The Ancient Roman phrase Carpe Diem (Seize the Day) still has the power to inspire, and Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) remains a critical warning to shoppers. Tempus fugit (Time flies) often provides the kick needed to grasp an opportunity while it’s there.

Arguably, the written word is more powerful than video or audio. Many video or audio platforms now create written transcripts to support their primary media. There are several reasons for this, not least the ease of searching for a written word or phrase and the facility to read and re-read at leisure.

Why write?

You can turn to words for three principal reasons:

• To clarify your thinking. Reflection is a powerful tool for setting your thoughts in order. Nebulous thoughts become real when you write them down, adding precision and accountability to your reflections.
• To publicise your knowledge, expertise and opinions. You can use video and audio, but any content you create usually starts with pen and paper and often ends in a book, blog or article.
• To help or change others. Your words have the power to make your readers think differently. Your stories and reflections can inspire or discourage others. Having your readers in mind is essential as you write.

Can artificial intelligence create the words for you?

ChatGPT turned two years old last weekend. In that time, AI has become ubiquitous, and yes, you can use AI to turn your thoughts into words.

However, your written words have the power to change, influence, inspire or destroy, so you may wonder if you should entrust your writing to AI.

Using AI continuously can make your brain’s thinking or feeling parts redundant, and common sense tells you that letting a machine do your work will diminish your mental skills and capacity.

With remarkable foresight, Aristotle wrote, “The energy of the mind is the essence of life,” and the Buddha wrote, “No one saves us but ourselves. No one can, and no one will. We ourselves must walk the path.”

And if environmental sustainability is high on your agenda, you should be aware that a query on ChatGPT is estimated to use ten times more energy than a typical search engine query.

Three cases where AI is useful

For all these reasons and more, take heed of the words of Mike Dillard, who suggests you use AI for three reasons only:

• To conduct research
• To supplement non-critical skills (for instance, using DALL-E to create images and diagrams relevant to a piece of text)
• To reduce or eliminate non-critical tasks

Note that Mike does not include writing your article or blog as one of the reasons for using AI. He considers it “The Lazy Man’s Shortcut to Riches”. Using AI in this way may lead to short-term financial wealth, but it does not foster the long-term human relationships essential to a flourishing business and personal life.

What do you think?

Do you use AI? If so, does it help you in achieving your aims?
Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity?
What does AI mean for your personal or business life?

Join the conversation and leave your thoughts in the comment box below.

Photo attribution

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

Audio link

https://audio.com/jeremy_deedes/words/

Taking it further

Discover Mike Dillard at https://mikedillard.com/

Related posts

https://wordsnotdeeds.co.uk/resilient-personal-relationships/

ABOUT

I work with ambitious, family-oriented professionals transitioning to independent consultants to create a 3 to 5-year holistic plan so that they grow wealthy, make a difference and find meaning.

My clients are aged 35-50. They are in a long-term relationship with family and parents who are supportive but ageing. They wrestle with personal and financial responsibilities and dream of more control, wealth, time and purpose.

If this excites you, you are coachable, willing to change, and want to stop going around in circles, then find out more at jeremydeedes.com

Then, take your next step and explore your way forward with a Mapmaker, a one-off online coaching gig to help you decide your options, assess our compatibility, and determine whether we are the right fit. Mapmaker is excellent value, held in confidence and without further commitment.

What do you think?

Your views are important, and your fellow readers would love to hear your opinion,
so share your thoughts in the comments box below, and thank you for your time and generosity.

What do you think?

Your views are important, and your fellow readers would love to hear your opinion, so share your thoughts in the comments box below, and thank you for your time and generosity.