Chapter 166: Skills Up!

Soak up the sun and some new skills with AI as your study buddy

Hey friends—Nik here 👋

We’re deep into summer now, and while I’m all about beach days and iced everything, there’s something kind of magical about using this season to grow. Summer doesn’t just have to be a break—it can be a reset. A chance to finally learn that thing you’ve been putting off because "life." And the best part? You don’t have to go it alone.

AI makes it ridiculously easy (and honestly, kind of fun) to pick up new skills, whether it’s brushing up on your Spanish, getting into coding, or finally figuring out what Excel pivot tables are. So let’s talk about how to use AI to make learning feel less like school and more like a glow-up.

Why Summer Learning Just Hits Different

Summer learning has main character energy. The pressure’s off. You’re not being graded. And there’s this underlying vibe of possibility—long days, clearer calendars, and room to breathe. It’s the perfect time to explore something new without the stress of deadlines.

But let’s be real: attention spans are fried, schedules are weird, and staying motivated can be a challenge. That’s where AI can step in to help you learn smarter, not harder—breaking things into bite-sized lessons, building you custom study plans, and keeping you on track even when your brain is halfway to vacation mode.

Tools You Can Use

Here are some AI-powered platforms I love for summer skill-building:

• ​Duolingo + Duolingo Max: Learn a new language with fun gamified lessons (Max adds AI tutoring support).
• ​Coursera + AI Summary: Explore free or paid courses and use ChatGPT to summarize or quiz you on key lessons.
• ​Khan Academy with Khanmigo: An AI tutor built into Khan’s platform for guided learning.
• ​Codeium: Your free AI coding assistant—great for beginners dabbling in programming.
• ​ChatGPT: Build personalized learning plans, get quick explanations, or even roleplay practice conversations in your topic of choice.

Midweek Vibes Check

Since it’s Workflow Wednesday, I challenge you to carve out just 30 minutes today to explore something new. Start small. Ask ChatGPT, “What’s one skill I could learn in the next 30 days that might help my career or side hustle?” Let it suggest a few, then see what sparks your interest.

The goal isn’t to master something overnight—it’s to build momentum. Summer energy is about playful progress. You’re allowed to be curious and chill.

YOU + AI: The Learning Glow-Up

You: “I keep saying I want to learn new stuff this summer, but I just get overwhelmed by where to even start.”

AI: “Totally get it. Let’s make it simple. Want me to list a few skills based on your interests or career goals?”
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​You: “Sure. I’m into design, but I also want to start a small business someday.”
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AI: “Love that. How about learning Canva for visual branding, or the basics of digital marketing? I can even build you a learning plan with weekly goals.”
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You: “That’d be awesome. But I also don’t want it to eat up all my free time.”
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AI: “Fair. We’ll go light—maybe 2–3 short sessions a week. I’ll also throw in some recap prompts so you can learn even if you’re just scrolling on your phone.”
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You: “Alright, let’s try it. Summer glow-up mode: activated.”
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AI: “Let’s gooo.”

You Got This

This summer, don’t stress about becoming a whole new person. Just commit to becoming a curious version of yourself. AI isn’t here to pressure you—it’s here to support you. Whether you’re building your next skill or just dipping your toes into something new, you’ve got a cheerleader and co-pilot right here. Lean in, try something bold, and make this summer your most intentional one yet.

What About You?​
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Got a skill you’ve been eyeing all year but haven’t started yet? Or maybe you’re mid-course and need a nudge? I’d love to hear what you’re working on—or help you build a personalized summer learning plan. Reply back. Let’s make this your smartest summer yet 🌿

Have a great rest of the week.

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Nikola Harper, Editor, Workflow Wednesdays, 10xYOU​

PS: You can always email me directly at nik@10xyou.us​

PPS: Like newsletters? Here are others you might enjoy.

PPPS: Check out Ben's latest book, Write A Book In One Day. I'm so jealous! I'm working on my own book using some of his techniques. If you are interested in reading a book on getting more productive with AI, let me know. Love to hear what's important to you. Drop me a reply.

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