Thrive in AI by being "behind?"

I was scared, nay, terrified when AI started rolling out a couple of years ago. I knew I couldn't "keep up." I was unable to keep pace and saw myself falling behind. 🥹 

It’s only getting faster.

The Common Response

Consulting founders, there is a standard cocktail of emotions expressed about today's business landscape and the daily disruption of AI: anxiety, worry, and some panic.

This is common:

“If you don’t give your soul to AI, you’ll fall behind.” Or something like that.
Then the following question:

“How do I keep up with all the changes?”

The Fundamental Shift

You don't need to "keep up.”

The scarcity mindset tells us: "Fall behind = become irrelevant = failure." This narrative is powerful but fundamentally flawed.

The Overlooked Truth:

Billions of people have problems that you + AI can solve. Countless industries contain underserved segments that will remain underserved for years.

The problem isn't and won't be opportunity—it's attention to spot the gaps.

How do we SEE the opportunity to adjust and leverage the whirl of changes?

Your Action Framework

My friends, pay attention, ask questions, and start with what's already in front of you:

Start with these questions, which are internal and external frames.

Internal Focus (Your Business)

1. What specific problems are you struggling with right now?

2. Which of these problems could AI help you solve more effectively?

3. What expertise do you have that AI cannot replicate?

External Focus (Market Opportunities)

1. What problems do you observe in your network that remain unsolved?

2. Which segments in your industry receive the least attention?

3. Where do you see friction that could be reduced with the right solution?

These aren't questions you only ask once; instead, you keep them in the back of your mind as you're moving through life and business, and with those inputs, an idea will spark that could alter your future.

I'm currently with some consulting clients in “boring” industries and seeing a lot of opportunity to serve underserved groups.

Thriving when feeling “behind” also requires a mindset shift.

Here's the following mindset you need to have...

Building Adaptability

Pressure is good. Change is good. Struggle is good. When we allow these forces to bend us, they produce an enduring strength that will enable us to withstand any market changes we might be afraid of. It doesn't mean there won't be pain and hardship. How we thrive is shifting our perspective. Finding the value in pain and pressure is what creates resiliency.

To thrive in constant change, develop:

1. An adaptive mindset that views disruption as an opportunity

2. Resilient business processes that can flex with industry shifts

3. A focused attention practice to identify gaps others miss
   
   Bonus: 4. See change, pressure, struggle, and suffering as valuable.

Opportunity is all around. Don't be afraid. Lean in, be curious, have fun, and serve people well.

If you’re behind, see that as space to see what other people are seeing. Those concerned with “catching up” will miss the small opportunities that might be big pivots for you or those you help.

That’s it for this week.

C