My Artificial Brain
a 3D rendered image of an artificial brain. Photo by Deep Mind on Unsplash
As someone with executive dysfunction, I've always had trouble with organization, planning, and completing tasks. It's like my brain is a jumbled mess of thoughts and ideas, and it's hard to make sense of it all. I've tried different strategies over the years, but nothing seemed to work for me.
That is, until I discovered ChatGPT.
Now, bear in mind that means this is a super new strategy for me, and I have no long term analysis or anecdotal data to go off of, but so far, it’s been great. ChatGPT is an AI Language model that I have been using as an assistive technology device to help organize my thoughts and ideas. It's like having a personal assistant in my pocket who can help me make sense of the chaos in my brain. I can ask ChatGPT to create to-do lists, set reminders, and even help me plan out my day. It's been a game-changer for me.
There is a larger conversation to be had here on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. As an artist I am very concerned and frustrated with how AI art steals from actual artists and how people are profiting off of that theft, I was hesitant to use chat GPT for that very reason, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The conversation can’t be around if AI should be a thing, it is a thing, it’s not going anywhere, the question needs to be about understanding it and how to use it ethically. What I learned was that chat GPT is not a replacement for expertise. It’s still my knowledge, my ideas, my expertise going into the machine, the machine just organizes the chaos and allows me to output plans and content without exhausting my mental resources or hyperfixating. Can people use it unethically? Yes. You can ask ChatGPT to write you articles, blogs, essays, even entire books, but without the expertise you have no way of knowing if that information is correct. There have been many times where I’ve asked ChatGPT to find information for me and the information has been wrong, I still need to have the knowledge, I still need to be able to double check and research things from credible sources to fact check the AI, but as a starting point to organize thoughts and premises, I’ve found it extraordinarily helpful. Because my mental energy isn’t being wasted on more menial tasks, and as a chronically disorganized person, being able to input data and have ChatGPT essentially spit out a map for me to follow, it’s quite literally changing my life and how I’m able to interact in the world.
Of course, ChatGPT isn't the only strategy I use to overcome executive dysfunction. Here are a few others that have helped me:
Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps (which again, ChatGPT can help me do. This strategy has always felt double edged because a huge part of my mental energy goes into figuring out how to break tasks into smaller steps). Instead of trying to tackle a big project all at once, I break it down into smaller pieces. This makes it less overwhelming and more achievable.
Use visual aids. I find that using visual aids like charts, graphs, and mind maps helps me make sense of complex information. It's also easier to remember things when I can see them visually.
Create routines. Having a set routine helps me stay on track and ensures that I don't forget important tasks. It also helps me establish good habits, like going to bed at a reasonable time or exercising regularly.
Get enough sleep. This might seem obvious, but getting enough sleep is crucial for managing executive dysfunction. When I'm well-rested, I'm better able to focus and get things done.
Be kind to yourself. It's important to remember that executive dysfunction is a real thing, and it's not your fault. Be kind to yourself and don't beat yourself up for struggling with it.
If you're also struggling with executive dysfunction, I encourage you to try some of these strategies. And if you haven't already, give ChatGPT a try. It might just be the solution you've been looking for.
a 3d rendered image of a female android holding a metal brain. Photo by Julien Tromeur on Unsplash