Tasks in ChatGPT: How to Use Them to Boost Your Productivity

OpenAI has introduced a new feature in ChatGPT called Tasks — simple automated actions that run on your behalf without requiring constant input. Available in beta for GPT-4o subscribers, Tasks act as lightweight AI agents that execute scheduled actions to simplify your life and improve personal efficiency.

How Do Tasks Work?

Tasks are scheduled actions that run automatically. You define the instruction once, and ChatGPT will follow through at the time you specify. You can have up to 10 active tasks at once — plenty to start experimenting with automation.

What sets this feature apart is its ability to handle more than just reminders — it can perform reasoning, generate new content, and learn from your feedback over time.

3 Practical Use Cases

1. Daily News Digest

“Every day at 8:00 AM, send me a brief summary of the latest news on [your topic]. Include links when possible.”

This task delivers fresh insights each morning — automatically. Over time, you can refine its focus by providing feedback on what types of news you find most relevant.

2. Guided Journaling

“Remind me to journal at 8:00 PM every day and provide a new question for self-reflection.”

This approach helps build consistency while offering creative prompts to keep journaling fresh and meaningful.

3. Word of the Day

“Send me a rare or technical English word every morning at 7:00 AM, with its definition and a usage example.”

Perfect for expanding your vocabulary — and much more intentional than scrolling social media first thing in the morning.

Tips for Using Tasks Effectively

• Use tasks for intelligent routines — not just basic reminders.
• Review and adjust instructions regularly to improve results.
• Start simple and increase complexity as you get comfortable.
• If unsure where to start, ask ChatGPT what it can automate for your specific needs.

Conclusion

ChatGPT’s Tasks feature is a powerful tool for automating repetitive, thoughtful actions. Whether you want to streamline content consumption, stay mindful, or build daily learning habits, it’s a feature worth exploring — and it just might transform how you use AI in your day-to-day life.