Not Learning AI? You're Missing Out on Time You Didn't Know You Had

I recently had a conversation with an executive from a major global company, sharing insights from some AI courses I was taking through Section School. Her schedule is jam-packed, and she lamented, "I need to do that, but I haven’t had the time." But my recent dive into AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude has led me to a realization: We can’t afford not to make time for learning AI.

Oliver Burkeman's "4000 Weeks" articulates a truth many of us grapple with: Time is finite. We'll never accomplish everything we aspire to, no matter our efficiency. This brings us to a crossroads where choices are paramount. AI stands out as a beacon, promising to accelerate our daily tasks significantly. Yet, this requires an initial time investment—a sacrifice that, from my recent experience, yields far greater returns than anticipated.

Reflect on the first time you navigated a search engine, used GPS, or swiped on a smartphone. These technologies have become integral, enhancing our efficiency daily. AI Assistants are on the brink of becoming just as indispensable.

This past week alone, I've leveraged ChatGPT to craft a custom logo for my family's chat—aptly named “Buttflakes and Snowcheeks” by my son during a ski trip seven years ago. It helped me distill my resume into a concise executive summary and even assisted in drafting this post. Meanwhile, my wife found it invaluable for generating creative play-based learning activities for her special needs students.

Granted, AI isn't flawless, as our family logo amusingly demonstrates. However, its value isn't in perfection but in how it amplifies our efforts, informed by our input and judgment—mirroring the utility we derive from search engines, GPS, and smartphones. It's about working smarter, not harder, freeing up precious time for what truly matters.

For those curious about venturing into AI, I’m more than willing to share my journey and insights. Let’s embrace this transformative tool together.