Record the whole task
Time the work from start to useful finish, including gathering inputs, writing instructions, checking the result, and making revisions. A draft produced in seconds may still require substantial review.
Use comparable examples
Try a similar task with and without AI. Record differences in complexity, input quality, and required output. This is a personal experiment, not proof of a universal productivity gain.
Keep a quality standard
Before the experiment, define what a usable result must contain. If the faster attempt is less accurate or creates more downstream work, the time saving is incomplete. Check the outcome as well as the process.
Choose where the time goes
When a workflow consistently helps, decide how to use the capacity: a creative project, deeper thinking, less overtime, or time with people you love. More output is one possible benefit; it is not the only one.
Retest after the novelty fades
Use the workflow on three examples. Keep a note of failure cases and stop conditions. If it does not help reliably, simplify it or choose a different task.
Make it yours
Time one recurring task, then an AI-assisted attempt. Include review and rework. Record quality, time difference, and what you would use any saved time for.