Why You Should Ignore 99% of AI Tools
Everyone is excited about the new wave of AI services. But ignoring most of them can actually make you more efficient and less stressed. Let me explain.
By the time I finish this sentence, at least two new AI tools will have been announced. I won’t lie—it’s exhausting. Trying to keep up with the news gives me a headache. And yet, keeping up with the latest updates is part of my job at Efham Online. 😩
So, I can only imagine how you feel. It’s becoming impossible to track everything, and honestly, you shouldn’t even try!
Instead, I propose a different approach. In this article, we’ll cut through the hype and explore the practical ways AI can make a real difference in your life and work.
Focus on the Problems You Want to Solve
So, how can you focus on what really matters in the world of AI? It starts with a simple yet powerful shift in perspective. Instead of getting caught up in the latest tools and trends, focus primarily on the problems you want to solve. 🤓☝️
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What challenges do you face at work that AI could help solve?
- What results do you want to achieve?
- Write down the tasks you regularly perform that feel slow or tedious, such as researching, writing, or summarizing information.
Next, test two or three AI tools specifically designed for these tasks.
Test a Few, but Test Thoroughly!
Use each tool for at least a day to see if it speeds up your work or makes it easier.
Only keep the tools that save you time or simplify your workflow. Ignore the rest, even if they are extremely popular.
This quick trial process helps prevent you from feeling overwhelmed before you even start and ensures that every tool you use is worth your time.
The AI Tools I Use
For my specific workflow, here are the AI tools I personally rely on:
🤖 ChatGPT – My absolute favorite! 😍 I use ChatGPT as a creative assistant to help me generate ideas. However, I don’t rely on it for heavy tasks like content creation… Maybe I’m a creative purist, but I still don’t think AI writing is good enough yet. I might be biased, but I refuse to be replaced by a machine! 😤
🦾 Perplexity – Perplexity has completely replaced Google in my search process.
🧑🏼🎨 Canva – If I need to design a presentation for a client or a meeting, Canva is fast and easy to use. I haven’t found an AI tool that creates presentations as well as Canva yet. But I’m keeping an eye on developments and will keep you updated.
That’s my daily workflow. But as I said, you should choose what works best for you and not blindly follow anyone—including me!
How I Deal with AI FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Trust me, it’s a real struggle! 😔 But here’s how I handle this anxiety: I try to accept that it’s impossible to know everything.
Instead of passive learning, I’ve replaced it with immediate action. I no longer learn things just for the sake of learning—I focus on what I can use right away. Quality over quantity.
I also rely on a few trusted sources and seek out opposing viewpoints to avoid confirmation bias. Plus, I consume information at my own pace, not just because something new has been announced.
Thursday mornings are my dedicated time for catching up on AI news, and I strictly stick to it. Thursday isn’t special—I just picked a random day, marked it on my calendar, and now I do my best to follow it. 👉👈
A Practical Method for Smart Work
Here’s a short checklist that might be useful for you:
✅ Accept that you can’t know everything.
✅ Replace passive learning with immediate action.
✅ Prioritize quality over quantity by relying on trusted sources.
✅ Set a dedicated weekly time for catching up on AI news.
✅ Make a list of repetitive or tedious tasks you want to speed up.
✅ Test two or three AI tools targeted for those tasks.
✅ Keep only the AI tools that simplify or accelerate your workflow.