navigate to the Tasks area via your profile menu

• Note: This feature is currently available for Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers only

Step 2: Task Configuration

• Clearly formulate your task, e.g., "Send me a daily AI news briefing at 6:00 AM"

• ChatGPT will create the task and show you a confirmation

• Click the three dots next to the task to edit its settings

Step 3: Schedule and Repetition

• Set your schedule: daily, weekly, monthly, or custom

• Choose your preferred execution time

• Note: The time is based on your local timezone settings

Step 4: Notification Setup

• Enable desktop notifications when prompted

• Ensure push notifications or email notifications are activated in your settings

• Pro tip: Test notifications with a short-term task first

Step 5: Management and Optimization

• Manage your tasks through the "Tasks" section in your profile menu

• Edit, pause, or delete tasks as needed

• Remember: There's currently a limit of 10 active tasks

• Regularly review and optimize your task configurations

My Top Prompt Templates

1. Morning Briefing

Every morning at 7 a.m., create a concise briefing with:
- Top 3 AI news from the last 24h
- Relevant GitHub trends
- New tools and features in the AI space
Format: Bullet points, max 300 words
Tone: Technically precise yet understandable

2. Morning Briefing 2

Every morning at 7:30 a.m., create a concise briefing with:
- Top 3 Crypto news from the last 24h
- focus on Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana
Format: Bullet points, max 300 words
Tone: Technically precise yet understandable

3. Skill Development Template

Every Monday at 5 p.m., create a concise and engaging mini-learning session covering:

Current AI Frameworks: Overview of popular frameworks and their use cases (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
Coding Best Practices: Practical tips for writing clean, maintainable code with a focus on Python or JavaScript.
System Design Patterns: Explanation of a fundamental design pattern (e.g., MVC, Singleton) with a real-world example.
Format:

5-minute micro-lesson per topic.
Each unit should include:
A brief introduction (1–2 sentences).
A practical example or hands-on exercise (e.g., code snippets or scenarios).
A quick summary or takeaway for retention.
Objective: Equip participants with actionable insights and tools to enhance their AI and software development skills.

Here’s an example output:

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Problems & Solutions

1. Irregular Execution

   • Check your timezone settings

   • Ensure your ChatGPT access is active

   • Verify notification settings

2. Output Quality

   • Refine your prompts iteratively

   • Use the "Preview" feature for testing

   • Adjust instructions based on results

3. Notification Issues

   • Enable browser notifications

   • Check spam folder for email notifications

   • Ensure you're logged in

Best Practices from My Experience

Optimal Task Configuration Checklist:

• [ ] Precise time specifications (including timezone)

• [ ] Clear, specific instructions

• [ ] Defined output format

• [ ] Sensible notification settings

• [ ] Regular prompt optimization

Tips for Maximum Benefit:

1. Start with a simple task and expand gradually

2. Document successful prompts

3. Plan tasks according to your natural routine

4. Use different output formats for different purposes

5. Evaluate and adjust regularly

Conclusion & Outlook

The Scheduled Tasks function has evolved from a nice feature to an indispensable tool for me. It not only supports my morning routine and continuous learning but also helps me systematically expand my tech skills.

What I read today:

Recently, I came across this article, and it left me with a lot to think about. The core argument? As labour-replacing AI becomes more prevalent, capital—things like machines, data centers, and software—will gain even more significance, while the value of human labour will diminish. This shift could reinforce existing power structures and reduce incentives for institutions to invest in people.

The article highlighted key challenges, such as the potential decline of social mobility and the risk of a static society where innovation slows. It also raised the question: how do we preserve human ambition and dynamism in a world increasingly run by machines?

What stuck with me most was the idea that success in the future may hinge on cultivating personal agency, continuously learning, and finding new ways to contribute creatively. It made me reflect on my own journey—how I’m building skills in AI and crypto, striving for independence, and learning to navigate uncertainty.

What I saw today:

(🚨 spoiler warning if you haven’t watched Silo Season 2 yet!)

What I listened to today:

What I liked today:

Random Thoughts:

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the tension between divergent thinking and the systems we’ve built to maintain control. Divergent thinking—the kind that fuels creativity and innovation—drives societal change by offering fresh perspectives. On the other hand, constructive thinking, with its focus on order and survival, ensures societal stability. It’s a dance between chaos and structure.

This tension becomes even more evident when we look at the role of money in society. It acts as a control mechanism, tied closely to our ability to innovate and adapt. The more we foster creative thinking, the more we unlock new economic possibilities, from entirely new professions to revolutionary technologies like AI and blockchain.

In essence, the future will likely belong to those who can navigate both worlds: staying grounded in practicality while daring to dream beyond the current framework. Maybe that’s the challenge—to balance divergent creativity with the constructive order we still need.

That’s it for today! ☺️

_{This article represents my work and perspective, developed with research and writing assistance from using AI.}