Stop using AI like a search engine, start using it to think in ways you literally couldn't before

I was chatting with a group of EAs last week about how they're using AI chatbots, and I realized something.

Most people are still treating ChatGPT like a fancy search engine.

Yes, it can answer questions better than Google. It can find you the perfect restaurant, or be your tech support.

But you're leaving 90% of its power on the table when you use it like this.

What if I told you AI could fundamentally change how you think?

I call this using AI as a cognitive trampoline.

The shift: use AI to amplify your own thinking

Most people use AI to do the same stuff, just faster. But the real opportunity is getting it to challenge how you think altogether 🧠

Here’s how:

💠 Stress-test your thinking — bounce half-baked ideas off it, and let it critique or polish your rough thoughts

💠 Challenge your biases — ask it to spot your assumptions or blind spots

💠 Role play the opposite — have it build a case against your position

💠 Explore wild ideas — use it to develop 10 different angles you'd never have time to research

The shift isn't about working faster. It's about thinking in ways you literally couldn't before.

2 prompts to get you started

Prompt 1: Devil's advocate

When you're stuck on a decision or want to stress-test an idea:

Act as a strategy consultant with decades of experience working on [your challenge]. I'm considering [detailed description of challenge/project/problem]. Act as devil's advocate. Challenge my thinking, point out potential flaws, and help me see angles I might be missing. Don't be gentle — I want you to really push back and make me defend my position. What are the strongest counterarguments?

Prompt 2: Blind spot detector

When you want to uncover your assumptions:

Act as an experienced business strategist with expertise in [your challenge]. I'm working on [detailed description of challenge/project/problem]. Based on what I've shared, what assumptions am I making that I might not even realize? What biases could be influencing my approach? Help me see this from completely different perspectives — especially ones that challenge my current thinking.

💡 Pro tip: AI chatbots will often start off giving you responses that feel safe, obvious or just overly positive. When this happens, push back. Reply "try harder" or ask for "uncommon, expert advice." Don’t take the first response as the final one.

I'm genuinely curious: where are you on this journey? Are you still in "efficiency mode" or have you started using AI to change how you think?

Hit reply and let me know — I read every response.

Fi

🌟 Introducing Carve Shift: our new FREE webinar series

Carve Shift is where top assistants come to think bigger, not just work faster. Each session is hands-on and practical — no fluff, just smart ways to shift how you use AI, and how you lead and show up at the next level.

We’ll be running these every month, alongside special editions exclusively for Carve clients and course alums.

Upcoming sessions:

• July 9: How to use AI as a cognitive trampoline — dive deeper into today's concepts with live demos and Q&A | Register for free

• For Carve alums only August 8: NotebookLM deep dive — get up-to-date on one of the most underrated AI tools right now | Request an invite

• Coming soon: Future-proof your EA career with AI — how to use AI to drive your career progression (with a very special guest speaker)

• Coming soon: How to build a daily AI habit — simple routines and mindset shifts to make AI your go-to daily

p.s. If you're ready to really unlock AI's potential beyond just "going faster," consider joining our next cohort of Carve AI (July 8-Aug 19). We dive deep into advanced use cases like these that most people never discover. Summer is our last cohort til mid-October. More details here.