A new way of creating with genertive AI
Using a conversation with ChatGPT to write an article about my simple productivity framework for balancing thinking and getting things done
Humans love to create, it’s a fundamental part of our nature. We draw inspiration from things around us and intrinsically drive towards creativity. The recent advancements in generative technology lower the barriers and accelerate our creativity excites me quite a bit.
I’m curious about how we can use generative AI in our day-to-day lives to augment what we do well and enjoy today. To get a better understanding, I’ve explained my ideas around my productivity framework and asked ChatGPT to write me an article about it for this Substack.
The result? I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, with something concrete as the input, ChatGPT understood the idea, expanded on the concept, answered questions about it and compare it to other similar ideas and works by other authors. Finally, I asked it to write an article about our chat. I’m blown away by the conversation we had, and how it allowed me to think and reach new insights by having a natural conversation.
The full article and conversation follow below.
Explore or Execute: a productivity framework for balancing thinking and getting things done
I've been exploring the idea of approaching my time management to lead to better outcomes for me and my work. I’m looking for a low-overhead way of balancing thinking, planning seeking opportunities and getting things done.
This has led me to a simple system that can help to focus and clear away some of the common sources of distraction during the day. Explore or Execute uses two distinct modes of working with a separation between exploring possibilities (thinking) and executing (doing) the work without losing focus on bigger-picture thoughts and questions.
The ideas above were used as input to the model (see full transcript at the end of the article)
ChatGPTs final article:
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks on your to-do list, or find yourself struggling to come up with new ideas and strategies for your work or life? If so, you may benefit from adopting a productivity system that emphasizes two distinct modes of working: Explore and Execute.
In Explore mode, you free your mind to think about big picture stuff. You diverge your thinking to plan and imagine possibilities, coming up with solutions, strategies, and priorities. During this mode, you let your big brain think about your problems, and you're not focused on executing tasks. This is the time for brainstorming, creative thinking, and ideation.
In Execute mode, you turn off your big brain and focus on executing tasks on your to-do list. During this mode, you ignore bigger-picture things like strategy and goals and only focus on completing as many tasks as possible. This is the time for taking action, completing tasks, and achieving your goals.
By switching between these two modes, you can optimize your productivity and make the most of your time. Here are some tips for getting started:
Set aside time for each mode: Depending on your schedule and work style, you may want to dedicate certain times of the day or week to Explore mode and others to Execute mode. For example, you might start your day with 30 minutes of brainstorming and then move to your to-do list for the next 90 minutes.
Use different physical spaces and tools: Consider using different physical spaces and tools for each mode. For example, during Explore mode, you might work on brainstorming and ideation in a quiet, comfortable space like a coffee shop or park, and then move to a more structured workspace like an office or desk to complete your to-do list.
Set different goals for each mode: During Explore mode, your goal might be to generate new ideas or solutions, while during Execute mode, your goal might be to complete a certain number of tasks or projects.
Use a timer to help you switch between modes: Set a timer for 30 minutes of Explore mode and then switch to 60 minutes of Execute mode. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting stuck in one mode for too long.
Create a routine: Create a routine that helps you switch between modes. This can help you stay on track and ensure that you're making the most of your time.
By adopting this Explore and Execute system, you can optimize your productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently. Remember to be flexible and adapt the system to your needs and preferences. With practice and experimentation, you can find the system that works best for you and achieve success in your work and life.
Writing the article
I approached the article as explaining the concept to someone new, ChatGPT asked a couple of clarifying questions to get it right and we explored it further by me asking questions. I have the full transcript below:
ChatGPT Transcript
Human: hi
ChatGPT: Hello! How may I assist you today?
Human: I would like to write an article and would like to have some input on the concept
ChatGPT: Sure, I'd be happy to help! What's the topic of your article?
Human: its about productivity and how to approach choosing what to do with your time. I want to talk about using a system that has 2 modes of working.
ChatGPT: Interesting! Can you explain a bit more about the two modes of working?
Human: yeah the first one is Explore, this is when you diverge your thinking to plan and imagine possibilities, you can free your mind to think about your problems, come up with solutions, strategies and priorities, and basically let your big brain think about big picture stuff.
The other mode is Execute, this is where you turn off your big brain and work on items on your list, you will ignore bigger picture things like strategy and goals and only focus on getting as much executed on your list as possible
ChatGPT: I see. So the Explore mode is all about brainstorming and ideation, while the Execute mode is focused on completing tasks and crossing items off your to-do list. It sounds like a useful approach to managing your time and being productive. By switching between these two modes, you can give yourself time to plan and strategize while also making progress on your daily tasks. When you're in Explore mode, it's important to give yourself time and space to think creatively. This could mean taking a break from your usual routine, going for a walk, or even just setting aside some quiet time to let your mind wander. The goal is to generate new ideas and solutions without the pressure of immediately implementing them. Once you've spent some time in Explore mode, it's time to switch to Execute mode and start tackling your to-do list. During this mode, it's important to stay focused on completing tasks and avoiding distractions. You may find it helpful to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and prioritize them based on urgency and importance.Overall, using a two-mode approach to productivity can help you strike a balance between long-term planning and short-term execution. By giving yourself dedicated time for both, you can make progress on your goals while also staying open to new possibilities and ideas.
