When this helps: You’re stuck choosing between two or more apps, software, or physical tools and you can’t figure out which one is actually better for your specific needs.

One-Tap Reset (If You’re Foggy)

I'm foggy. Please slow down, 3 bullets, plain words.

Real Example (Before → After)

Your situation:

I need a new note-taking app to manage my MS symptoms and appointments. I keep hearing about Notion and Obsidian. Which one should I use? I get overwhelmed by complicated apps.

What you get with COMPARE:

Recommendation: Use Notion

Why: It’s easier to start with. It works like a simple document and you can add complexity later. Obsidian requires more setup (choosing where to store files) which can be a hurdle when you have brain fog.

Comparison Table

Feature Notion Obsidian
Ease of Use Easier (like Google Docs) Steeper learning curve
Flexibility Very flexible Infinitely flexible (can be complex)
Cost Free for personal use Free, but sync is a paid service
MS-Specific Use Great for structured notes like symptom logs Excellent for connecting ideas, but requires more setup

The Prompt (Copy This)

I need to choose between [TOOL A] and [TOOL B].

My goal is [YOUR SPECIFIC GOAL]. My biggest priority is [PRIORITY #1, e.g., ease of use, cost, specific feature].

Compare them in a simple table. Then, recommend one and explain why in one sentence.

Context: [ADD ANY RELEVANT DETAILS, e.g., I have MS and manage fatigue, I am not very technical, my budget is $X]

Voice-First Cue (For Dictation)

Say this into your phone or computer:

“Compare Notion and Obsidian for note-taking” (then add your context)

What AI Will Give You

After you paste your comparison request, the AI will:

  1. Create a simple table showing the key differences between the tools.
  2. Give you a clear recommendation based on your stated goal and priority.
  3. Provide a one-sentence explanation for its recommendation.
  4. Focus the comparison on the factors that matter most to you.

Typical response time: 20-40 seconds

Variations for Different Situations

For More Than Two Tools

Compare [TOOL A], [TOOL B], and [TOOL C] for [PURPOSE].

My priority is [PRIORITY]. Create a table comparing them on: ease of use, cost, and [FEATURE X]. Recommend one.

For a Specific Feature

Which tool is better for [SPECIFIC FEATURE], [TOOL A] or [TOOL B]?

My goal is [GOAL]. Compare how each tool implements this feature and recommend the one that is simpler to use.

When Cost is the Main Factor

Compare [TOOL A] and [TOOL B]. My budget is [BUDGET].

Which one provides the best value for the money? Include free vs. paid features in a table.

Pro Tips

Focus on your deal-breaker: Add: “My absolute deal-breaker is [FEATURE OR LIMITATION]. Which tool avoids this?”

Get a long-term view: Add: “Which tool will be easier to stick with a year from now?”

For accessibility concerns: Add: “I use a screen reader / I have hand tremors. Which tool has better accessibility features?”

Quick Reference

If you are comparing… Use this variation
Multiple tools “Compare [TOOL A], [B], and [C] on ease of use, cost, and [FEATURE].”
A specific feature “Which tool is better for [FEATURE]? Recommend the simpler one.”
On a tight budget “My budget is [BUDGET]. Which is the best value?”
With a deal-breaker “My deal-breaker is [LIMITATION]. Which tool avoids this?”

Why This Works

The “COMPARE” trigger:

  • Instructs the AI to create a structured, side-by-side analysis.
  • Using a table format makes differences easy to see at a glance, which is great for brain fog.
  • Forcing a recommendation at the end prevents a non-committal “it depends” answer.

The psychology:

  • Analysis paralysis is common when choosing tools. This prompt outsources the initial analysis.
  • A clear recommendation provides a starting point, reducing the cognitive load of making a choice from scratch.

Works across all AI platforms:

  • ChatGPT (free or paid)
  • Claude (free or paid)
  • Microsoft Copilot
  • Google Gemini

Make Better Decisions, Faster

Stop wasting energy on tool selection. Get 5 Essential Prompts for MS Brain Fog - includes COMPARE, plus prompts for making decisions (BLUF), breaking down tasks (STEPS), and simplifying complex information (ELI5).

Troubleshooting

“The recommendation is generic.”

  • Add more context to your prompt. “I have MS and my hands get tired, so fewer clicks is better.” or “I am a visual thinker and need to see my notes laid out spatially.”

“The table is too complicated.”

  • Add: “Limit the comparison to 3 key features.”

“AI recommends a tool I don’t want to use.”

  • Add: “I am leaning towards [TOOL A]. Tell me if this is a bad choice and why.”

Next Steps

Just learned COMPARE? Try these next:

  1. The BLUF Prompt for Quick Decisions - For when you need a fast “yes/no” answer, not a comparison.
  2. The pros cons Prompt for Career Choices - A different way to weigh options.
  3. The steps Prompt for Overwhelming Tasks - After choosing a tool, plan how to learn it.

Note: Tool recommendations are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest updates. Always check the tool’s official website for the most current features and pricing.

Part of the MS & AI resource library. Built by someone who gets it, for people who need systems that work on hard days.