If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ll know two things:
- Everyone has an opinion about AI.
- Most of them are either completely terrified or completely obsessed.
And honestly? I’ve been in both camps.
I’ve had phases where I’ve gone all in on every new AI tool I could get my hands on – trying the apps, the chrome extensions, the chatbots-with-animal-names. It felt productive at the time, but looking back, it takes up more time than it’s worth based on what you eventually get out of it (their promises are never what they seem). Then I’d swing the other way, ignoring AI entirely because it felt overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: the people who are leading with AI aren’t chasing every shiny new thing or burying their heads in the sand. They’re using simple, practical AI applications that make their existing strengths even stronger.
So, if you want to be in the leading camp, here are three simple ways to start using AI today without getting lost in distraction-land.
1.
Get AI to be your research assistant – not your boss
Instead of doomscrolling Google or reading 18 blog posts, you can get AI to pull together what you need in minutes. The trick? Ask it specific questions.
For example:
- Instead of “marketing ideas,” try “Give me 5 marketing ideas for a vegan swimwear brand launching in the UK this summer.”
- Instead of “best gym workouts,” try “Create a 4-day strength plan for someone who can squat 80kg, deadlift 100kg, and is short on time.”
Pro tip: Always sense-check what it gives you. AI is smart, but it still makes mistakes – like confidently telling you that broccoli is high in protein (it’s not). Think of it like an enthusiastic intern: full of energy, not always right.
2.
Use it to get unstuck, fast
We all have those moments where we’re staring at a blank page, trying to write a social post, an email, or even a response to a tricky question. AI can be brilliant at getting you moving.
I often paste in what I’m trying to say in a very rough, brain-dump way and ask AI to tidy it up while keeping my tone. It’s not about letting it speak for you — it’s about unblocking your flow so you can edit and make it your own.
Example:
You type: “Need to politely explain that this request isn’t part of the agreed work. Want to keep the tone positive and constructive.”
AI gives you: “Thanks so much for your suggestion – it’s a great idea, but it falls outside the scope of our current project. I’d be happy to provide a quote if you’d like to explore it further.”
Boom. Now you can tweak it, add your personality, and move on with your day.
3.
Automate the boring, keep the meaningful
This is where a lot of people get it wrong – they try to automate everything. But if you automate the things that need your personal touch, you lose the magic.
Instead, use AI to take the repetitive admin off your plate so you can focus on the human parts.
- Scheduling emails? AI can do it.
- Summarising meeting notes? AI can do it.
- Drafting social media captions from a blog post you’ve already written? Yep, AI can do it.
But replying to a heartfelt message from a client? Or writing that tricky paragraph in your book where you share a personal story? That’s on you.
The goal isn’t to replace you – it’s to create space so you can do the bits only you can do.
Final thought
AI is already here, whether we like it or not. You can either get overwhelmed chasing every tool, or you can get intentional and use it to make what you’re already good at even better.
Stick to the simple stuff that actually makes a difference.
If you can start with these three ideas, you’ll be leading, not lagging – and you might even get your evenings back.
