The Problem
AI is scarier than root canal
Alexa, Siri, ChatGPT, Gemini.... The list goes on. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a part of daily life, revolutionizing industries and personal routines alike. From tools that generate meal plans to those that help us manage time, AI promises to make life easier, but for many people, it’s more daunting than helpful.
Fear of AI is commonplace. Will it put people out of work? Is privacy a thing of the past? Will people be turned into batteries that feed it (okay, that Matrix reference is probably going too far). In addition to some of these legitimate fears, there’s a common misconception that you need to be a tech expert to use AI effectively, which can make the idea of diving in feel overwhelming. Many people fear they’ll spend more time learning complex systems than actually benefiting from them.
In reality, those who overcome their fear and learn AI tools often find they save time, increase productivity, and even reduce stress in their daily lives. So, how can beginners overcome this intimidation factor and start using AI in a practical, approachable way?
The beauty of AI is you can ask it to do virtually anything.
The Hack
Start Simple, Start Small
To ease into using AI, begin with just one or two straightforward tools that can make an immediate difference in your day. Instead of trying to understand everything AI can do, start by identifying one specific area in your life where you could use some assistance.
For example, maybe you want to reduce time spent organizing emails, get help brainstorming ideas for work, or receive reminders to stay on top of deadlines. By focusing on a single need, you’ll avoid overwhelming yourself with information and gradually build confidence as you see small wins.
Several beginner-friendly AI tools can help with everyday tasks. Tools like Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri can answer simple questions, set reminders, and play your favorite music, and all are easy to use and available on most devices. You're probably already using these basic AI tools with very basic commands like, "Hey Siri, text mom," or "Alexa, remind me to go to the pharmacy at 2 PM."
For more substantial tasks, you might try ChatGPT or Google's Gemini, which can answer bigger questions, create monthly calendars, and even generate ideas for projects. With user-friendly interfaces, these tools are designed to be accessible to everyone, not just tech experts. And they're remarkably easy to use.
By adopting an incremental approach—using AI in small ways until you’re comfortable—you’ll begin to see its practical benefits without feeling overloaded. These initial wins can be the stepping stones to exploring more advanced tools and uses as you grow more comfortable.
What you can do tomorrow
- Choose a Basic AI Tool for a Simple Task. Pick one tool that matches a current need in your life. If you want help organizing your day, try a task-management platform like Google Assistant. If you’re interested in brainstorming or getting answers to questions, use a conversational AI like ChatGPT or Gemini. For example, you could ask for dinner ideas based on ingredients you have or for a few new ways to save time in the morning. NOTE: we share some sample prompts in the Have fun with it section below.
- Practice One Task Daily. Make a point to use your chosen tool for just one task each day. If you’re using a digital assistant, try asking it to remind you of an appointment or play a motivational podcast in the morning. If you’re trying one of the more sophisticated AI tools, use it to write a quick email or plan your weekend schedule. This daily interaction helps you get comfortable with AI without needing a big time commitment. Plus, the more you practice, the better you'll get at creating instructions that yield improved responses (yes, AI really does learn).
- Reflect on the Benefits. At the end of the day, think about whether using AI helped save you time or reduce stress. For instance, maybe you avoided missed appointments, thanks to reminders, or you felt more organized by having a clear plan for the day. Noticing these benefits will motivate you to continue using AI—and perhaps even explore more advanced tools and prompts as you grow more comfortable.
Have fun with it
The beauty of AI is you can ask it to do virtually anything. And if you hate the results of something it creates, you can simply try again. We decided to have some fun of our own and share some real examples of prompts and results. When you see the prompts, you won't be surprised to know we did this over a nice red wine. Some might call this habit stacking; we wrote about it here.
An example from ChatGPT
Our prompt: I need a great red wine for a dinner party. List 3 popular dry reds in the $15-$20 range and 3 popular sweet reds in the $15-20 range.
ChatGPT's response:
Here are three popular dry and three sweet red wines in the $15–$20 range, perfect for a dinner party:
Dry Reds
-
Louis M. Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon
Notes: Rich flavors of dark fruit, blackberries, and spice with smooth tannins. Pairs well with grilled meats and hearty dishes. -
Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico
Notes: A classic Chianti with notes of cherry, earthy undertones, and a hint of spice. Great with pasta, pizza, and Italian-style dishes. -
Alamos Malbec
Notes: Bold, with flavors of dark plum, blackberry, and a touch of chocolate. This Argentine Malbec is a crowd-pleaser and pairs nicely with grilled meats and cheeses.
Sweet Reds
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Apothic Red Blend
Notes: A smooth, slightly sweet blend with flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, and mocha. Works well on its own or with chocolate desserts. -
Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz
Notes: A fruity and slightly sweet Shiraz with notes of ripe berries and a hint of pepper. Pairs nicely with spicy dishes or even BBQ. -
Roscato Rosso Dolce
Notes: An Italian red with a gentle sweetness, offering flavors of cherry and raspberry. This wine is refreshing and pairs well with cheese or desserts.
These options should suit a variety of palates and add a touch of elegance to your dinner party! 🍷
An example from Gemini
Our prompt: What's the best way to clean red wine out of carpet (apparently, someone at the party couldn't hold their wine! 🧔🏼♀️).
Gemini's response:
Act quickly! The faster you act, the easier it will be to remove the stain.
1. Blot, don't rub: Use a clean, white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the wine as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain.
2. Choose a cleaning solution: You have a few options:
- Club soda: The carbonation helps lift the stain. Pour a small amount on the stain and blot repeatedly.
- Hydrogen peroxide and dish soap: Mix 2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part dish soap. Apply the solution, let it sit for 20 minutes, then blot.
- White vinegar: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution and blot.
3. Rinse: Use a clean cloth dipped in cold water to rinse the area.
4. Dry: Blot the area with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.
Additional tips:
- Test your cleaning solution: Before applying any solution to the entire stain, test it on a hidden area of the carpet to make sure it doesn't cause any discoloration.
- For stubborn stains: If the stain persists, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or consult a professional carpet cleaner.
Remember: Always avoid using hot water, as it can set the stain.
We asked ChatGPT to give us an image of spilled wine. Pretty cool, huh?
Final word
You've likely been using basic AI tools like Siri and Google Assistant for simple questions, answering calls, and sending texts. We haven't always thought of these as artificial intelligence. They do learn, though, which is one of the hallmarks of AI. For example, when Alexa asks, "Did I answer from the right device," this is the tool's way of learning.
More sophisticated AI platforms are advancing at blistering paces. They're helping scientists, engineers, and doctors improve their crafts faster than ever. Is this a bit scary? Perhaps. Rather than fret about it, we prefer to dive in and leverage the power of AI for our own productivity and joy. Now, you can too.
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