If you didn’t know, I’m really into AI. Over the past few years, it’s become an indispensable part of my daily workflow. From streamlining communication to solving complex problems, AI has transformed how I work—and saved me countless hours in the process. Here are the main ways I use AI to boost productivity and efficiency.

1. Email and Blog Composition

One of the most time-consuming parts of my day is writing emails and blog posts. But AI has completely changed the game.

• Dictation and Cleanup:
  I often dictate emails while driving or multitasking. The result? A choppy, incoherent mess. But with AI, I can clean up the dictation and turn it into a polished, professional email in seconds. I always give the final version a quick review to ensure accuracy, but the heavy lifting is done for me.
• Blog Writing:
  Similarly, I sketch out blog post ideas in my notes app—sometimes just a single sentence or a rough outline. AI takes these fragments and transforms them into structured, well-written articles. It’s like having a co-writer who’s always ready to help.

The result? I save hours every week, and my workflow is smoother than ever.

2. Syntax Correction and Code Debugging

As a developer, I’m no stranger to syntax errors and debugging headaches. AI has become my go-to assistant for tackling these challenges.

• Syntax Checks:
  Whether it’s JavaScript, Python, or another language, AI helps me catch syntax errors before they become bigger problems. It’s like having a second pair of eyes on my code.
• Debugging:
  When I hit a snag, AI helps me debug the issue step by step. It’s a huge timesaver, especially when I’m stuck on a tricky problem.

That said, I’m mindful of the potential trade-offs. Relying too much on AI for critical thinking—known as mental offloading—can lead to cognitive atrophy over time. To combat this, I make a point to write as much code as I can on my own and use AI as a supplement, not a crutch.

3. Financial Planning

One of the most surprising ways I’ve used AI recently is for financial planning. When my family decided to purchase a new home, I turned to AI to help map out the process.

• Step-by-Step Guidance:
  I provided details like our current home equity, mortgage rate, savings, and investment portfolio. AI asked me a series of questions and walked me through different financial scenarios.
• Customized Plan:
  Once we landed on a plan that worked for our family’s financial situation, I asked AI to create a step-by-step timeline. This included everything from budgeting to timing the sale of our current home.

Normally, this would have taken me hours of research, and I still wouldn’t have felt confident in the results. Now, we have a detailed plan to share with our financial planner for review. It’s a game-changer.

Why AI Works for Me

AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a partner. It helps me work smarter, not harder, by automating repetitive tasks, solving complex problems, and providing insights I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. But it’s not without its challenges.

• The Mental Offloading Trade-Off:
  While AI is incredibly helpful, I’m careful not to rely on it too heavily for tasks that require critical thinking. It’s important to stay sharp and engaged, especially in areas like coding and problem-solving.
• The Human Touch:
  AI is great at generating ideas and solutions, but it’s not perfect. I always review its output to ensure accuracy and add my personal touch.

The Takeaway

AI has become an essential part of my daily workflow, and I’m constantly finding new ways to use it. Whether it’s composing emails, debugging code, or planning a major financial decision, AI saves me time and helps me work more efficiently.

But like any tool, it’s all about balance. By using AI strategically and staying mindful of its limitations, I’ve been able to enhance my productivity without losing sight of the skills that make me a strong developer, writer, and planner.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend exploring how AI can fit into your workflow. You might be surprised at how much it can do—and how much time it can save.