I used to chase better prompts. Now I chase better systems.

Lately, I’ve been using OpenClaw + Codex 5.3 as an agent workflow for writing, learning, and early finance research. The biggest win is not “wow” moments. It’s consistent progress.

What works

• I get from rough idea to usable draft much faster
• I can test multiple angles before choosing one
• I waste less time stuck in overthinking mode

For me, the practical upside is simple: more output in less time, with clearer decisions.

What still breaks

• AI can be confidently wrong
• Fast drafts can flatten nuance
• In finance topics, a bad assumption can become an expensive mistake

So the speed is real, but the verification burden is real too.

My rule now

I let agents handle:

• structure
• first-pass drafts
• iteration speed

I keep human control over:

• priorities
• judgment
• final calls

That balance feels right.

Agent workflows are clearly maturing, but I’m not trying to outsource thinking. I’m trying to remove friction so I can spend energy where it matters most.

(Portfolio workflow breakdown in a separate post.)