3 Surprisingly Useful Things I Used AI For This Week
- George Holroyd
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
AI didn’t run my life this week. It just handled three small jobs so neatly I remembered why I keep it around. Here’s what happened - and how you can copy it in minutes.
1. Turning Chaos into a Cohesive Flowerbed
I wanted to re-order the plants in my raised planter (Checks age...): The herbs were wrestling for space, tulip foliage flopping, colour was all bunched on one side.
I uploaded a photo into ChatGPT and asked: 'How can I better organize this raised planter? Can I arrange the plants in a better way?'
The result
Three clear diagrams—back-row climbers, mid-height herbs, front spill-over colour. I followed version two. Twenty minutes of digging later: balanced, tidy, and still completely mine.
Photos + precise constraints = an instant garden coach. No digging through blogs; just actionable placement.
2. Finding the Perfect Film Without Scrolling for Hours
I Wanted an uplifting true-story drama. Nothing loud or corny. Netflix carousel fatigue was real. At first I asked for a recommendation, then followed up with this question: "I started watching the fundamentals of caring. I’m bored already, I have ADHD and a limited attention span, can you ask me some questions so you can better understand my taste?
ChatGPT's Questions | My Responses | |
|---|---|---|
⚡ Vibe Check | Do you prefer stories that feel more real, or do you enjoy a touch of surreal or magical realism? | Real stories definitely |
Do you like fast-paced films or ones that build slowly but reward you with a strong emotional payoff? | I need it to be paced enough to keep my attention but not so action orientated that I feel stressed | |
Are you okay with subtitles if the story is gripping? | prefer not subtitles | |
🧠 ADHD‑Friendly Filter | Do you like dialogue-heavy films or more visually driven ones? | Mixture of dialogue, I like emotion |
How long is too long — do 2-hour films feel like a chore? | 2 hour films are ok if it’s going to grip me but otherwise too long, I liked Lion but seen it a few times | |
Do you like chaptered stories or clear scene changes to help you stay engaged? | I don’t understand this question, definitely not too long on one scene but get stressed if it’s all over the place | |
🎭 Emotions & Tone | What’s the last film or show you really enjoyed — and what made it work for you? | I loved the sapphires, a great true story and uplifting with some gritty and real undercurrents and stories, I like hidden figures the true story and the emotion and the uplift at the end in both, same as the help |
Are you looking to feel inspired, entertained, understood, or distracted tonight? | I’m tired so understood and engaged, entertained and uplifted and a bit distracted | |
Do you hate cheesy sentimentality, or can it work in small doses if the story earns it? | Hate romcoms and chick flicks unless it’s really good, prefer not to have some Hollywood cheese | |
🌀 Plot vs People | Do you care more about the characters and their relationships, or about the storyline and twists? | Tough question as I like both |
Would you rather feel something deep, or just have a good time with no emotional weight? | I like to feel something deep, either elated, sad, uplifted, inspired |
The recommendation
Wild Rose (2019) on Amazon Prime. Ticked every box. ❤️. Highly recommend.
3. Designer-Look Glasses, Student-Loan Budget
My optician said I need a more robust pair of reading glasses with a sunglass option, that don't make me look like a tennis playing pensioner and I don't keep breaking, so sent me off to find some Ahlem Petit Palais frames with clip-on sun lenses—beautiful, pricey ($800USD).
The prompt: “Find visually similar round titanium frames with clip-on sun lenses under £150. UK stockists only. List any discount codes.”
The result: Three near-identical pairs from indie brands; one on seasonal sale for £98. Same vibe, prescription ready.
Why it worked: Clear constraints (material, price ceiling, geography) turned AI into a personal shopper, not a catalogue dump.
AI isn’t only for coding or corporate decks. With a photo, a focused interview, or a tight shopping brief, it can streamline everyday decisions:
Give context (photo or parameters)
State constraints (price, tone, size)
Ask one clear question
That’s it. Try one of these prompts this week and see what lands.
Have your own micro-win? Tell me—I’m collecting everyday uses that make life simpler.
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