🧠 How to finally get started with AI

Hey there,

You've seen what AI can do and you know you should be using it more.

But something's holding you back.

At The Rundown, we’ve discovered that everyone's AI journey moves through three distinct phases. 

Understanding which phase you’re in – and what to do next – is the key to making the most of AI.

Phase 1: Excitement

Signs You're In This Phase

Every time you’ve used ChatGPT, you’ve been impressed with what it could do. Now you’re excited by the possibilities, your mind is full of ideas, and every mundane task looks like an opportunity for automation.

What That Says About You

You spot opportunities while others stick to old methods. Your ability to see potential in new technology puts you ahead of 90% of professionals who are still unsure about AI. You’ve got the forward-thinking mindset that will help you thrive in the AI age.

The Cost of Just Staying Excited

While you're picturing possibilities, some of your peers are already transforming their work. Every week you spend in the excitement phase, the gap between you widens and, if you can’t turn excitement into results, you’re at risk of losing interest completely.

Your Next Steps

Stop imagining possibilities and start creating results:

1. Map out where AI can fit into your daily work 

Instead of chasing new possibilities, you’ll make more progress improving what you already do. Understanding your current workflow focuses your energy on immediate opportunities instead of theoretical use cases.

2. Learn the prompt formula that works with any AI tool 

Random experiments lead to random results. A proven prompt framework gives you consistent success across any AI tool, turning your excitement into reliable output.

3. Build your first automated workflow 

Real productivity comes from reliable, repeatable processes. Creating your first automation proves the value of AI in your work and sets you up for bigger transformations.

Phase 2: Overwhelm

Signs You're In This Phase

Your browser is cluttered with AI bookmarks and you've signed up for multiple tools (but barely used them). Every day you hear about another must-try platform, but you're stuck comparing features instead of implementing solutions.

What That Says About You

You're naturally curious and drawn to explore every possibility. While others might stick to basics, you want to understand the whole picture. This drive to learn is valuable – but without focus, you'll stay trapped in research mode instead of taking action.

The Cost of Remaining Overwhelmed

The time you spend comparing tools is time your peers spend building real expertise. They're automating entire workflows while you're stuck bookmarking tutorials. Each day in research mode puts you further behind those who are already implementing and improving.

Your Next Steps

Go from endless research to valuable implementation:

1. Master one essential chatbot (instead of trying them all)

Tool overwhelm comes from comparing options instead of building expertise. As you’re getting started, deep knowledge of one core tool is worth more than surface knowledge of dozens.

2. Learn advanced prompting techniques

Instead of switching tools when you hit limitations, advanced techniques help you get more from the tools you already have and break the endless cycle of searching for the next shiny object.

3. Create your own custom AI assistant 

Customization will take you further than constantly tinkering with new tools. By personalizing one AI assistant to your needs, you’ll be able to cut through the noise of competing options.

Phase 3: Paralysis

Signs You're In This Phase

You understand AI's importance, you've read the guides, and you know it could transform your work. But you're still doing everything manually and telling yourself you'll "figure it out soon."

What That Says About You

You take your time with new technology and like to see clear proof before making changes. While others rush into trends, you prefer to know something works. Even though this careful approach makes sense, in the world of AI, waiting too long means falling behind.

The Cost of Being Paralysed

Tasks that could take minutes are still taking up hours of your day. Your competitors are building AI-powered workflows while you're stuck in manual processes that become harder to change with each passing week. The skills gap between you and other professionals is compounding, and the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to start.

Your Next Steps

Break through inaction with visible wins:

1. Start with one ‘easy’ task that can't fail

Analysis paralysis ends when you’re able to see results. Starting with a guaranteed success builds the confidence needed for bigger changes.

2. Transform how you research and write 

Research and writing are universal tasks with clear metrics. Seeing AI cut these times in half provides the proof needed to overcome hesitation in other areas.

3. Create simple automations that can grow with you 

Starting small removes the pressure of perfect implementation. Each small automation builds confidence for the next and creates enough momentum to stop you standing still.

Whether you're:

• Full of ideas but lacking clear direction

• Overwhelmed by all the options but needing to focus

• Ready to start but unsure how

We've definitely got you covered.

Our AI Starter Kit meets you exactly where you are and helps you make progress on the next steps that are specific to the phase you’re in.

In less than 30 minutes, you'll learn (or brush up on) the basics, then you’ll explore actionable, practical use cases that are just 5 minutes long on average, like:

• Automating email drafts with Zapier

• Mimicking your writing style with ChatGPT

• Turning Youtube videos into AI podcasts

• Creating AI images with Midjourney

No more waiting for the "right time."

No more watching others pull ahead.

No more doing things the manual way.

Within a few short hours, and after a quick exam, you’ll be AI Tools Certified — ready to get real results with AI.

Get immediate access to the complete AI Starter Kit, plus our growing library of workshops and daily tutorials, with a 14-day trial to the AI University.

Stay curious,

Rowan & The Rundown Team

P.S. Our AI Starter Kit provides you with everything you need to make AI work for you. Dive into the full course by unlocking a 14-day trial to The Rundown AI University here.