How to Use AI When You Can't Handle Your Actual To-Do List

The world feels a little... topsy-turvy right now, doesn't it?

I feel like I'm living in a constant state of dichotomy. On one hand, I'm caught up in the excitement of everything I'm learning and building with AI. On the other hand, I'm in a complete state of disbelief at what we're all living through.

Maybe you're having trouble focusing on your usual work. Maybe you're doom-scrolling more than you'd like to admit. Maybe you're somewhere in between—not inspired enough to tackle your big projects, but not in a place to check out completely either.

I've had more than a few of those days lately.

It's that weird liminal space where you're not quite ready to dive into "real" work, but you also can't just watch "Only Murders in the Building" reruns all day (though let's be honest, that's always a solid option).

Believe it or not, AI is surprisingly perfect for these in-between moments. Not in a "hustle harder" productivity hack kind of way, but in a gentle, "here's how to keep some forward momentum without demanding too much from yourself" kind of way.

If you're having one of those days—or weeks—here are three low-pressure ways to use AI that might actually help.

1. When You Want to Make Progress (On Literally Anything Else)

Sometimes you need to feel like you're making progress on something, just not the big, scary thing you're supposed to be working on.

Earlier this year, I used ChatGPT and Notion to create a "future vision" exercise for myself. It wasn't a rigid business plan or a stuffy strategy document—just a clear, inspiring picture of what I want my life and business to look like a year from now.

I had a surprisingly deep conversation with ChatGPT. It asked me questions I wouldn't have thought to ask myself, helped me organize my scattered thoughts, and turned them into a coherent narrative. It gave me clarity on things I hadn't had a chance to go deep with, all without feeling like "work."

Other low-stakes progress ideas:

- Ask AI to set up a "research agent" to gather info on a hobby you've been curious about.
- Have it help you finally organize that chaotic Google Drive folder. It feels productive but requires very little brainpower.

2. When You Need Perspective (And Maybe a Little Hope)

This one's been my go-to more than I expected lately.

When the news feels overwhelming and the future feels uncertain, I've found it genuinely helpful to ask AI about historical moments that felt similarly chaotic—and what came out of them.

I'm not talking about toxic positivity. I'm talking about a reality check: humans have navigated incredibly hard things before, and good things have still happened. We have still built, created, and moved forward.

Sometimes you just need that reminder, and AI can deliver it in a factual, informative way that doesn't feel preachy.

3. When You Need a Complete (But Worthwhile) Distraction

Let's be real—some days you just need to think about something else entirely.

This is where AI becomes the perfect partner for exploring that random thing you've always been curious about but never had time to learn.

- Always wanted to understand how sourdough starters actually work at a molecular level? Ask AI to teach you.
- Curious about the history of the printing press? Have a conversation with Claude about it.
- Want to learn the basics of quantum mechanics like you're five years old? AI is ready when you are.

The beauty of this is that you're still engaging your brain in a positive way, but there's zero pressure. You're not building anything for your business. You're not creating content. You're just learning because it's interesting. Full stop.

The Real Point of All This

AI won't fix everything that feels hard right now. It can't.

But it can give you something constructive to do with your hands and your brain when you're in that messy in-between space. It can meet you exactly where you are, without judgment and without demands.

So if you're having one of those low-energy days, try one of these gentle approaches. No pressure, no expectations—just a little bit of forward motion.

And if none of these sound appealing? The "Only Murders in the Building" reruns are always there for you. 😉