While walking my dog, I had an epiphany about using AI to tackle an overdue task: creating a family meal plan. This chore, which included planning meals for everyone, including my 1-year-old, and making a grocery list, had been overwhelming. So, I asked an AI assistant for help, and in three seconds, it delivered a well-structured meal plan and list. Some meals mirrored our usual choices, while others, like a bean salad for the baby, were creative surprises. This experience made me feel productive and less burned out. AI's ability to handle mundane tasks efficiently is well-known, but many people still don’t leverage it. I suggest using AI for tasks you’ve been avoiding, like writing a birthday card or devising a workout plan, as it can relieve you of these chores without the apocalyptic concerns some might have about AI. Ethan Mollick, a Wharton professor, emphasizes understanding AI’s dual nature as both a helper and a potential problem source, encouraging a ten-hour investment to grasp its personal utility. It took me about ten hours to see AI as a viable tool rather than something frustrating. My breakthrough came with that meal plan task, leading to both amazement and some existential dread about AI’s role in problem-solving. As AI evolves, companies are heavily investing in more powerful models. OpenAI and Microsoft are significant players, spending billions to advance capabilities.

This competition signals AI’s increasing presence in daily life, though the major challenges AI poses remain debatable. Tech companies are unveiling next-gen AI innovations. OpenAI has a "12 days of OpenAI" event with breakthroughs like a photorealistic video generator. Microsoft introduced Copilot Vision, an AI interacting with web activities. According to Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, AI will soon perform complex tasks for us, like booking and purchasing online. While these innovations are exciting, they don’t yet significantly impact my daily life. However, if AI manages more annoying chores for me, I’ll be satisfied. Mollick's writings, especially advice on when to use AI, convinced me to use it for my meal plan task. It took about ten hours to find AI beneficial rather than frustrating, but overcoming the initial struggle was worthwhile. AI could be a solution to burnout by handling tasks I often delay due to exhaustion. This story also appeared in the Vox Technology newsletter. Sign up to stay informed!