How & Why to Use a Reasoning Model Like o1 Instead of a GPT (and Why You Should Care)
AI is great—until it’s not. If you’ve ever tried to get a GPT model to do complex reasoning (or even just stay consistent for more than three messages), you know the struggle. That’s where reasoning models like o1 come in.
Let’s break it down in plain English: GPT models are great at generating text. Reasoning models like o1 are great at thinking through problems. And if you’re running a business, you need more than just fancy-sounding answers—you need AI that actually gets things right.
GPT vs. o1: What’s the Difference?
GPT: The Chatty, Sometimes-Wrong Know-It-All
GPT models (like ChatGPT) are built to predict the next word in a sentence. That makes them great for things like writing emails, summarizing reports, or even generating ideas. But ask them to follow a strict reasoning process? That’s where things start to fall apart.
Why? Because GPTs aren’t designed to think through problems. They’re designed to guess what sounds right.
- Want a quick, conversational answer? GPT’s your guy.
- Need airtight logic or step-by-step reasoning? GPT might start making things up.
o1: The Smart, Step-by-Step Thinker
Reasoning models like o1, on the other hand, don’t just guess—they actually solve problems logically. Instead of spitting out text that “sounds right,” they follow structured steps to arrive at the right conclusion.
- Need to break down a complex business decision? o1 walks through the logic.
- Want to ensure consistency in responses? o1 remembers and sticks to the rules.
- Trying to solve a tricky problem with multiple steps? o1 keeps track of each one.
It’s the difference between a talkative intern who kinda knows stuff and a methodical problem-solver who double-checks their work.
When to Use o1 Instead of a GPT
If you’re using AI for tasks that require strict reasoning, logical steps, or zero room for error, an o1-style model is your best bet. Here’s where it shines:
✔ Financial and Legal Analysis – If you need AI to follow specific rules without “hallucinating” new ones, o1 is your friend.
✔ Decision-Making Frameworks – Whether it’s prioritizing business strategies or optimizing workflows, o1 works through the logic step by step.
✔ Technical Troubleshooting – Need to debug code or analyze system errors? o1 ensures that each step makes logical sense.
✔ Fact-Checking and Consistency – Unlike GPTs, which can contradict themselves, o1 stays consistent with the facts.
So… Why Not Just Use o1 for Everything?
Good question! While reasoning models like o1 are great at structured thinking, they aren’t as free-flowing as GPTs. If you just need creative brainstorming, quick summaries, or natural conversation, GPT still has the edge.
The sweet spot? Use GPT when you need creativity. Use o1 when you need accuracy. And if you can use them together? Even better.
The Takeaway:
If you’re running a business, you need AI that works—not just sounds good. A reasoning model like o1 helps you get accurate, logical answers while GPT keeps things conversational. Pick the right tool for the job, and you’ll get way better results.
How to Select o1 in ChadGPT
ChadGPT makes it easy—just select the model that best fits your task, and we’ll handle the rest. No complicated settings, no AI PhD required—just results.
