What AI and Algorithms Can Teach Us About Personal Growth

Artificial intelligence has mastered the art of continuous learning, and we, as humans, can take a lesson from this approach. What if we applied that same zest for learning to our personal development? Large language models (LLM) continuously improve through specific algorithms and feedback strategies, and we can adopt these principles to expand beyond our normal thought patterns into uncharted territory. Whether we use AI as a learning tool or mimic its thirst for knowledge, there is a huge opportunity for growth in how we think, learn, and evolve.

To Begin, Embrace Continual Learning

Generative AI relies on diverse information and data, and we should, too. Looking at how AI tools and LLMs improve, it is almost always through continuous learning. The true secret to their learning is that they are not focused on one specific discipline or area of research. This approach exposes their “thought processes” to various topics and opens the immense potential to connect seemingly divergent information into new ideas. Complex problems are being solved today by people connecting ideas previously thought to be completely independent and separate. This should inspire you to explore beyond your expertise or interests, looking at books, media, and articles spanning various disciplines and focuses. The cross-pollination of ideas always leads to bigger blooms—that is why you see Nobel Prizes given to computer scientists for groundbreaking discoveries in physics—cross-disciplinary expertise can approach problems from unique angles, leading to fascinating results.  

Approach Problem Solving Like an LLM  

There is something inspiring about an AI’s determination to always provide an answer. Without fail, it will pull from its knowledge base to find the best response possible, even if imperfect. This is its algorithm at work, but it’s a great approach to adopt. AI is essentially pulling in all of its acquired knowledge and looking for a pattern and a throughline to a logical semblance of an answer. It’s not perfect, but it’s a jumping-off point that can snowball into a much more robust solution or answer with time and variation in research. In essence, don’t shy away from the difficult questions. Tap into your existing knowledge as a starting point and apply what you know to the situation. You never know what might stick. Not only does this help expand your understanding of both the problem and where your knowledge is helpful, but it also builds confidence. Getting “reps” with challenging questions is a great way to build resilience. 

Don’t Discount the Power of Contrarian Thinking 

One caveat is that AIs tend to lean towards agreeing. Something that people don’t do as frequently as they should is ask questions like, how am I wrong? Most people are looking for affirmations of their beliefs and ideas when they’re solving a problem, with or without AI. I encourage you to do your due diligence and look for opposing viewpoints. And to make this caveat even more “Inception-y,” AI tools are a goldmine for opposing viewpoints; you just have to prompt it.  Ask contrarian questions like: Where could I be wrong?  What are the opposing views? What assumptions am I making? You’ll get exponentially more insight and discover entirely new avenues to explore that you never would have considered otherwise.

Build the Foundation, Then Expand 

AI teaches us a systematic approach to learning and growing our knowledge base, and these principles can be applied to how we humans approach learning, with or without AI involved. First, build your foundation. Just as AI needs to train on diverse subject matters, you need a solid knowledge base before you can effectively leverage tools or shortcuts. Lazy people will continue to be lazy, but if you don’t slack on the foundations, the fun part comes when you can take all that knowledge and explore endless variations of possibility beyond your initial expertise.

From there, use tools strategically. Think of AI like a calculator. We all had to learn long division by hand, but once we mastered that knowledge, we could use the calculator as a shortcut to get answers quicker while still maintaining the knowledge of the underlying principles. This frees up mental space to expand beyond basic problems and into new territory. 

Whether you’re learning something completely new or using AI to accelerate your research, apply continuous learning, question assumptions, and build on your foundation of knowledge. One approach teaches you how to think like the most advanced learning systems in the world. The other gives you a powerful tool to amplify that thinking.

Use the approach and the tools wisely and watch your life expand in ways you never imagined.