If you had told me a few years ago that I would be relying on artificial intelligence to plan my meals, my business strategies, and even my travel itineraries, I would have laughed. As a former corporate tax attorney and a long-time travel blogger, I was a dedicated AI skeptic. I saw the “junk” it was producing in the writing world and wanted no part of it.
But here’s the thing: I’m a woman in my 50s. I’m not a “20-something tech bro” living in a Silicon Valley bubble. I’m a business owner who values efficiency above all else. Over the last year, I made a conscious choice to stop resisting and start adapting.
Today, I’ve moved from skeptic to power user. I’m not just “using” ChatGPT or Gemini; I’ve integrated them into the very fabric of my daily life. Here is exactly how I’m using AI to stay competitive, healthy, and informed.
The “Digital Travel Agent”: Planning a Trip to France
I know this might break the hearts of my friends in the travel industry, but we recently used Gemini and Perplexity to plan an entire trip to France.
Even as a retired travel blogger who knows the industry inside out, the efficiency was undeniable. I didn’t just ask for “places to go.” I had the AI help us select the country, the specific cities, the hotels, the restaurants, and even the local markets. It acted as a high-level researcher that distilled weeks of work into a few hours of conversation. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the personalized curation.
Redefining the “Kitchen Assistant”
We’ve owned a recipe blog since 2020, so I’m well-aware of how much work goes into food content. But for my everyday life, AI has become my nutritionist and sous-chef.
- Fridge Audits: I’ll list the random ingredients in my refrigerator and ask Gemini for a meal recommendation.
- Nutrition Goals: We use AI to create anti-inflammatory meal plans focused on high protein and fiber.
- Real-time Grocery Help: I’ve used the voice function in ChatGPT while standing in the grocery aisle to ask about specific ingredients or cooking times for a dish I’m craving.
It has completely changed how we eat, making healthy habits effortless rather than a chore.
From Wellness Guidance to Personal Shopping
I’m also using LLMs (Large Language Models) to optimize my health and my home. While I would never start a medical regimen without independent research, AI is incredible at distilling complex health information.
I’ve used it to help find exercise equipment that fits my specific space and to research supplements that align with my fitness goals. It even helped me solve a “first-world problem”: finding the perfect running shoe. I told ChatGPT about my old Hokas (which took up half my suitcase), explained my gait and my gym routine, and it recommended a pair of sneakers that I’ve used daily for two years.
The Virtual “Board of Directors”
One of my favorite ways to use AI as a consultant is for business advice. I don’t just ask for an opinion; I ask the AI to “act as” a specific expert.
Recently, when I had a new business idea, I asked Gemini:
- “What would Sean Puri and Sam Parr from My First Million think of this?”
- “What would Sara Blakely of Spanx find wrong with this model?”
- “How would the team on Shark Tank grill me on these numbers?”
The resulting feedback was fascinating and educational. It’s like having a world-class board of directors available 24/7 on my phone.
The Future of Efficiency
A year ago, I was worried about what AI would do to my industry. Today, I’m focused on what AI can do for my life. Whether it’s finding the right book, error-proofing a business idea, or figuring out what to cook for dinner, these tools have made me more educated and more efficient.
The “search everywhere” world is here. Are you going to keep doing things the hard way, or are you ready to let AI help you find a better way?
Key Takeaways
- Age is Not a Barrier: You don’t need to be a tech-native to be a power user; you just need a curiosity for efficiency.
- Voice is the Killer App: Using voice-to-text tools like Wispr Flow or the ChatGPT mobile app makes AI a hands-free assistant for busy days.
- Personalization is Key: The more the AI knows about your preferences (like your suitcase size or your protein goals), the better the results.
- Always Verify: Use AI for the heavy lifting and research, but always keep a “human in the loop” for the final decision.
FAQ: Using AI in Daily Life
Think of AI like a more advanced WebMD. It’s a great starting point to distill information and ask “why,” but you should always perform independent research and consult a professional before starting a new regimen.
Don’t just ask for a “good book.” Tell the AI what you’ve enjoyed in the past, what specific skill you want to learn right now, and what format you prefer (Kindle vs. Audiobook). The more context you give, the better it learns your “taste profile.”
Yes, but you have to provide the constraints. If you’re shopping for clothes or gear, provide your measurements, your use cases (e.g., “must fit in a carry-on”), and what you disliked about your previous purchases.
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