Intermittent AI Learning

Shaan Puri shares his approach to staying informed about AI developments without becoming overwhelmed or distracted.

Shaan's "Intermittent Fasting" Approach to AI Learning

• Focuses on problem-solving rather than constant information consumption
• Believes there's "no risk of over investing my time" but risk of "under investing" in AI
• Avoids the "constant whiplash of new demo, new model, new this, new that"
• Compares his method to intermittent fasting - concentrated periods of focus rather than constant attention

Key Elements of His Approach

• Problem-driven learning

  • Only researches AI when he has a specific problem to solve
  • "When I have a problem I now add it into my solution list like 'Do I think AI could solve this?'"
  • Learns incrementally through practical application
  • Avoids "intellectual jacking off" of trying to keep up with everything

• Scheduled deep dives

  • Uses "AI hack weeks" or "think weeks" where he clears his calendar
  • Dedicates focused time to go in-depth with AI tools and developments
  • Batches learning similar to how one might batch checking emails

• Email analogy

  • Compares constant AI updates to checking email every three minutes
  • "If you just batch your email and check your email once at noon and once at 8pm, you're totally up to date on email"
  • Avoids the "nervous energy" of constantly trying to keep up

Benefits of This Approach

• More productive use of time and attention
• Reduces anxiety about missing out on developments
• Provides deeper understanding through focused learning
• Maintains awareness of important developments without constant distraction
• Applies AI knowledge to solve real problems rather than theoretical exploration