AI’s Efficiency Gains Are Stressing Me Out

Matt MedeirosNov 2, 2026

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Eric's Notebook: AI’s Efficiency Gains Are Stressing Me Out

Many of us use AI to increase efficiency. I can attest that it helps me get things done faster than ever. The technology also empowers me to say “yes” to complex coding projects I once rejected.

Coding and workflow challenges that used to slow me down are a breeze with Claude. I’ve shipped more custom WordPress plugins this year than I have in my entire career combined. Knowing what I can achieve has led me to think bigger and better.

That’s all wonderful news, right? Here’s the thing: This record-setting productivity is also stressing me out.

For some, greater efficiency means more opportunities to relax. Did you finish your daily tasks by noon? Then take a nap or see a movie. That’s not how I roll. Instead, I keep adding more projects to my pile. Perhaps AI is making me too ambitious?

New technology can help us do more in a day. That is a blessing and a curse, depending on one’s personality. It becomes easier to stretch ourselves too thin.

For example, we might tell a client we can do it today instead of next week. Everyone is happy, except that now you’re moving in too many directions. There’s no longer a barrier that encourages you to pace yourself. Instead, we race to fit in one more task (or a dozen).

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Yes, the thing designed to make life easier ends up frying our brains. But that’s on us, not AI. Maybe we should treat it like a pushy client and set boundaries.

I’ve long struggled to do my job one task at a time. I run plugin updates in one tab while building a page layout in another. AI taps into the “productivity at all costs” part of my brain. My thoughts become scattered, and I’m worn out by the end of the day.

So, I have a public service announcement for you (and myself): Slow down! The same rules apply to using AI as they do for using social media. Get up and get away from your device. Feel the sun on your face. Don’t allow efficiency to rule your world.

I feel like I’ve learned this lesson before. But shiny new things can make you forget. The good thing is that we eventually remind ourselves what’s important.

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