It takes (human) effort.

Welcome back to "Humanity in the Exponential Age," where we explore the intersection of emerging technologies and personal transformation.?

Last Friday, I gave an immersion session on Generative AI to a group of rising leaders of a large company in Cape Town.?

We had a few packed hours where they did and created “things” they never had before. This provided a complete new perspective on what is possible with Generative AI when you understand and know how to use it properly.?

It will lead to them pushing upwards to allow the usage as they can see the positive impact on their work.?

And it also revealed something else. It takes time and effort to learn a new skill.?

I know this comes as a complete surprise, but still many people try ChatGPT once, twice or maybe three times and they do not get the results they are after. So the postpone the next attempt and postpone and so on.?

Let’s have a closer look at this phenomenon of the human effort to learn and harness the power of Generative AI tools.

In our fast-paced world, we often crave immediate results. The allure of instant gratification is strong, especially when dealing with sophisticated technologies like Generative AI. However, as mentioned, reality is quite different. Of the 30+ participants only very few use the tools regularly. I am sure that after the session that will change!?

So meaningful progress often requires persistence and patience.

Many of us have experienced the frustration of not achieving the desired outcomes on our first try. This is particularly true with Generative AI, where the learning curve can seem steep and the initial results may not always meet our expectations. It's easy to feel disheartened and consider giving up. But this is precisely where the magic of human resilience comes into play.

Embrace the Learning Journey

The journey to mastering Generative AI is much like any other significant endeavor—it demands time, effort, and a willingness to iterate. It's not about getting it right immediately; it's about learning and improving with each attempt. When we embrace this mindset, we unlock the true potential of these powerful tools.

Think about the process of learning to play a musical instrument, picking up a new language or learning EXCEL. The initial attempts might be rough, and progress may seem slow. Yet, with persistent practice and a positive attitude, we gradually improve, gaining proficiency and confidence. The same principle applies to Generative AI.

The EXCEL analogy is probably the most relevant. Almost all of us know how to use XLS but only very few are masters in it. And yes, XLS might not be for every role, but GenAI will impact every single role.?

The Power of Iteration

In our training, I observed that those who persisted, experimenting with different prompts and refining their approaches, began to see significantly better results. They moved beyond the surface-level capabilities of the AI and tapped into its deeper potential. This iterative process not only improved their outcomes but also enhanced their understanding and creativity.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A key component of this persistence is cultivating a growth mindset—the belief that our abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. When we adopt a growth mindset, we view challenges as opportunities to learn rather than as setbacks. This perspective shift is essential in navigating the complexities of Generative AI.

I share this model and idea in other trainings I conduct like “Consultative Selling”. And still it is a challenge for many - often due to the incredible workload already on the plate.?

Practical Tips for Perseverance

Here are a few practical tips to help you persist in your journey with Generative AI:

1. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your learning into manageable milestones. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
2. Experiment Freely: Don’t be afraid to try different approaches and expect errors and wrong outcomes. Each experiment provides valuable insights, even if it doesn’t yield the desired result.
3. Seek Feedback: Engage with a community of learners. Sharing experiences and receiving feedback can provide new perspectives and solutions.
4. Stay Patient: Remember that mastery takes time. Be patient with yourself and the process.

Conclusion

Generative AI offers incredible possibilities, but unlocking its full potential requires more than just technical know-how; it requires human perseverance. As we navigate this exponential age, let’s remind ourselves that the journey of learning and growth is just as important as the destination.

Thank you for being a part of this community. Together, we can harness the power of Generative AI and continue to transform both ourselves and the world around us.

Until next time, stay curious and keep pushing forward.

And have a great remaining weekend and week ahead.?

Michael?

P.S. This article was partially supported by GenAI.?