The “Two-Minute Rule” just got a massive upgrade

I’ve been a loyal fan of David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) for years. In fact, I make it a ritual to re-read the book every few years to reset my productivity baseline.

The most sticky habit I picked up? The Two-Minute Rule. The concept is simple: If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Don’t file it. Don’t schedule it. Just do it.

It’s the secret behind my responsiveness. I clear the small stuff instantly to keep my mental deck clear.

But GenAI has redefined what is possible in “Two Minutes.” We’ve moved from simple maintenance to strategic output:

  • Then: Sending a quick “Yes/No” reply or forwarding a file.
  • Now: Drafting a comprehensive email, summarizing a 20-page report, or brainstorming strategic angles for a deck.

The rule remains, but the ROI has skyrocketed. We aren’t just clearing administrative clutter anymore; we are clearing strategic hurdles in the time it takes to brew a coffee.

How are you using AI to expand your two-minute window?

#Productivity #GTD #GenerativeAI #FutureOfWork #Efficiency

AI Is Our Amplified Intelligence

In today’s fast-paced world, the conversation around artificial intelligence often centers on the idea of displacement. However, that perspective misses a crucial point. AI isn’t here to replace us; it’s here to amplify us.

Think of it as a powerful new tool in our toolbox. Just as the invention of the calculator allowed us to perform complex math faster and more accurately, AI tools enable us to be more productive, creative, and strategic. They can handle the repetitive, data-heavy tasks, freeing up our time and energy to focus on what humans do best: critical thinking, innovation, and building relationships.

The real key to success in this new era isn’t a battle of human versus machine. Instead, it’s about learning how to work with AI. We must all become proficient in understanding its capabilities and limitations, discerning when and how to use it, and knowing how to evaluate the quality of its output. The ability to use AI as a partner will be a fundamental skill, one that empowers us to do our jobs faster, smarter, and better than ever before.

AI is our 🌟Amplified Intelligence 🌟

What are your thoughts? How have you seen AI amplify human potential in your field?

Knowing What To Learn

In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning is essential. I’ve shared my views of “Just-in-time” learning (getting information exactly when you need it) and “Micro-learning” (short, digestible bursts of content) previously. Both are powerful, optimizing efficiency and retention by delivering targeted information in manageable formats.

However, in a world overflowing with information, the biggest challenge isn’t accessing knowledge, but about which knowledge is most valuable. This is where the “Learning Landscape” comes into play – being strategic and intentional about your learning journey. Simply reacting to immediate needs or consuming bite-sized content without a broader strategy can lead to fragmented knowledge and missed opportunities.

Why is knowing what to learn so important?

✅ Strategic Growth: It aligns your learning with long-term career goals.
✅ Relevance: It helps you focus on in-demand skills.
✅ Efficiency: It prevents wasted time on irrelevant learning.
✅ Adaptability: It equips you to anticipate future trends.

Tips for deciding what to learn:

1️⃣ Self-Assessment & Reflection: Understand your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and career aspirations. Where do you want to be in 1, 3, or 5 years?
2️⃣ Market Research & Trend Analysis: Analyze job descriptions, follow industry thought leaders, read reports, and network. What skills are consistently in demand or emerging?
3️⃣ Gap Analysis: Compare your current skills with those needed for your desired future. Prioritize learning to bridge these gaps.
4️⃣ Experiment and Iterate: Don’t be afraid to explore new areas briefly to see if they fit. Re-evaluate your learning path regularly.
Tools to Help You Decide What to Learn:
5️⃣ Skills Gap Analysis Tools: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and edX can identify skill gaps.
6️⃣ Career Roadmapping Tools: Some services help visualize career paths and necessary skills.
7️⃣ Online Course Catalogs: Browse popular courses to see trending skills.
8️⃣ Industry Publications & Forums: Stay updated on discussions from professionals in your field.
9️⃣ Mentors and Coaches: Their experience provides invaluable guidance.

The modern learning landscape is dynamic. By combining just-in-time and microlearning with a deliberate approach to identifying what to learn, we can ensure our growth is truly transformative.

What’s your take?

Unlock Your Micro-Learning Superpower for the AI Era

A month ago, I discussed Just-in-Time learning in our AI-driven world. Now, let’s talk about the superpower you need to truly thrive!

The pace of AI innovation is dizzying. With new breakthroughs daily, the gap between innovation and understanding is widening, leaving many overwhelmed. How do we keep up?

The answer is Micro-Learning.

Instead of trying to absorb massive amounts of information, leverage those fleeting moments throughout your day:

1️⃣ 5-minute coffee break? Watch a short explainer video on a new AI concept.

2️⃣ Waiting for a meeting? Read a quick article on the latest industry trends.

3️⃣ Commuting? Listen to a podcast segment on AI’s ethical implications.

These aren’t just “extra” moments; they’re opportunities for continuous, bite-sized learning. The power lies in how you learn. By integrating small, consistent learning moments, you can:

✅ Stay agile and adaptable: Keep pace without feeling overwhelmed.

✅ Build knowledge incrementally: Small pieces add up to comprehensive understanding.

✅ Reduce cognitive overload: Focus on one concept at a time for effective learning.

Our ability to continuously learn and evolve is key to thriving in the AI era. Let’s embrace micro-learning!

What are your favorite ways to sneak in micro-learning moments? Share your tips below!

Learning in the Age of AI: Forget Foresight, Think Just-in-Time

Alvin Toffler’s words ring louder than ever: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

In our rapidly evolving #AI driven world, the traditional approach of learning today for the world of tomorrow (3-5 years out) feels increasingly outdated. By the time we’ve planned and acquired those skills, the landscape has often shifted dramatically.

The real challenge isn’t just what to learn, but how and when. This is where I think Just-in-Time Learning becomes paramount.

Instead of stocking up on knowledge we might need in the future, we need to master the skill of acquiring precisely what we do need, at the moment we need it, for the specific task or challenge before us.

Just-in-Time Learning is about building agility – the ability to quickly identify a knowledge gap, find reliable resources, process information efficiently, and apply it effectively to solve problems presented by AI’s rapid advancements.

This means cultivating adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and comfort with continuous, on-demand learning.

Embracing Just-in-Time Learning is key to staying relevant and impactful. It’s less about predicting the future skillset and more about building the capacity to adapt to it instantly.

How are you shifting your learning strategy to thrive in the age of AI?

#FutureOfWork #Innovation