I’ve been experimenting with AI as part of my content creation process, and through a bunch of fits and starts, I’m finding a mix that works for me.
The ideas are all mine. I often come up with them while I’m hiking, reading a non-fiction book, after a coaching/mentoring conversation, or other spaces where I have the freedom to create new insights. I write them down in my notes so I don’t forget them.
When I have a moment and am so inclined/inspired, I’ll flesh out my notes in my notes app. Maybe I’m waiting in line, sitting in a dr’s office, or chilling out decompressing at night (pretty sure that’s not the definition of decompressing, but it works for me!).
So where does AI fit into this very human process? After some experimentation and a few (not so) hilarious off-base attempts, I’ve found three specific ways to leverage these tools without letting them take over my voice or process.
AI in My Content Process
1. Content Development Assistance
When I sit down to write, I may have a full article in my notes, but could still use help with sub-headings and making sure the insights are crisp and actionable. AI helps tighten the narrative and get to the point sooner. I’m sure there are folks in my past (maybe present) who wish they had an “AI button” for my stories IRL.
2. Creating Platform-Specific Versions
AI helps me create summarized versions for LinkedIn that pull key insights forward, knowing most folks will engage with the bullets but not read the full story. Sometimes I forget and my ideas may sound more straightforward. Some may prefer that…I’d argue that’s when we all start sounding the same. Everyone’s unique spice is what keeps things interesting people.
3. Refreshing Older Content
AI helps bring new life to previous articles by prompting me with questions about what’s changed or how insights might be relevant now. For someone with AuDHD, having a system that prompts me with specific questions is like having guardrails on a mountain road…keeps me from going over the edge with too many tangents.
All these approaches support my content creation, but they come with their own challenges and learning curves.
Maintaining What Matters
What I don’t want to lose is my quirky, irreverent style. The punch and all the color that comes with AuDHD…random ellipses and the like. AI isn’t there yet, so if I find that the content is just the facts, nothing but the facts, I have work to do. I’ll tell it to add back in my notes *as written* to make sure my voice isn’t left behind.
I’ve heard from folks years after working with me that they hear my voice in their head when they read my work (sorry, not sorry). If that helps them increase confidence, take one step forward, or shine a light in a dark moment, I don’t want to lose that to AI.
But getting to this point wasn’t instantaneous. There were definitely some bumps along the way.
The Learning Curve
It took me a few tries, a few cringe moments, and learning alongside the tools to find something that seems to be working. Those first attempts? Yikes. The content sounded nothing like me—all formal and stiff, like I was suddenly wearing a business suit to a beach party.
Skill erosion from automation and AI is a real thing and a big concern for writers and creators. When we let AI handle too much of our process, we risk losing the muscles we’ve built over years of practice. It’s like having someone else do your workout for you—convenient, but not exactly helping you stay in shape.
And then there’s the concern about everyone starting to sound the same. Have you noticed how many LinkedIn posts look identical these days? Same structure, same voice, same platitudes? That’s what happens when we hand over too much control without maintaining our uniqueness.
So how do we move forward with these tools while staying true to ourselves?
Finding the Balance
I’ll continue to do the work to create original content on my website. To do my best not to lose myself in AI pulling the meaningful stuff for a LinkedIn post. However, if AI helps me actually do the thing (AuDHD…detailed task work is not my gift) to get the insights into the hands of more people because few are going to click through and read the whole thing…pretty sure it’s worth it.
I’m working to move my time to mostly ideation and original content creation in the spirit of helping others, while automating the “get the word out” steps as much as possible without losing the voice that resonates in the meantime.
The beauty of this approach is that it preserves what matters while enhancing what needed help anyway:
- It respects the AuDHD brain – Detailed task work isn’t my gift, but insights are. AI handles the former so I can focus on the latter.
- It maintains my authentic voice – My voice in folks’ heads helping nudge them forward? That connection is too valuable to lose.
- It extends my reach – Few people click through to read entire articles. AI helps me pull out key insights for platforms like LinkedIn without losing the essence.
Tips for Keeping Your Voice While Using AI
If you’re considering incorporating AI into your content creation, here are some things I’ve learned that might help you avoid my early mistakes:
- Start with your ideas, not AI’s – Never begin with “AI, give me content ideas.” That’s the fast track to generic, soulless content.
- Read everything out loud – If it doesn’t sound like something you’d actually say, it’s not your voice. Period.
- Keep a “voice document” – Save examples of your writing that feel most authentically you. Compare AI-assisted content against this benchmark.
- Add your quirks back in – AI tends to smooth out the edges that make us interesting. Deliberately add back your personal tics, favorite phrases, and speech patterns.
- Let it sit – After using AI, walk away from the content and come back with fresh eyes. The “that’s not me” moments will jump out more clearly.
The goal isn’t to avoid these tools—they’re here to stay. The goal is to use them intentionally, in ways that amplify rather than dilute what makes our content uniquely valuable.
How are you using AI tools in your content process? Have you found ways to preserve what makes your voice uniquely yours?
