Embracing Your AI Sidekick

In today's fast-paced world, it's not a matter of if but when you should use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to stay ahead of the curve. I'm not a doomer. I think of AI as a tool that enables us to maximize our creative potential and the quality of our output. Today's topic is how AI has revolutionized my workflow.

Utilizing AI to Enhance Efficiency

First let me address the common misconception that AI is solely used as a surrogate for human effort. Can it be used that way? Sure. But that's a choice.

I believe that AI empowers us by unlocking areas where we can optimize our processes and eliminate time-consuming tasks.

Imagine the process of writing a project summary for a new program manager. Traditionally, we start with a blank screen, brainstorming ideas and structuring our thoughts. When you aren't in the groove, this can be brutal.

However, with the advent of AI, we can now instead speak our ideas aloud and let the technology transform our spoken words into an outline. We can even as what else we should include. The AI will make actually make suggestions.

This saves time and allows the user to spend more time doing what matters. In this case, it could be making a field visit. Or following up on some of the other critical project components. Or moving to the next task. It's all made better.

Audio Capture to Content

One of the most significant ways AI has revolutionized my workflow is through audio capture to content. By utilizing an incredible app called Oasis [www.theoasis.com], I can easily convert my spoken ideas into various output styles.

Whether I'm walking my dogs or waiting at a stoplight, these moments become valuable opportunities for productivity.

Ideas often strike us when we least expect them. With Oasis, I can capture these fleeting thoughts and transform them into tangible first drafts, effectively accelerating my work in all areas of my life.

AI in Content Production

In my work with Endurance Nation, AI has proven invaluable in content production. Whether it's generating transcripts, video clips, or posts related to interviews and podcasts for endurance athletes, AI streamlines the entire process.

AI helps by automating tasks such as sound normalization, clip bookending, and transcript generation. This allows me to focus on creating engaging content and delivering high-quality productions efficiently.

Chat GPT for Idea Reshaping and Content Summarization

Another invaluable tool in my AI arsenal is Chat GPT. Although I pay for an upgraded version, the benefits it offers are well worth the investment.

With a browser tab perpetually open, I can reshape ideas, summarize web content, and enhance the usefulness of my work.

For instance, Chat GPT assists me in summarizing survey responses or simplifying complex articles, making them easily understandable.

AI even helps me to capture information and create concise weekly recaps for the communities I manage. This allows me to spend more time working in the community than on it.

Other Practical AI Applications

While AI undoubtedly plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity, it also adds a touch of enjoyment to everyday tasks.

Yes, it can transform any Shakespearean sonnet into pirate mode, but those laughs a few minutes. Okay, I'm lying that stuff super cracks me up.

But seriously, you can do better.

Planning menus for parties, for instance, has become effortless. Instead of scouring the internet for recipes and getting bombarded with ads, AI provides specific recommendations based on my preferences.

It can even suggest creative ideas based on the ingredients available in my fridge.

AI can generate shopping lists and even assist in planning the timeline for hosting events, alleviating the stress of the unknown.

Total gamechanger.

OK, So Where Do I Start?

The first step I recommend is to create an account and gain access to chat GPT, a powerful AI tool run by OpenAI [https://openai.com/].

If you're on a budget, just use the free version.

Whether you keep it in your browser or use it as an app on your smartphone, ChatGPT will be your go-to solution when you encounter friction when working.

The possibilities are endless.

Basic Ideas

Suppose you are grappling with the intricacies of Google Sheets given your decades using MS Excel. Don't just look stuff up, ask ChatGPT to write a conditional formatting formula. Or where you can find margins in Google Docs.

Perhaps you need guidance on how to construct a thoughtful response to a difficult customer email. Ask for help with notes of what you want, paste the original email, and submit for answer options.

Maybe you have a set of tasks that need prioritizing within a limited timeframe. Done faster than you can say, "What's first?"

Whatever the challenge, engaging ChatGPT to help you sort through it will provide valuable insights and solutions.

Less-Than-Basic Ideas

Moving to the next level, consider integrating ChatGPT directly into specific workflows.

Identify the areas where you often find yourself stuck or in need of support, and leverage this AI tool to remove friction and increase efficiency.

• Turn an email into tasks (or vice versa).
• Generate perfect HTML for a webpage.
• Rewrite your About Me page to be more professional.*
• Create agendas from a gaggle of Slack messages.

"Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Abraham Lincoln

AI serves as that metaphorical axe, enabling us to sharpen our skills and accomplish tasks with greater precision and speed.

By leveraging AI, we can allocate more time to the actual work that adds value, ultimately boosting our overall productivity.

Embracing AI is an ongoing journey, and all of us are just scratching the surface of its potential. But this also means that we have the opportunity to learn and grow together.

Feel free to leave your comments below or connect with me on Twitter.

*Yes, Pirate Mode is also an option.