#508 You can be the one who runs the show

If the storm ChatGPT is causing shows us one thing, it’s how unoriginal most of our thoughts are.

AI builds on a massive library of what others have learned before.

(Individual) humans build on a much smaller library of what others have learned before.

If we merely do what others have done before, in some fields, AI has caught up to us already.

What happens we build on what others have learned before, and combine it with what we learn ourselves (in other words, practice and skill building)?

Now we’re talking about innovation: we’re doing things that haven’t been done before.

And even then, one day, AI will possibly also innovate and do things that haven’t been done before.

Sheer “processing power” is not a game we can win.

The true question here:

If raw intelligence and “brain processing power” isn’t what makes us truly, uniquely human, then what is?

Habit hardliner. Epicurean. Ruthless achiever. Compassionate pushover.

I identify with all of the above, my friend. And even though they can all be positive, I’m pretty good at letting those qualities shine in the wrong situations.

The habit hardliner over-disciplining themselves and those around them.

The epicurean making indulgent food decisions every day.

The ruthless achiever neglecting their family.

The compassionate guy being a pushover in business negotiations.

So more out of necessity than ambition, I started asking myself: Who’s in charge right now?

Are they the adequate identity to be in charge in whatever situation you’re in?

It’s insightful. Not always fun. But insightful.

And as you know by now, I like to share insights with you, my friend. Because who knows, maybe one day, one of these insights will be enlightening to you, too?

So I invite you to give it a try.

Right here, right now: who’s in charge?

Maybe you’ve let some of your qualities shine in the wrong situations too.

Shadow writer – someone who holds a secret desire, maybe even an irresistible urge to write but is afraid of being criticized – so their words never even make it on the page.

Shadow runner – someone who’d love to run a marathon but doesn’t believe they could train consistently enough to make it happen – so their legs never even take them on a single run.

Shadow singer – someone who loves singing but believes nobody will like their voice anyway – so their song never even reaches past the shower cabin.

Shadow entrepreneur – someone who has a big life-changing vision, but keeps it hidden out of fear of being ridiculed, dismissed, or ignored – so their ideas never even make it out of hiding.

Where are you staying in the shadow of your own self-denial?

Which daily Tiny Trust Builders could help you to step out of that shadow – and do what you always wanted to do?

It’s time.

(If this resonates, you might want to read The Artist’s Way)