"AI stole my job joy!"
A simple framework to identify the *right* stuff to outsource to AI
I've had several clients make a surprising and unexpected confession at the end of my 7-week AI course:
"Fiona, I realized I really haven't enjoyed my job these last couple months.”
Why? Because they started using AI for all their writing, only to realize that writing was actually their favorite part of the job.
This isn't the point.
The point of bringing in AI isn't to outsource the stuff you like doing. It's to figure out
what are the things you're less good at?
what takes you longer than most people?
what do you simply not enjoy?
Lean into that. That’s where you want to bring in AI.
For some EAs, writing might actually be that dreaded task. For others, it's Excel (this is me 🙋🏼♀️ I hate Excel!). And for everyone, let’s be honest… it’s expenses 😭
The most effective AI strategy isn't to try to apply it everywhere. Be strategic about the tasks to offload to AI so it complements your personal strengths and fills in for your deficiencies.
A 3-step framework to bring in AI strategically
Step 1: Do a task audit
For a week, keep a little running list of all the tasks and projects you’ve worked on. Then mark it up. Make a note of
tasks you love doing
tasks you're good at but don't enjoy
tasks you struggle with, or take too much time
Step 2: Highlight your AI opportunity zone
Now scrutinize your task list to highlight the top contenders to outsource to AI. Your ideal AI use cases are tasks that
you find tedious or draining
take you disproportionately long to complete
don't utilize your unique strengths
don't bring you joy
Step 3: Consider using AI as a thought partner for the stuff you love doing
You can still use AI to help you polish tasks you enjoy doing longhand, for example by
using AI to generate initial ideas or outlines
having AI suggest alternative phrasings to make content more engaging, less formal, more fun, more concise, more punchy — and so on…
using AI to proofread and edit, rather than create from scratch
Remember: AI can help us be more efficient (save time), be better (improve our weaker areas), and think differently (challenge gaps in our thinking).
But it should never replace the parts of your job that bring you joy and satisfaction.
That's not progress — that's just making your workday less enjoyable 🫠
-F
p.s. there are a LOT more ways to use gen AI than just for writing!! if you’re ready to deep dive into AI for mega efficiencies, consider joining Carve AI. Next cohort kicks off April 29, limited to 30 seats (and we’ve already filled 19 of them!). More details here.