Most people don’t talk about this part of learning AI...

The part where you want to throw your laptop out the window.

But here’s the thing.

I’m not a techie. I don’t code. I still spend more time troubleshooting than I’d like to admit.

And last week, I built my first automation using AI.

Ok, you can hold the applause. The process wasn’t pretty, but I got it to work.

And provided a valuable lesson.

THE Value of Stubbornness

While I spend my time encouraging others to give AI a try, I’ve also been that person, hesitant, unsure, assuming AI was for people with dual monitors and CS degrees.

Still, I kept showing up. Watching tutorials. Asking questions. And last week, I tried to follow a video to set up an automation using Make.com. They said it was “simple.”

They lied.

Well, not exactly.

But let’s just say they skipped a few steps, like needing an OAuth Client ID that they never mentioned.

So there I was, Googling terms I didn’t understand, copy-pasting into boxes I wasn’t sure I should be touching, asking ChatGPT questions that only got me halfway there.

It didn’t work the first time. Or the second.

But then it did. And I realized something:

Persistence is an important leadership skill in the age of AI. So is also being willing to look foolish in the name of learning.

The Real Lesson:

The most powerful thing AI has given me isn’t a slick automation or a shortcut.

It’s confidence.

I've learned from this process that I can ask for help from an AI tool that doesn’t judge, doesn’t roll its eyes, and never gets tired of me asking the same question five different ways. That’s huge for someone who used to avoid tech entirely.

Even better? I’ve discovered that I like this kind of problem-solving. I like getting a little bit better each time. I like seeing what I can build.

And I’ve stopped calling myself “low-tech," most of the time. Because that label was really just fear in disguise.

If you’re ready to give AI a try without getting overwhelmed, here’s what I suggest:

1. Pick one AI tool. Just one. ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude - whichever feels least intimidating.
2. Ask it to explain something you’ve been avoiding. Make it simple. Say: “Explain [topic] to me like I’m new to this.”
3. Try a tiny project. Even if it’s just writing an email faster or outlining a to-do list. Build the muscle.
4. Expect it to go wrong. That’s part of the deal. Frustration = learning in progress.
5. Be Kind to Yourself. You're learning a new language; give yourself permission to be a beginner.

If you’ve been avoiding AI, consider this your invitation to start.

You don’t need to master it. You just need to try.

Because when you do, even if you mess up (you will), you’ll be surprised at what you’re capable of.

And the difference now?

You’re not alone anymore. You’ve got an AI 24/7, judgment-free partner in your corner.

That’s not just empowering, it’s liberating.

Let it surprise you.

What’s one thing you’ve been afraid to try with AI?

Hit reply and share below, I’d love to hear it.

And if you need help getting started, DM I’m happy to share what worked (and what didn’t).

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