These days, many people feel more overwhelmed than ever. And we don’t know where to turn to find relief or comfort. The barrage of information, messages, and notifications coming from the little metal and glass rectangles in our pockets isn’t helping.
I hear it from my Gen X friends who are nearing the end of their careers and struggling to find new jobs. They face the costs of putting kids through college, helping support their aging parents, and rising inflation for pretty much everything. They can’t afford to retire and worry that it will never be possible.
I hear it from my Millennial friends who are just hitting that age where sneaky ageism rears its ugly face. Those little comments at work. The slowdown of inbound messages from recruiters and hiring managers. Being passed over for promotions. They are also facing rising housing costs and worry they’ll never be able to buy a home.
And I hear it from my Gen Z children and other young people online. The state of the economy, the political climate, and growing global issues affect their wellbeing. They are neck-deep in the AI revolution and know they must embrace it to stay afloat and remain competitive in the job market, even if they don’t like the implications of an AI future, the impact on our environment, and what it means for the eventual role of humanity in this whole ecosystem. They also know they may never afford to buy a home.
What we all keep hearing from the AI pundits is that anything we can do, AI can do better. As if the point of doing anything is the final outcome or product. I’ve never seen a group of humans so willing to throw away the beautiful experience and delightful process of creation.
Be a maker
Most humans don’t write poetry, create art, and make music just to build a product. Sure, some do. That’s the sad little folks who pretend to be creative when all they can do is type prompts into an AI service.
But many people enjoy the act of using their brains and hands to bring something out of their minds and into reality to share with others. To express themselves, explore meaning, and understand the human condition.
So one refuge from the constant and annoying AI drivel is making things in the real world with your beautiful brain and your own two hands. Putting your phone and laptop away to experience the pure physicality of creation. The pride that comes from making something tangible and amazing.
Even if you just dabble as an amateur (like me), there is magic in human art, music, and words. There is a reason humanity has been doing that since the dawn of time. It is part of who we are! Don’t let the AI junkies take that away from you.
Be an explorer
Speaking of experiencing the physical world… I sometimes invite my community and clients to come up to the Sierras and go for a hike with me. But you can count on one hand the people who take advantage of that. 😂
I enjoy helping other people fall in love with nature and the power of being in the forest, climbing mountains, and seeing waterfalls. But it’s also one of the few places where an AI service can’t compete.
As much as people may find utility in using AI for advice, planning, and feedback, it can’t join you in the great outdoors, appreciate the wonders of nature, or enjoy the intensity of the cognitive and emotional reset of being in the wilderness.
I suppose AI could pretend. But it would be pretty pathetic to believe that an AI service could be your soulful hiking buddy.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, put away your phone and close your laptop. Lean into being a physical creature in this beautiful physical world. Go out and explore! Take time to make and create! Your mind will thank you for it later.
Larry Cornett, Ph.D. | Empowerment coach, psychologist, nature lover, and fitness freak. I help you escape the “hustle trap” to create an empowered life that fits who you are and what you want most. From Silicon Valley exec to self-employed entrepreneur, I’ve also followed this path to freedom, so now I can help others find their way.
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