Chapter 159: If You Want Something Done

Use AI to Stay Sane, On Schedule, and Stress-Free During Life’s Busiest Moments

Happy Workflow Wednesday!

Man, this image hits hard! I hate those kinds of days when you are always juggling but never doing!

Whether it’s the end-of-year holiday rush, a major life change, or a packed project sprint at work, busy seasons hit hard—and fast.

Suddenly, your calendar is overflowing, your to-do list never ends, and your brain feels like it’s running ten tabs too many. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all manually.

AI can step in as your personal productivity assistant, helping you prioritize, plan, and stay organized—without losing your mind.

Let’s explore how AI can help you stay grounded and in control, even when life gets chaotic.

Why Staying Organized Is Hard During Busy Seasons

When things get hectic, it’s not just about having too much to do—it’s about decision fatigue, mental overload, and shifting priorities. We try to keep it all in our heads or scribbled on sticky notes, but that only adds to the stress. During busy seasons, organization isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. AI can automate the repetitive stuff, give you clarity on what really matters, and remind you of things before they slip through the cracks. Think of it as a second brain that keeps everything running behind the scenes.

True Story

Meet Casey, a product manager who also happens to be planning a wedding and traveling for the holidays. With work deadlines, RSVPs, and gift shopping all piling up, they were on the edge of burnout. So, they brought in a little AI support. A smart calendar assistant helped block off work focus time, wedding planning hours, and even rest breaks. An AI to-do list prioritized daily tasks and moved lower-priority ones automatically. And an AI chatbot helped generate gift ideas and vendor emails. The result? Casey stayed organized, hit every deadline, and—most importantly—enjoyed the season.

Tools You Can Use

1. ​Reclaim.ai: Smart Calendar Management Automatically schedules focus time, meetings, and personal tasks based on your availability and priorities.
2. ​Motion: Dynamic Task Planning Uses AI to prioritize your daily to-dos and reschedule them automatically as your availability changes.
3. ​Notion AI: Flexible Workspace for Task + Info Management Keep all your to-do lists, notes, plans, and documentation in one AI-enhanced workspace.
4. ​ChatGPT: Personal Planning Assistant Need to organize an event, write a reminder email, or brainstorm gift ideas? ChatGPT can help you think and plan faster.
5. ​Any.do: AI-Powered Daily Planner Combines tasks, calendar, and reminders with AI-suggested scheduling to keep your day smooth and organized.

Getting Through a Busy Season with AI

You: "I’m drowning in tasks right now. Between work, travel, and family stuff, I can’t keep up. I don’t even know where to start."

AI: "Totally get it. Busy seasons can feel overwhelming, but we can break it down. First, let’s get everything out of your head. Want to list out the key things you’re juggling right now?"

You: "Okay—holiday shopping, two big work deadlines, coordinating family visits, and prepping for a move next month."

AI: "Got it. Let’s group those into categories—Work, Personal, Family, and Home. From there, I’ll help you prioritize based on urgency and effort. Sound good?"

You: "Yeah, I need that. I also keep forgetting the little stuff, like sending reminders or booking appointments."

AI: "We can set up recurring reminders for those. And if you’re using a digital calendar, I can help block off time for each task so you’re not trying to do everything at once. Want help building a week plan?"

You: "Yes, please. If I had a plan to follow, I’d feel way less scattered."

AI: "Perfect. Let’s map out your week by assigning focused time blocks for each task category. You’ll get structure, breathing room, and fewer surprises."

You Got It

Busy seasons don’t have to mean burnout. With AI’s help, you can move from chaos to clarity—one smart decision at a time. Whether it’s planning your week, managing tasks, or freeing up brain space, AI is here to support you. So take a breath, start with one small step, and let the tools do the heavy lifting. You’ve got this—even when your calendar says otherwise.

Hit Me Up!

What’s your biggest challenge during busy seasons? Have AI tools helped you stay on top of the chaos? Drop your thoughts in a reply —we’re all in this together, and your tips might be just what someone else needs!

Have a great rest of the week.

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Nikola Harper, Editor, Workflow Wednesdays, 10xYOU​

PS: You can always email me directly at nik@10xyou.us​

PPS: Like newsletters? Here are others you might enjoy.

PPPS: Check out Ben's latest book, Write A Book In One Day. I'm so jealous! I'm working on my own book using some of his techniques. If you are interested in reading a book on getting more productive with AI, let me know. Love to hear what's important to you. Drop me a reply.

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