For a long time, I thought the key to getting more value from AI was finding the smartest model.
So I spent months comparing outputs, testing prompts, and constantly switching tools whenever a new release dropped.
Ironically, that became its own form of procrastination.
The biggest productivity boost came when I stopped optimizing for model quality and started optimizing for workflow.
Now my stack is boring:
One tool for thinking and writing
One tool for execution and organization
A few specialized tools only when needed
Less tool-hopping. Less context switching. More shipping.
The funny thing is that AI didn't remove work. It changed the work. Instead of creating everything from scratch, I'm reviewing, directing, and refining.
The people getting the most value from AI don't seem to have the best prompts or the fanciest tools.
They have the simplest workflows.
Anyone else notice this, or am I just getting old and tired of managing software?
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