As we close 2022 I wanted to reflect on some lessons I learned from this year in Arkangel AI.
This has been Arkangel AI's best year and we are extremely excited about the impact we are seeing!!!
A big big thank you to all of you who helped us transform the world this year!
Here are the top 6 lessons I learned from 2022:
Lesson 1: Simplicity is always king
Many people find themselves overcomplicating their actions to the point where they might even procrastinate. This can lead to a lack of progress in the pursuit of their goals. I'm experiencing this first-hand as I try to build a product, but let's talk about a more relatable example: launching an innovation. It's easy to become overwhelmed by all of the elements you need to consider -- the data, the team, the numbers, the tools, payments, and so on -- that you could easily waste months trying to get everything just right.
Or you could:
- Spend 30 minutes defining a prototype.
- Run a 7-day experiment. We can help you get an algorithm in less than that.
- Build a landing page that says what you can do. There are 30+ landing page templates, just pick one
- Attach your algorithm to that landing page, and start testing it in less than 2 weeks.
Lesson 2: Action is the best teacher
The answers to all your questions - How do I start an AI project? How do I get that? What should my algorithm be like? - are only unveiled by the action you take. Instead of posing these questions to others, try resolving them yourself. For instance, if you lack ideas for your AI projects, begin writing anything that comes off the top of your head on a daily basis. After numerous times doing so, you will possess a clearer grasp of what algorithm you want to build by trying to communicate it.
If there's any advice I can give here is: take some freaking action!
Lesson 3: We all need hope
When times are tough and darkness seems to settle in, it's even more important to ensure you have a mission you believe in. Not only can we use this moment to connect with each other through mutual interests and understanding, but we can tap into something much larger than our day-to-day actions.
Lesson 4: No days off
Ask yourself how can you be a bit better than yesterday.
The most incredible part is that it doesn't have to be overwhelming; in fact, only 5 minutes a day can set you up. This could take the form of reading an article, listening to a podcast, joining a chat, texting a friend, visiting your family, or writing for just 90 seconds.
Lesson 5: Your most significant competitor is you
As a founder, we get distracted by everybody else's outcomes and lose sight of our own goals. Don't focus on someone else's raise, company size, or follower count. We're all running different races and some of us are playing different games. Instead, stay grounded in your "why". What is your mission? What are your values? Why do you get up every day to work on your business? Why are you building the business you're building? I fell victim in June of 2022 and lost sight of what I really wanted: a startup that helps 1B people with an all-star team. Don't try to compete with someone else. Compete with yourself.
Lesson 6: It feels better to give than to receive
I've had an absolutely awesome experience talking to our active and future AI heroes (customers) this year on a weekly basis. It was surprisingly fun and affirming to see how they use Arkangel AI in their unique adventures.
I found myself surprised to learn that the more I gave, the better it felt - no matter the outcome or result for our revenue. Not only does helping make me feel content but even guiding people in the right direction when they may not yet be working with us is enough to make me smile.
These are the lessons I learned this 2022, hope they help you in 2023
Happy new year!