Become the Key AI Builder

Spend 30% of your time playing

Author

Ajay Prakash
March 13, 2025

Scared of AI? Spend 30% of Your Time Playing with It (and Change Your Career)

Here’s the thing: If AI makes you nervous, you’re not alone. It's moving fast, it's changing how we work, and it's easy to feel like you're falling behind. But here's a mindset shift that changed my career: Instead of fearing AI, I started playing with it.

And it made all the difference.

I dedicated about 30% of my time to tinkering with AI tools, building small automations, and supporting AI-driven projects. Fast forward to today, and I'm often seen as the "AI & Automation person" in any room I walk into. It’s one of the biggest reasons I'm so hirable.

Why 30%?

It’s enough time to:

  • Stay Curious: You’ll start seeing patterns, opportunities, and problems AI can solve.

  • Build Real Stuff: Whether it's automating small tasks or creating helpful workflows, you'll start developing practical skills.

  • Get Noticed: When people see you solving problems with AI, they’ll come to you with more challenges. And that’s how you become invaluable.

How to Start Playing with AI (Even If You're a Total Beginner)

  1. Automate One Tiny Task: Is there something in your job that feels repetitive? Automate it. Maybe it’s sorting emails, summarizing meeting notes, or scheduling posts. Pick a simple tool like Zapier or ChatGPT and experiment.

  2. Join AI Communities: Surround yourself with curious builders. Reddit, Discord groups, or even local meetups can spark new ideas and help you learn faster.

  3. Tinker Weekly: Block 1-2 hours a week just to play. No expectations. Just mess around, test tools, and learn what’s possible.

  4. Share What You Build: Post on LinkedIn or share with your team. You’ll be surprised how quickly people start seeing you as the go-to person for AI insights.

Why This Makes You Instantly More Hirable

Because here’s the secret: Most people are still avoiding AI. They're waiting for instructions or for someone else to figure it out first. But companies are desperate for people who can bridge that gap—those who take initiative and find smart, automated solutions.

When you become the person who knows how to leverage AI, you’re not just keeping up. You’re leading.

And the best part? You don't have to be an AI engineer. Just being the person who asks, "Could AI help with this?" and then prototypes a solution makes you incredibly valuable.

The Bottom Line

If you're scared of AI, don’t run from it. Lean in. Spend 30% of your time playing with it, and you'll not only stop fearing the future—you’ll shape it.

So, what’s the first tiny task you can automate this week?

Until next time,

Ajay