How to Use AI to Make You Better at the Right Things

2026-06-22 · Source: The Algorithmic Bridge · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

This article explores the optimal application of AI to enhance personal and professional productivity, distinguishing between "reach" (ambition) and "grasp" (capability). Drawing on Venkatesh Rao's perspective, AI acts as a "prosthetic" to bridge this gap, allowing individuals to manifest diverse creative aptitudes for a monthly cost of \$20. However, mathematician Terence Tao offers a more nuanced view, noting that AI makes his work "broader" by simplifying tasks like generating plots and code, but does not deepen his core mathematical problem-solving or significantly reduce time on essential tasks. The author concludes that AI is most effective for "adjacent tasks" or "periphery work," enabling the pursuit of projects previously neglected due to time or energy constraints, rather than improving the "core work" that requires unique judgment and accumulated knowledge.

Key takeaway

For creative technologists or knowledge workers aiming to optimize their workflow, recognize that AI excels at broadening your output, not deepening your core expertise. Focus your AI tools on adjacent tasks—like generating plots, code snippets, or initial outlines—that you might otherwise skip. This approach allows you to expand your project scope and explore new creative avenues without diluting the unique judgment and accumulated knowledge required for your essential work.

Key insights

AI extends one's productive "grasp" on adjacent tasks, not "reach" on core work requiring unique judgment.

Principles

• AI enhances breadth, not depth, of work.
• Core work demands unique human judgment.
• AI is intrinsically auxiliary to human competence.

In practice

• Use AI for tasks you would otherwise not do.
• Delegate peripheral tasks to expand project scope.

Topics

• AI Productivity
• Knowledge Work
• Creative Workflow
• Human-AI Collaboration
• Task Automation
• AI Limitations

Best for: Creative Technologist, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Algorithmic Bridge.