Hey friends,
There’s something I’ve noticed after thousands of prompts and experiments with AI tools:
Not all AI models are built to think with you.
Don’t get me wrong — that’s how we’re told to use AI. Write this, summarize that.
Let’s be honest: most models either write fluff or summarize info you’ll never use.
But very few are truly good at reasoning — at thinking alongside you, step by step.
Reasoning models aren’t just smarter — they’re more useful. Especially when you’re stuck, scaling, or staring at a blank screen with big plan or decision to make.
And once you experience a reasoning model, it’s hard to go back.
🧠 What Are “Reasoning Models,” Anyway?
AI companies use this term to describe AI models that aren’t just pattern-matchers or regurgitators. They:
- Follow complex chains of logic
- Strategize across multiple steps
- Ask clarifying questions (when they’re built right)
- Help you solve, not just respond
You may have heard of ‘thinking’ or ‘reasoning’ mode for models like OpenAI’s o3, Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude 4 Opus, DeepSeek R1 or Grok 3.
They cost more to run. They’re often slower. But when you need accuracy and clear thinking — they’re so worth it.
🔍 Why I Use Reasoning Models (Not for Writing)
Here’s the hot take:
🛑 I don’t use ChatGPT o3 to write for me.
✍🏾 I’ve tried .. and it’s just not good at that.
But for thinking? Planning? Breaking down a messy idea into a clean strategy?
That’s where it shines.
I don’t ask it to be a copywriter. I ask it to be a strategist. And that’s made all the difference.
I use ChatGPT o3 most of the time, and Gemini 2.5 Pro at work (thanks to Google Workspace).
These models are part of my daily workflow, especially in my new role as an AI Operations Lead — where I’m building an AI strategy for AI agents and AI powered workflows.
And when I need to think through something with clarity and confidence, reasoning models are my go-to.
🔧 My Use Cases (Where Reasoning Models Shine)
Let me show you where this gets really useful:
✅ 1. Brainstorming with Constraints
Instead of “Give me 10 ideas,” I ask:
“What are 3 product directions that match X constraint, require less than Y cost, and can be launched in 30 days?”
The responses are way sharper than from a basic model.
✅ 2. Strategic Planning
o3 helped me draft the AI roadmap in my new role.
Prompt looked like:
“Help me come up with solutions that integrate AI agents, technology and updated processes for the problems and pain points the staff are experiencing. Include estimate of value, rough timeline and a clear outcome achievable. Ensure that the problems identified are clearly addressed”
Honestly it kinda blew me away with the suggestions. Not only did it pick up on the core problems, but it even read between the lines
✅ 3. Crafting Threads Outlines
Sometimes I’ll throw in a messy brain dump and say:
“Can you organize this into 3 core themes with subpoints and then craft an outline for me to approve?”
It pulls clarity from chaos. Not just creatively, but structurally.
💡 PRO tip: Because reasoning models already think step by step, don’t overprompt them to do it. Ironically, it can make the outputs worse.
🧪 Model Comparison: Real Experience, No Hype
Here’s how I see the current top reasoning models based on how I’ve used them:
I haven’t used Claude 4 Opus yet, but from what I’ve seen, ChatGPT o3 and Gemini 2.5 Pro are still the two I trust the most when it comes to thinking tasks. If you’re using Claude 4, hit me up and let me know your thoughts I’d love to hear.
🛠 ChatGPT o3’s Toolset = Superpower
The other reason I keep coming back to o3?
It’s not just a reasoning model — it’s a very capable one.
With o3 in ChatGPT, I get:
- Deep Research
- Web browsing for real-time info
- Understanding uploaded images
- Image generation
It’s not perfect, but it’s very good. When paired with good prompts and a clear strategy, it’s like having a very smart agent — one that can look things up, visualize ideas, and structure thoughts while I focus on decisions.
🤖 Why This Matters in the Age of AI Agents
You know I keep coming back to this idea:
Most people are focused on AI as a content tool.
But AI is becoming your thinking partner — and eventually will be your assistant.
The more you learn which models are good at reasoning, and the more you train them on your thought process, the closer you are to building something powerful.
The next wave of AI tools won’t be about faster output.
They’ll be about better input — and smarter decision-making.
You don’t need an AI that outputs faster — you need one that thinks clearer than you do when you’re tired and second-guessing.
🧠 Try This Today
If you’re stuck on a strategy, idea, or decision — try this:
- Open ChatGPT o3 or Gemini 2.5 Pro (You’ll need a paid plan for o3 and Gemini Pro, but DeepSeek R1 or Grok 3 are solid free options)
- Paste in your notes, questions, or even just a brain dump
- Prompt:
“Can you help me turn this into a 3-part plan with risks, benefits, and key questions?”
Watch what comes back.
You’ll be surprised how much clearer your thinking becomes when you’re not doing it alone.
🫡 Final Thought
This isn’t about which model is best.
It’s about using the right kind of model for the job.
Use reasoning models to think, not just write.
Use them to strategize, not stylize.
Use them to move projects forward — not just spin wheels.
Let me know if you’ve been using reasoning models this way — or if you want help crafting better prompts for thinking, not writing.
I read every reply. Always.
To clearer thinking,
Nahid
