✨ the SPARK 239 ~There's No Such Thing as Being "Behind" in AI (And Why That's Actually Liberating)
The pace of change isn't slowing down—but that doesn't mean you need to speed up
I was on a Zoom call with some friends this week, and we got into a conversation about how exhausting it can feel to keep up with AI right now. Every week there's a new model, a better tool, another breakthrough that makes last month's "revolutionary" solution look outdated.
Sometimes it feels like as soon as I’m close to having one thing mastered, there's something new I'm supposed to be learning.
And I realized... we've been thinking about this all wrong.
The Myth of "Keeping Up"
Here's what I've come to understand after months of building (and breaking, lol) with AI, testing tools, and watching this space evolve: There is no finish line where you're "caught up" with AI.
The moment you master ChatGPT prompts, Claude gets an update. The day you figure out the perfect automation workflow, three new agent platforms launch. You finally get comfortable with image generation, and suddenly everyone's talking about a new video model.
This isn't a bug in the system—it's the entire point.
AI is evolving faster than any technology we've ever seen, and it's not going to slow down for us to catch our breath.
But here's the liberating part: that means there's also no such thing as being behind.
Just-in-Time Tools: A Better Way to Think About AI
Instead of trying to master everything, what if we approached AI tools the same way we approach learning anything else in our business…when we actually need them?
I get the irony of me suggesting ‘when we need them’ - considering I share new tools every week - and I love checking out new tools and experimenting with them, but I don’t spend a lot of time on something I don’t need right now.
A perfect example?
AI agents.
While I would love to have some amazing agents running my business in the background, I don't necessarily need them yet. I'm focused on getting my apps built and optimizing my website. Once I have those foundational pieces in place, then I'll be ready to look at agents.
And you know what? That totally works for me.
This is what I call "just-in-time tools"—learning and implementing AI solutions when they actually solve a problem you're facing right now, not because everyone's talking about them.
Step Back from the Noise
The hype never stops.
There will always be a new model, a better prompt technique, or a more advanced automation platform. If we tried to keep up with everything, we'd never actually get anything done.
Instead, I think we need to step back from the noise and ask ourselves three questions:
1. Where are my strengths? What do you naturally gravitate toward? If you love writing, focus on AI writing tools. If you're visual, explore image generation. If you're analytical, dive into data tools. Don't force yourself to master areas that don't align with your brain's natural functioning.
2. What do I actually enjoy doing? Some people will never have any desire to build apps like I do with "vibe coding." Some people may never want to set up complex automations. Others might have zero interest in using AI for imagery or social media content. And that's completely okay. There's no rule that says you have to use AI for everything.
3. What's the one problem that would really shift my business if it were solved? Maybe you need more time in your day. Maybe you want to automate your social media posting. Maybe you get stuck on ideas and need help with ideation and writing. Maybe you're drowning in admin work and need better systems.
✔️ Pick one.
✔️ Focus there.
✔️ Master that use case.
✔️ Ignore everything else until that problem is solved.
Your Experience Is Your Superpower
If you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you have something younger people don't: perspective. You've seen enough technology cycles to distinguish between what's sustainable and what's just hype. You know what actually moves the needle versus busy work, and you've developed the confidence to trust your instincts over expert advice du jour.
Use that wisdom. Don't let AI's rapid pace make you feel like you're starting over—you're an experienced professional learning to leverage new tools, not a beginner.
Not to mention… most of us didn’t grow up with computers (the way kids today do). Think about all the tech you’ve already learned.
AI is no different (I’d go so far as to say it’s easier).
My mantra when I was learning WordPress was, “If I can put together IKEA furniture, I can figure out WordPress.” 😉
Progress and Implementation Over Perfection
Just try it.
There’s probably a YouTube video available for whatever you want to learn or understand. The tech and tools come out so fast, and there are YouTubers whose entire channel is dedicated to producing videos about this daily (it’s a little exhausting watching them. Oh, to be in your 20s 😂).
You may end up like me, where I’m now learning the basics of setting up good production and guardrails for developing with vibe coding tools (i.e., going a little backwards, but that’s okay).
It might delay things a bit, but I want to do it right.
What matters is that I started.
My call to action for you today is simply to try it.
Get started.
SPARK Spotlight 🔥
When I’m ready to start testing/playing with Agents, this will be on the list to test.
Build Zapier-style automations using only a chat interface. AI adds connectors, configures logic, and handles errors.
A Little Brainpower 🧠
This is a BIG deal for the new AI browsers. “Google keeps Chrome and Apple deal but must share data in big antitrust ruling.”
If you’re stepping into vibe coding, this will save you lots of headaches. “How to Make Vibe Coding Production-Ready (Without Losing Your Mind),” by
for .Collaborative training is a new term for me. “Get Indexed by AI Tools Through an AI Party,” by
.Tool Time ⚒️
It feels like Google has been secretly working away on all of their AI tools, and all of a sudden, they’re releasing a new one every day! (Or maybe I’ve just not been paying attention).
While I’ve known of Google AI Studio for a while, I hadn’t done much with it. Google AI Studio is a web-based tool for developers and creators to quickly prototype applications and craft prompts using Google's powerful generative AI models. Try Google AI studio here.
And… um, helloooo… Google has a video creation/editor tool? Google Vids is an AI-powered video creation app within Google Workspace that helps you easily script, produce, and edit compelling videos for work. Try Google Vids here.
*That was done with Gemini and was supposed to be a Pixar-style, 3D video, but oh well. Side note: I added the Pixar-style, 3D note later in the prompt, as opposed to at the beginning. Might have to test that some more.
Agents: Launch agentic workflows in an open-source, user-friendly environment. Create workflows with the tools you already use. Use Sim.ai free here.
AI Bookkeeping: This finds, extracts, and categorizes receipts and invoices from your inbox, then creates accountant-ready reports or forwards them to other systems. Try Receiptor AI free here.
AI Diagrams: An AI-powered diagram editor that supports various diagram types, including flowcharts and mind maps. Use Bhava app for free here.
Vibe coding: Of course, I have another one, lol. But this one offers features such as full-stack builds, continuous QA, and enterprise-grade security. Try Lindy Build free here.
HAHA… The most I’ve bought my dog is a sweater (aside from toys).
This cracked me up 🤣
I can feel summer winding down—the days are getting shorter, and honestly? I'm here for it.
There's something about fall that makes me want to hunker down with cozy projects, light a pumpkin spice candle (don't judge), and finish the things I’ve been working on.
The cooler weather and earlier sunsets create the perfect excuse to stay inside and experiment with new tools, rather than feeling guilty about not being outdoors (just me? 🤔).
Speaking of experimenting, this is actually the perfect time to mess around with some AI tools without the pressure of summer productivity. Pick one thing that's been bugging you, find a tool that might help, and just play with it.
Worst-case scenario? You learn something new while the leaves are changing.
Best case? You solve a problem and have more time for all those cozy fall activities calling your name.
With coffee & kindness,
Kim
Thanks so much for including Jenny's story in this post!!!
This is a attitude to have about AI. The other benefit of just waiting a bit on the stuff that's not a needle mover for you at the present moment, is that it will likely be more powerful and easier to use in a few months anyway.