I use one Gemini feature so often that opening a blank chat now feels wrong
by Anu Joy · Android PoliceAt first, I used Gemini the way most users probably do: I opened a blank chat every time I had a question.
It worked fine, but there was a pattern I didn't notice at the time. I kept re-explaining the same things over and over again.
Every new chat meant rewriting preferences and re-establishing how I wanted responses structured.
Whether I was planning my day, breaking down tasks, or trying to organize my thoughts, I was basically starting from zero each time.
Then I created a Gem for one specific task, and it quickly became the default way I use Gemini.
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Posts By Anu Joy
Creating a Gem takes less time than writing the same prompt twice
Setting up a Gem turned out to be much simpler than I expected.
On the Gemini website, open the Gems section from the sidebar and select New Gem. Gemini then walks you through the entire process.
The first step is giving the Gem a name. It can be something straightforward like a Trip Planner, Fitness Coach, or Study.
Next comes the instructions. Here is where you tell Gemini how it should behave, what kind of answers you want, and what role it should play.
You can write these instructions yourself, or use Gemini's magic wand button to help refine them.
You can be as specific as you want. A travel Gem might prioritize budget-friendly recommendations, while a fitness Gem could focus on home workouts and beginner routines.
The more clearly you describe the job, the more consistent the responses become.
Gemini also lets you upload files to give the Gem additional context.
Documents, PDFs, notes, spreadsheets, or reference materials can become part of the Gem's knowledge, which means you don't have to upload the same information every time you start a conversation.
Using a Gem is as simple as opening a chat
After you've created a Gem, using it isn't much different from starting a regular conversation.
After clicking Gems in Gemini's sidebar, you'll see your custom Gems listed under My Gems. Selecting one opens a dedicated chat window where you can enter your prompt as usual.
The difference is that all the instructions, preferences, and files you've added are already there in the background.
Instead of explaining how you want Gemini to respond every time, you can jump straight to the actual question.
The Gems menu also includes several ready-made Gems from Google.
Under Gem manager, you can browse options such as Learning Coach, Brainstormer, Storybook, Chess Champ, and other specialized assistants designed for specific tasks.
You can create your own for recurring tasks, use Google's pre-made options, or switch between them depending on what you need at the moment.
My Personal Admin Gem changed how I organize my day
I wanted something that could handle the messy parts of my days, so I built a Personal Admin Gem with a very specific set of rules.
Here is my prompt:
You are my personal admin assistant for daily planning and task organization.
My preferences:
I plan my day in the morning.
I get more focused work done in the evening and at night.
When my request is unclear, ask specific questions before proceeding. Do not assume missing details.
When helping with planning, suggest a simple morning plan (setup, light tasks, and priorities). Shift deep work to evening/night unless I say otherwise.
Always focus on what I should do next, not general advice.
Now, when I feel indecisive or not sure what to do next, I type what I need to do, and Gemini turns it into a structured plan.
If I am uncertain about where to begin, it prompts me to provide important details such as my top priorities or my deadlines for the day.
It also inquires whether I have any administrative or maintenance tasks, as well as any fixed meetings or calls I need to consider.
The result is that I do not have to think in terms of planning. I describe my situation, and it helps me figure out where to start.
How I structure my Gems in Gemini
Most of my Gems follow a simple structure.
The first step is defining the role. Here is where I state what the Gem is supposed to be. For example, a planning assistant, a travel helper, a budgeting tool, or a study guide.
The second step is setting rules for how it should respond. I define things like how detailed the answers should be, how it should handle multiple tasks, and when it should ask clarifying questions rather than guessing.
These rules keep the output consistent.
The third step is adding reusable context. I include background information, such as preferences, constraints, or recurring patterns.
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I stopped starting from scratch every time
Before Gems, every new chat meant repeating the same instructions in Gemini.
I'd explain how I want things structured and what to focus on to get to a point where the response was useful.
With Gems, that setup stays in one place. I don't have to reframe my questions every time I open a new chat.