Automation, AI and Preserving Human Connection
Automation has changed my life – both on the job and off the clock. I can still remember when I first dipped my toes into the automation pool. It's been nearly a decade ago, when I first scheduled tweets through Hootsuite or Buffer and sending emails on autopilot with Zoho. Fast forward to now, and it's like I've been on this wild ride, levelling up to complex decision trees, capturing and nurturing leads, content creation and distribution, and even making sure I never run out of snacks from Amazon.
Automating especially with AI's boost has revolutionised how I operate, scaling my productivity up a notch (or ten). Since GPT-3's release more than a year ago, my output's increased exponentially, paving the way for my very own startup venture(s), a platform that aims to provide automation and AI to non-technical founders – but that's another blog post.
Amid all this high-speed efficiency and productivity, I've hit an existential challenge – the feeling of disconnect — and it's got me thinking...Could the price tag of automation be our sense of connection?
While it's true that automation has introduced a layer of separation between myself and the hands-on tasks I used to manage, it's also opened up an unexpected opportunity. By automating the mundane, I've reclaimed time—time that's now invested in cultivating real, tangible connections. Suddenly, I'm attending more in-person events, engaging more deeply with my community, and fostering relationships that matter.
It's wild to think that a decade ago, I was hunched over my computer for hours on end, replying to every email, DM, and Slack message that came my way. Now, I've got automated workflows handling the repetitive stuff, freeing up my calendar for coffee chats, networking, and quality facetime. Instead of getting buried under admin work, I'm actually soaking up those spontaneous moments that make life rich.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still hyper-connected to my devices and can't quit my screen addiction cold turkey. But automation boosted by AI has become a way of life, taking over tasks so I can lean into the meaningful activities. Rrather than defining my self-worth by #hustleculture, I'm embracing the power of presence and prioritising moments that truly matter.
I'm no longer just going through the process for process' sake, I'm more in tune with my strategy, soaking up the now, and able to chase what lights me up.
As AI continues advancing at light speed, finding that human-tech balance will be crucial. Automating smartly opens up breathing room to nurture our irreplaceable human connections.