The twins we always wanted

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often portrayed as a threat to machines taking jobs and making humans obsolete. But instead of focusing on what AI takes away, what if we thought about what it gives us in return? They can be the best companions, the “twins” who take care of the mundane tasks that clutter our days and allow us to focus on what really matters.

Imagine an AI assistant customized just for you. They’re not only smart, but intuitive, learning how you think, where you’re going, and what you need, sometimes without even realizing it. This “AI twin” manages your schedule, filters your emails, and predicts your tasks so you can keep your mind focused on innovation and creative problem-solving. In other words, AI won’t replace work, but it will eliminate busy work and give us the mental space to do what humans do best: think, create, and connect. It is.

In the age of 24/7 connectivity, life is no longer about achieving a 50/50 balance between work and everything else. I always say that life is not about balance, but about integration. There are five aspects to our lives: career, family, community, friends, and ourselves. And while each aspect is important, the most important aspect is often ignored first: ourselves. They are not part of the same pie. Our focus changes depending on the demands of life. AI can help make these transitions smoother, allowing you to focus on what matters most at each stage without getting overwhelmed.

AI has the potential to transform not only industries but also individuals. Fields such as science and technology are being reshaped, but I’m more interested in how that can help us live more fulfilling lives. Imagine AI as a personal partner, a support system that works in the background to help us focus on the most important parts of our lives.

Take a look at the insights from Antonio Lucio, former chief marketing and corporate affairs officer at HP Inc. He says the future is not an “either/or” scenario, but an “and” world, where business and personal growth can coexist (Source: HP Inc. AI in the Workplace Study). “Thanks to AI, we are entering an era of personalized experiences, where work and personal fulfillment are no longer in conflict; they enhance each other,” he says. Lucio’s vision emphasizes important human truths. AI is more than just efficiency. It’s about creating a world where people can do meaningful work and live fulfilling lives.

Please consider this. Research shows that the average employee spends approximately 2.5 hours per day and over 600 hours per year on repetitive administrative tasks (Source: Asana’s Anatomy of Work Report 2023). That’s valuable time that can be redirected to strategic thinking, personal projects, or just getting home early. When AI takes over these mindless tasks, we can reclaim not only our time but also the mental bandwidth needed for true innovation and creativity.

Then there’s the toll on mental health. The American Institute of Stress reports that 80% of workers feel stressed at work, and nearly half need help managing their stress (Source: American Institute of Stress). AI has the potential to ease this burden by automating repetitive tasks and organizing the flow of information. Imagine starting your day knowing that an AI has already organized your inbox, scheduled meetings, and prioritized tasks. This sense of security is transformative, reducing stress and supporting mental health.

Think of AI not as a “job killer” but as a personal partner that is always learning your preferences, anticipating your needs, and thinking 10 steps ahead. This “AI twin” could help with everything from remembering a loved one’s birthday to suggesting ways to make room for your own self-care. AI takes care of the “unconscious” stuff, leaving you free to focus on what really matters: work, family time, and personal health.

In other words, AI isn’t there to compete. It’s here to complete us. It’s the twins we’ve always wanted. It allows us to take on jobs we would like to avoid and pursue what we are passionate about. It’s time to shift the narrative from fear to possibility. When harnessed well, AI does not mark the end of work, but the beginning of a new era of creativity, mental health, and personal freedom. Imagine a future where AI becomes your life partner, uniquely customized to your DNA and helping you achieve efficiency, fulfillment, and balance not just at work but in every aspect of your life.