Human: That is what I was thinking. Do you think this is an idea that is similar to other approaches?
ChatGPT: Yes, the idea of using different modes or stages of work to increase productivity is not new. In fact, there are many different systems and frameworks that use a similar approach. One example is the "Pomodoro Technique," which involves breaking work into 25-minute intervals (called "Pomodoros") separated by short breaks. This system is designed to help you stay focused and avoid burnout by alternating periods of intense work with periods of rest and relaxation. Another approach is the "Eisenhower Matrix," which helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. This system involves dividing your to-do list into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. This helps you focus your energy on the most important tasks and avoid getting bogged down by less pressing matters.So while your two-mode approach may be unique in its specific implementation, the underlying concept of breaking work into different stages is a common one. By finding a system that works for you, you can increase your productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently.
Human: How do you think you should decide when to move between Explore and Execute?
ChatGPT: Deciding when to move between Explore and Execute modes can depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the task at hand, your personal work style, and your overall goals and priorities. Here are a few tips to help you make the transition:Set aside dedicated time for each mode. Depending on your schedule and workload, you may choose to spend a few hours in Explore mode at the start of each day, or you may set aside a certain day or time of the week for this purpose. Similarly, you may allocate specific time blocks for Execute mode to work on your to-do list.Use triggers to switch between modes. For example, you might use a specific action or event to signal the transition between modes, such as a change in location or a specific task that you need to complete before moving to the next mode. Listen to your intuition. Sometimes, you may find that you naturally shift between Explore and Execute modes based on your energy level, motivation, or creative flow. Trust your instincts and allow yourself to switch modes when it feels right. Monitor your progress. Keep track of your tasks and goals, and evaluate your progress regularly. If you find that you're not making enough progress on your to-do list, you may need to spend more time in Execute mode. Conversely, if you're feeling burned out or lacking inspiration, you may need to spend more time in Explore mode. Overall, the key is to find a balance between planning and action and to be flexible and adaptable as your needs and priorities change. By experimenting with different approaches and finding what works best for you, you can optimize your productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently.
Human: Can you think of practical ways how we can differentiate between the two modes? Something that can remind us that this time we should be either exploring or executing when we get off track.
ChatGPT: Yes, here are some practical ways to differentiate between Explore and Execute modes and help you stay on track: Use different physical spaces: Consider using different physical spaces for Explore and Execute modes. For example, you might work on brainstorming and ideation in a quiet, comfortable space like a coffee shop or park, and then move to a more structured workspace like an office or desk to complete your to-do list.Use different tools: Use different tools or resources for each mode. For example, during Explore mode, you might use mind maps, sticky notes, or a notebook to capture your ideas and thoughts, while during Execute mode, you might use a task management tool or to-do list to keep track of your tasks and deadlines.Set different goals: Set different goals for each mode. During Explore mode, your goal might be to generate new ideas or solutions, while during Execute mode, your goal might be to complete a certain number of tasks or projects.Use a timer: Use a timer to help you switch between modes. For example, you might set a timer for 30 minutes of Explore mode and then switch to 60 minutes of Execute mode. This can help you stay focused and avoid getting stuck in one mode for too long.Create a routine: Create a routine that helps you switch between modes. For example, you might start your day with 30 minutes of brainstorming and then move to your to-do list for the next 90 minutes.By using these practical strategies to differentiate between Explore and Execute modes, you can stay on track and maximize your productivity. Remember that it's important to find a system that works for you and to be flexible as you adapt to changing needs and priorities.
Human: If Im interested in this kind of way to organise my life, what do you think I can read up on more to learn more?
ChatGPT: If you're interested in learning more about this approach to productivity and time management, there are several resources that you can explore:"Getting Things Done" by David Allen: This classic book provides a comprehensive system for managing your time and tasks, including strategies for both exploration and execution."The One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: This book focuses on identifying and prioritizing the most important tasks in your life and business, and provides practical tips for staying focused and productive."Essentialism" by Greg McKeown: This book advocates for a minimalist approach to productivity, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the essential tasks and letting go of non-essential distractions."Atomic Habits" by James Clear: This book provides a framework for building positive habits and breaking negative ones, which can be a powerful tool for optimizing your productivity and achieving your goals."Deep Work" by Cal Newport: This book explores the concept of "deep work," or the ability to focus intensely on important tasks without distraction, and provides strategies for cultivating this skill.In addition to these books, there are also many productivity and time management blogs and podcasts that you can explore. By continuing to learn and experiment with different approaches, you can find the system that works best for you and achieve your goals more efficiently.
Human: Can you write an article about what we have discussed that I can publish on my substack, please?
ChatGPT: Sure! <article from above with title>