If you can remember programming a VCR or dialling a rotary phone, you’re probably not part of the ‘AI-native’ generation. And this message is for you.
Artificial intelligence is fast becoming part of everyday life and work. Whether it’s writing, research, or repetitive admin tasks, AI is showing up in more places by the day. Unless you’re retiring tomorrow, you’re likely going to need some comfort around these tools. Even if you’re not a fan.
Why start now?
Like any new technology, it takes a bit of time to learn how to use it. The best way to make that easier is to dip your toes in early, like now – before it feels overwhelming.
Way back when, we had to teach our elders how to use Google. “OK Mum, let’s see what Barry Manilow is up to.” “Hey Grandad, look what I found on Google about Spitfires!”.
It’s the same with AI. Find something small and useful that sparks your interest, and let that be your starting point. Maybe it’s blabbering away for 5 minutes with an idea and asking it to clean it up into a concise note, or creating an itinerary for an upcoming trip, or summarising a long article you really don’t want to read. (not this article!)
Once you see that AI could be useful and will save you time and effort, you may want to see what else it can handle.
What holds people back?
For many, it’s all overwhelming. There’s so much jargon, so many options and too much noise. It’s hard to know where to begin. Add to that some scare stories about how dangerous it all is, and it’s easy to avoid trying altogether.
But here’s the truth: it’s worth giving it a go. Just to see. All you need is a safe place to experiment, where no one will giggle at your questions and you can explore at your own pace.
A calm space to explore
That’s why we offer patient, personalised AI coaching (click here). We help people find their first steps with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot – without jargon, without judgment, and with real-life examples that make sense to you.
AI is very much here to stay. You don’t have to use it, but down the road, you may be glad that you’d got started earlier. So jump in, start now, and let your curiosity lead the way.
By the way, Barry Manilow is still alive. Can you believe it?
