Chad’s Blog
Pragmatic Technologies for Life and Business Success®
I recently received a message that stopped me in my tracks. Not because of its complexity, but because of its beauty and honesty.
It came from someone who’s followed my work for years, a former colleague from my early days attending various workshops. She wrote:
“Chad, every time I read your column, I’m even more impressed than I was the last time. I went a different direction with my life and am now retired. I’m trying to figure out how to apply AI to my current lifestyle.”
She followed up with this:
“I’ve absolutely fallen in love with AI and would like to do more with it in my life. But since I no longer run a business, I’m trying to figure out how I can use it in my day-to-day living. Most AI tools don’t address the daily realities of someone in her mid-80s using a walker or a wheelchair. I use it to craft greeting card inserts, answer emails, and have interactive conversations with me, myself and I…
I live solo now, since my guy of 67 years passed away last year. So I’m also trying to figure out how to live solo. So far, AI hasn’t helped much with that—but it’s great fun, and I do think there’s a need for whatever it is that’s on my mind… if I could just figure out what that is.”
These words reminded me of something important: AI isn’t just about productivity, profit, or performance. It’s also about purpose, presence, and personal connection.
What This Taught Me (and Might Teach You Too)
This conversation shifted my perspective in a profound way, and I’d like to share some of the key takeaways for those of us building businesses and leveraging AI as part of our strategy:
1. Not All Innovation Has to Be Business-Oriented
The most meaningful use of AI in this woman’s life wasn’t tied to funnels, branding, or automation. It was:
- Writing heartfelt notes to friends
- Exploring her own thoughts through daily reflection
- Finding a sense of companionship and mental stimulation through conversation
Let’s not forget, the emotional and human applications of AI may be its most powerful frontier.
2. Complexity Isn’t the Goal—Clarity Is
She didn’t want tech wizardry. She wanted prompts that helped her feel seen, creative, and connected. This taught me that the future of AI adoption will be less about mastery and more about meaning.
3. Everyone Is a Pioneer in Their Own Way
At 80+ years old, she’s experimenting with technology many still find intimidating. That spirit is contagious. It’s a reminder to us all, age, business status, or technical experience do not define your seat at the innovation table. Curiosity does.
If You’re Wondering How This Applies to You…
Here are a few thought-provoking ways to use AI beyond the business lens—with a sample prompt to try for each:
- Write letters to your future self, your past self, or loved ones who are gone.
Prompt: “Help me write a letter to my younger self offering wisdom and encouragement.”
- Create daily rituals powered by ChatGPT: gratitude journaling, idea brainstorming, memory triggers.
Prompt: “Let’s start a short gratitude journal. Ask me one question each day to reflect on something positive.”
- Design conversations with AI that help you slow down and reconnect.
Prompt: “Let’s have a relaxing chat. Ask me thoughtful questions about my favorite memories, places, or people.”
- Craft personalized messages, poems, or greeting card inserts to uplift friends and family.
Prompt: “Help me write a warm and personal birthday message for a dear friend in her 80s who loves music.”
- Ask AI to guide you through a short daily reflection.
Prompt: “What did I learn today? What made me smile? Please help me reflect and write it down.”
- Have ChatGPT recommend a nostalgic movie, song, or book from a certain era—and then discuss it with you.
Prompt: “Recommend a 1950s film with strong female characters and tell me why I might enjoy it.”
- Use AI to write legacy stories—capturing memories from your childhood, career, or relationships.
Prompt: “Help me write about my first job and what it taught me about life and perseverance.”
- Summarize books you’re curious about or reading.
Prompt: “Summarize the main lessons from the book ‘The Art of Happiness’ by the Dalai Lama in plain English.”
- Organize saved AI conversations or insights for easy review.
Prompt: “Can you help me organize all the AI-generated tips I’ve saved into a simple list with categories like creativity, reflection, and daily tools?”
- Discover tools and suggestions for living solo with dignity and inspiration.
Prompt: “What are some tools, routines, or ideas that can make living solo more enjoyable, especially for someone in assisted living?”
- Gain ideas for mobility-friendly hobbies or creative projects.
Prompt: “Suggest fun and meaningful activities for someone who uses a wheelchair and enjoys writing, reading, or storytelling.”
- Find adaptive tools or resources for accessibility.
Prompt: “What are some innovative tools or technologies that could help someone in a nursing home who uses a walker or electric wheelchair stay engaged and independent?”
- Rediscover the joy of writing, even if it feels distant.
Prompt: “I used to love writing. Can you help me fall back in love with it by starting a simple story or reflective piece together?”
AI may not replace your wisdom, your memories, or your relationships. But it can become a surprising ally in helping you express them.
And if this story resonated with you—if you’re wondering how AI could help you not just grow your business, but also enrich your life—I invite you to explore that path with me.
You never know what might unfold when curiosity meets purpose.
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