Chapter 186: Learn It

AI can help you stay sharp, organized, and ahead of the curve

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Hey hey, it’s Nik.

Is it just me, or does August give off serious fresh start energy? The stores are lined with pens, planners, sticky tabs in pastel and neon (yes, I noticed), and I have to actively resist buying a second academic planner just for fun. 😅

Even if you’re not technically “back to school,” this season is peak productivity vibes. It’s the perfect time to reset your systems, get excited about learning something new, and maybe finally use those color-coded to-do lists you've been dreaming about.

As someone who lives for optimizing calendars and maximizing learning time, let me just say—there has never been a better moment to be a lifelong learner. Why? Because now we have AI to help us stay organized, on track, and focused on what matters. It’s like having a study buddy, productivity coach, and note-taking wizard—all in one.

Whether you’re going back to class, upskilling for your career, or just chasing a curiosity rabbit hole, AI can totally streamline the process. Let’s dive in. 🧃🖇️

Why Lifelong Learning Matters for Productivity

Think about it—what’s the one habit that connects successful creatives, entrepreneurs, and innovators? Constant learning. Not because someone told them to, but because they know that knowledge = leverage.

Learning something new gives you:

• Better problem-solving skills
• More creativity
• A broader perspective
• Increased adaptability (huge in today’s AI-shaped job market)

And here’s the kicker: learning new stuff literally changes your brain. It improves your memory, concentration, and even emotional regulation. So yeah, that Python course or photography tutorial might make your work life better and help you keep your cool during stressful weeks.

But let’s not pretend it’s easy. Learning takes time, and most of us are short on that. AI tools can help by doing the heavy lifting—organizing notes, personalizing study plans, even tutoring you on tough concepts—so you can focus on absorbing, not just surviving.

Tools You Can Use

Here are some AI-powered tools to help you prep for a back-to-school vibe—whether you’re officially enrolled or just vibe-checking the syllabus of life:

• ​ChatGPT – Ask it to explain complex concepts, quiz you, or summarize dense reading material.
• ​Notion AI – Organize your study notes, generate summaries, and build custom learning plans.
• ​Khanmigo (Khan Academy’s AI) – AI tutor for STEM and more, great for brushing up on foundational skills.
• ​Readwise Reader – Curate articles, highlight ideas, and let AI resurface them later for spaced repetition.
• ​YouTube Transcript AI – Pull transcripts from educational videos so you can read or search instead of scrubbing through timestamps.

Workflow Wednesday: Making Time to Learn

It’s Wednesday! You’re probably in mid-week chaos, but hear me out. This is the perfect time to squeeze in just one thing that helps your future self.

Here’s how I approach learning in my schedule:

1. Pick a micro-goal: “Learn 3 key Excel shortcuts,” “Watch one 15-min lecture,” “Practice Italian for 5 minutes.”
2. Ask ChatGPT: “Can you break this topic into 15-minute daily sessions for me?”
3. Block it in: Add it to your calendar like a non-negotiable.
4. Stack it: Pair it with something habitual—coffee break + flashcards, evening walk + audio course.
5. Check in Friday: What did you learn? What felt good? Keep or tweak?

It doesn’t have to be huge. You just have to keep moving forward.

YOU + AI: Let’s Talk About Learning Again

You: “I feel like I should be learning something, but I’m already swamped. I barely get through my inbox.”

AI: “Fair. But what if learning wasn’t one more thing to do? What if it was a mental reset?”

You: “Explain?”

AI: “Well, learning something new activates different parts of your brain. It’s not just productive—it’s energizing. Even five minutes of a new topic can shake you out of autopilot.”

You: “Okay, but what if I don’t know where to start?”

AI: “Let’s figure it out. What’s something you’ve always wanted to get better at? Or something you keep running into at work?”

You: “Honestly? I wish I was better at public speaking.”

AI: “Awesome choice. Want me to help break it into a weekly plan with practice tips and exercises?”

You: “That… actually sounds useful. Can we start with a super tiny goal though?”

AI: “Absolutely. Tiny steps are my jam.”

So...

Back-to-school season isn’t just for students—it’s for anyone who believes in growing. The tools we have now make learning more accessible, personalized, and time-friendly than ever. You don’t need hours or a whole new degree. You just need curiosity and a little help from AI.

Start with a tiny goal this week. Pick one thing you’re curious about. Let AI break it down. And let me know how it goes—because I’m cheering you on big time.

What About You?

What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn but never found the time for?

Hit reply and let me know. Let’s build your “back-to-school” plan together—and make lifelong learning feel less like homework and more like an adventure.

Have a great rest of the week.

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: 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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