Work Smarter, Create Freely: How AI Fuels Efficiency and Unlocks Creativity
- Liza Engel
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
In the eleventh grade, I had a teacher who, at the time, both terrified and fascinated me. His booming voice, dramatic flair, and penchant for quoting Shakespeare mid-sentence were unlike anything I’d experienced. One day, he theatrically exclaimed “Arachnea!” while stomping on the floor, then nonchalantly displayed a squashed spider on the bottom of his shoe. It was shocking—perhaps even inappropriate for today’s classrooms—but undeniably memorable.
This teacher introduced me to the concept of both drama and “the human truth” in storytelling. Until then, I believed my strengths lay solely in math and science, with clear right answers. But his teachings revealed the power of language, narrative, and emotion to convey profound human experiences. That revelation ignited a passion for communication that has guided my journey.
That experience revealed that creativity isn’t a talent you’re born with—it’s a way of seeing, expressing, and questioning the world around (and beyond) us. Today, as a leader, communicator, and content creator, I find myself returning to that same lesson:
Human truth told well matters.
And in a world full of noise and nonstop demands, creativity needs structure—that’s where AI steps in.
The Intersection of Efficiency and Creativity
In today’s fast-paced professional landscape, efficiency is often seen as the opposite of creativity. But I’ve found the only way to carve out time for creativity is to be hyper-focused. If we let them, tools like AI and organizational systems can amplify our creative capacity.
AI as a Collaborative Partner
If used well, artificial intelligence can be a co-active coach or assistant. It structures thoughts, generates ideas, and handles routine tasks, freeing up mental space for deeper exploration. It shouldn’t replace your voice, but it can help you see, hear, and act more clearly and intentionally.
Here are five AI prompts I regularly use to stretch my creative thinking:
Creative Companion Prompt - This prompt disrupts default thinking and sparks originality.
“Act as a creativity coach and ask me five unexpected questions to challenge my assumptions on [topic].”
Analogy Generator Prompt - Helpful in making abstract ideas more relatable.
“Generate 10 unique metaphors to explain [concept] using nature, art, and everyday life.”
Idea Expansion Prompt - It helps move from ‘meh’ to ‘wow.’
“I have this seed of an idea: [insert idea]. Suggest three ways to evolve it into something surprising or resonant.”
Opposite Thinking Prompt - Perfect for reframing tired narratives.
“Take this belief: [insert]. Now flip it. Explore what insights emerge if the opposite were true.”
Story Mining Prompt - It turns lived experience into shareable insight.
“Ask me five personal story prompts to uncover moments I could use in a talk, pitch, or blog.”
These prompts invite AI to become a tool and a partner in creative dialogue.
Systems That Support Creativity
Implementing frameworks like Getting Things Done, Atomic Habits, Building a Second Brain, and Deep Work allows you to externalize mental clutter and focus on what matters. When systems hold the noise, your mind is free to roam—and that’s where creativity lives.
One such system transformed a long-standing trigger for me…
Early in my career, I was asked to take notes during a project meeting—likely because I was the youngest and the only woman at the table. I politely declined, explaining that note-taking wasn’t my strength. Inside, I was furious. From that moment on, I made it my mission to rethink how this task is assigned—and how it’s done.
I started experimenting with tools and systems to make note-taking more effective, equitable, and less manual. Fast-forward to today, and we now have access to incredible digital platforms to record meetings and summarize key points. This allows all of us at the table to stay present while capturing ideas seamlessly—systems that match how we think, collaborate, and lead.
Practical Steps to Enhance Creativity Through Efficiency
Here are four ways you can apply these ideas right now:
Leverage AI Thoughtfully
Let AI do the grunt work—emails, structuring, summarizing. Keep the spark of originality by starting with your ideas. I’m currently testing Fyxer.
Adopt the Right Frameworks
To support your flow, explore tools like Building a Second Brain, Todoist (my go-to), or principles from Deep Work.
Prioritize Deep Work
Set aside blocks of undistracted time. When your mind is uninterrupted, your ideas are free to expand. Cal Newport’s book on Deep Work is a great place to start and so are his other books. I’ve got his newest one on my summer reading list: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout
Reflect and Iterate
Your system should evolve with you. What worked last quarter might not work today—and that’s okay. Creativity thrives in iteration.
Conclusion: Embracing the Human Element
Efficiency and creativity are not opposites—they are allies. When AI and systems carry the weight of the mundane, we permit ourselves to dive into deeper, more meaningful work. We become more human, not less.
So, whether you’re leading a team, crafting a message, or shaping a story, embrace the tools that let your unique voice rise. Organize your mind. Let creativity breathe.
You don’t have to choose between productivity and imagination—structure creates the space for your brilliance as you dare to explore the drama of the human truth.
Creativity lives in those moments—the intersection of structure and creative flow. Let today’s tools do the stomping work for you so that you can do the human storytelling.
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