IN THE ERA OF AI - SUCCESS COMES FROM WHAT MAKE

DOUBLE DOWN ON WHAT MAKES YOU HUMAN

For all my geeky passion for AI, I also believe that the key to our long-term success is NOT about mastering every new AI tool and feature.

The key is to protect and strengthen what sets us apart from AI: our uniquely human way of being and thinking in this world.

Here are three things I'm focusing on to do that:

1. GET OUT

Get out of the house. The office. Leave the phone.

Talk to people. Strangers.

At the stoplight. At the store.

Embrace the discomfort. Be the weirdo who goes, "Hey," until people look up from their phones to respond to your awkward attempts at conversation.

Look around and pay attention. Notice how people dress, walk, talk, and interact. See what light does to things on a bright afternoon.

AI can scan the internet for trends, but it can’t feel the subtlety of real human interaction or the texture of daily life. AI can create stunning images and videos, but it’s your lived observations that give it direction.

2. GO ANALOG

Write. With your hand.

Read a paper book. A print magazine.

Research shows there are major benefits to these uniquely human activities.
Writing by hand lights up various parts of your brain that are related to cognition and learning. Typing lights up just a teeny part.

Reading printed media stimulates deep thinking and our ability to focus, whereas reading on screens cues our brains to skim and scan and lose concentration easily to distractions.

Use your whole body. Engage all your senses. Learn pottery. Fold origami. Learn to tango.

And why does this matter? It's about keeping those uniquely human brain synapses well-oiled and sharp—connections that AI doesn't have. Doing these things will make your brain an asset that no AI or algorithm can replace.

3. MASTER THE FUNDAMENTALS

Whatever your craft—whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, writer, or engineer—get the basics down cold. Study the frameworks, the theories, and the classics.

Refamiliarize yourself with The Hero’s Journey if you’re a filmmaker or writer (or any storyteller!).

If you're an illustrator or painter, refresh your knowledge of different art movements. Understand each master's unique brush strokes, approach to perspective, and understanding of light.

Why? Because AI knows everything.

Including all the mediocre crap out there as well! YOU will need to focus it on what YOU think makes something good.

If you make generic requests with minimal context, AI will give you back polished mediocrity. YOU will need to bring your A-game if you want AI to be your A-game partner and collaborator.

THE BOTTOM LINE

It’s easy to feel the pressure to keep up with AI, to learn every tool and hack. But that’s just table stakes. The tools will change; the tech will evolve. But your humanity? That’s the game-changer. Don’t forget to invest in it.

Need inspiration to get out? Check out my Doc Story Bootcamp!