I have been doing some training recently on how to use AI more effectively.
And I know there’s a love/hate relationship out there towards AI, I get it. But I more think of using it like using a calculator – true I could do the math on paper and probably get a relatively accurate answer and it would only take as long as it would take. On the other hand, I could punch the same numbers in a calculator and instantly get an answer and move on to more pressing things. And that’s how I look at AI – it is a useful tool, not a brain replacement.
Interestingly, the training discusses the importance of giving thorough, detailed instructions in order to get super customized results. If you only give generic instructions you’ll only get generic results. What you get back is largely based on what you put in.
And it hit me how true this is in life. Think about it, the principles are there – what you put in to your work, relationships, church, efforts, etc, is directly linked to what you get out. You half-heartedly do anything and odds are very high that it will fizzle and not work out. But when you take the time to care and invest, understand what you are working towards, apply effort and get excited, the results are almost guaranteed far better!
Real Life Application
I remember learning this idea about prayer and I believe I’ve shared it before. Casual prayers get casual answers. But heartfelt, deep and soul-searching prayers get incredible and obvious answers. We get back what we put in – but on a much higher scale.
And aren’t relationships like this too? You don’t end up with a deep, close relationship without putting in the effort, learning details and investing time. This of course adds up and makes sense! Scripture says that all we do should be done as unto the Lord – which to me indicates thoroughly, thoughtfully, and intentionally.
It is funny to me how far I can take simple business trainings. The class can simply be teaching me to use tools more effectively and I can take it so much further than that. I can see the real life instances of how this applies on so many levels – personal, relational, spiritual, physical, etc.
It is such a good reminder to me to be more intentional in what I do. Life can get chaotic and in response I get reactive, dealing with the urgent and putting out proverbial fires. But how much better would it be to pause and breathe, to give careful thought to what is before me and ahead. How much better could I honor God and serve others?
The Principles Are There
Seeing this parallel tells me that this training is valid and useful. It is a principle that I can take across the roles I fill as daughter, business owner, sister, employee, etc. I find this exciting and inspiring! Yes, it requires work and time, but what better way to spend it than working to figure out how to better serve God and others where He has you?!
As we have a much needed lull this January following the busyness of the holidays, let’s all reevaluate how God is leading and what He has ahead for us. Slow down and get quiet, pray and ponder. God has an amazing way of leading us when we seek Him.
Consider writing out all your jumbled, random thoughts. Group them together – such as work-related, home-related, attitude-related, etc. And then consider how you might expound on these seemingly random ideas. The principles apply the same as with the training I’m in the middle of – specificity of goals and needs will help take you further than just reactive living. If you want different results you need to do something different.
Start With Prayer
It can be easy to give up on anything before you even start – unless you are faithful to start all things with prayer. Ask God where He would have you begin, thank Him for guiding your path, ask Him to bring clarity and direction to your mind. And then begin to unpack the thoughts He brings to mind. True you may end up crossing some off, but it is all a process. If you want to step into a new chapter in life, it’s time to do some new things.
I can’t think of a more exciting way to start the year than with a fresh perspective and a newfound enthusiasm to step more boldly into where God is leading. True, there will be hiccups along the way. But I think a great way to evaluate progress will be to measure how much we are investing into whatever the role we are struggling with. Reactive, shallow efforts will only yield shallow results. Let’s change the perspective, apply more focused principles, and better lean into where God is leading!
Until Next Time!
Hope.