The Path to Mastery

In life, I’m always looking for ways to improve and reach our goals. Sometimes, I discover tools that completely change the game. Right now, one of those tools is artificial intelligence (AI). Today, I’m going to share how using AI has helped me put my learning, self-development, and work productivity on hyperdrive and why it’s so important for you to start using too if you don’t want to become irrelevant in 2025.

In the book Mastery by Robert Greene, he talks about three stages of becoming great at something: Apprentice, Creative-Active, and Master. Everyone starts as an Apprentice, learning the basics. Then, you move into the Creative-Active phase, where you use what you’ve learned in new and exciting ways. Finally, you become a Master, creating your own path and leading others.

For a long time, I’ve been in the Apprentice stage, trying to catch up with new tools and skills. But in 2024, I felt a shift. I had finally built a strong foundation of skills, and for the first time, I could see new trends clearly. That’s when I started using AI in the Creative-Active phase. AI isn’t just another tool for me; it’s a way to level up faster than ever before, here’s how you can too:

Why AI Is a Big Deal

AI isn’t just a new trend—it’s something that’s changing everything about how we work and live. But whether you see its potential depends on how ready you are. If you’re still working on basic skills like problem-solving and adaptability, AI likely will feel overwhelming. But understand that no one at one point knew how to use AI… so how can one become skilled with it? You take the time to learn.. you approach it with a growth mindset and a strong ability to problem solve.. but I’ll write another memo on why you need to develop the 11 basic ‘meta’ skills every man needs to truly thrive in this world… but for now:

Why AI matters:

1. Get More Done Faster: We think at about 400 to 1,000 words per minute, but we can only type at 40 to 60 words per minute. Talking is faster, about 120 to 150 words per minute, but it’s still not as fast as thinking. AI helps bridge this gap. With tools like SuperWhisper voice-to-text, you can turn your thoughts into actions almost instantly.
2. Save Time on Small Tasks: AI can handle boring tasks for you. For example, I spoke this memo out loud, and AI turned it into text that’s ready to share. This means I can spend more time on the things that really matter.
3. Speed of Growth: The world is changing quickly. If you don’t keep up, you’ll fall behind. Learning new tools, like AI, isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary. AI gives you an edge and helps you stay ahead of the curve. My ability to learn new topics, skills, strategies, etc. has continued to speed up with the use of AI
4. Idea Machine: This was one of the first ways I began using it, as an ideation machine. The fact you can ask it: “Give me 100 ways to do X” or “Give me 50 ideas for my next video Y” is insane. Whatever you’re thinking about, AI can help multiple your ideas in as many variations as you desire

So if you’ve been wondering… where do I start? The answer is: anywhere. There’s nothing off limits with AI, that’s the beautiful thing about it. The limits are what you can think about. However, I have some initial steps I’d encourage if you wanted to dive in.

How to Start Using AI

1. Use It Every Day: Start with simple tools like ChatGPT. Instead of Googling questions, try asking AI. For example, if you’re planning your day, ask AI for workout ideas that fit your schedule. Or, if you’re stuck on a work problem, ask AI for step-by-step solutions. Building this habit will help you see how powerful AI can be.
2. Personalize your AI: Jokingly I’ve named my AI, Dexter.. but that’s not quite what I mean when I say personalize.. What I did was record an audio message giving as much detail about my current life situation as possible. This includes my what my business is, what we offer, who we target, the current status my business, My relationship status, my personality type from Myers Briggs, and more. Basically the more data you can give your AI on you, the more attuned it can become to give better and more useful insights when you interact with it ongoing.
3. Collab on a Project: Pick a project you have in your life or make one up and try to use AI as much as possible to help you through the project… This is my favourite way to learn anything new is through doing, specifically with a clearly defined project.
4. Learn Faster: One of my favorite ways to use AI is with books. Upload a PDF of a book, and AI can summarize it or help you dive deeper into its key ideas. For example:
   • Talk to the Author: If an author has written multiple books, you can upload them all into AI and ask questions as if you’re speaking to the author directly.
   • Compare Ideas: Find 3-5 books on the same topic, upload them to AI, and see how the ideas overlap. This helps you get the best insights quickly.
5. Speak Instead of Typing: Typing slows you down. Use voice-to-text tools to take notes, write emails, or even create documents. Combine this with AI to organize your thoughts and make them clearer. The tool I’ve been loving is SuperWhisper
6. Automate Tasks: AI can help with things like summarizing meetings, creating emails, or analyzing data. For example, if you run weekly team meetings, AI can transcribe the discussion and create a to-do list for everyone. This saves time and makes it easier to focus on bigger goals. At the time of this writing OpenAI (owners of ChatGPT) are beta launching Operators, which will allow you to start tasking AI to literally go into the internet and do tasks for you… like order groceries on Instacart based on a list you give it, Re-order your supplement stack, or even reserve a table at your favourite restaurant
7. Writing assistant: AI can elevate your work to a professional level or simplify it if needed. You can ask AI to rewrite, clarify, or expand your text, making it a powerful tool when used effectively. I hardly write my own emails front to back now without AI.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore AI

I’ve seen people avoid learning about technology because they think it’s not for them. But ignoring AI means missing out on a huge opportunity. Since I started using AI, my ability to turn ideas into action has improved. I get more done, and I feel more motivated. AI doesn’t just save time; it opens up new possibilities and helps you reach your full potential.

This is why I’m so excited about AI. It’s not just a tool; it’s a way to break through limits and become the best version of yourself. If you want to lead and succeed, now is the time to embrace it. Although I’m just scratching the surface here what’s possible on how to use AI, hopefully this is enough to enter into using AI.

Here’s my challenge for you: Start using AI today. Take small steps, and keep going. Use it to think faster, work smarter, and build something incredible. The future belongs to those who adapt.

If you want to go even deeper, join the waitlist for my AI Workshop inside AboveMen Academy. I’ll show you exactly how I’m using AI to get more done, solve problems, and grow. I’ll also be bringing in some competent peers to share how they’re using it as well. Together, we’ll explore how to make AI work for you.

Sign up for the Waitlist here.

Let’s take this step together and make the most of this amazing tool. Let’s make men smart again.

—Cam Russelle, Your Big Brother.