Building with AI is different. It’s not just a new tool—it’s a shift in how we create, solve problems, and bring ideas to life. But as with any powerful tool, it comes with new responsibilities. The focus isn’t just on doing—it’s on thinking, time, and tokens. Let me explain.
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THINKING: The New Differentiator
There was a time when we said, “Ideas don’t matter—it’s all about execution.” And back then, that made sense. Good execution was rare, and ideas alone couldn’t carry you. But with AI, execution is no longer the bottleneck. Anyone can create, anytime, with minimal effort. The result? The world is flooded with mediocrity.
Think about the rise of plastic manufacturing. Suddenly, we could produce anything, anywhere, for almost nothing. But what happened? The market filled with low-quality, disposable products. Sure, it became easier to make things, but the things themselves got worse. The same is true with AI. If everyone can make anything, what sets you apart is the thought behind what you make.
High-quality ideas shine in a world filled with junk. Whether you’re designing a product, writing code, or launching a business, your thinking matters more than ever. AI can help you create faster, but it can’t replace the intentionality that makes something worth creating in the first place.
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TIME: The Scarce Resource
Time is different. It’s finite. You can’t create more of it, no matter how smart AI gets. And that’s why it’s such a critical piece of the puzzle. If you want to get good at building with AI, you need to invest the time—now.
Think about learning to ride a bike. You don’t get better by reading about balance or watching others pedal; you get better by putting in the reps. Building with AI is no different. You can read all the guides and watch all the tutorials, but until you start doing, you’re just standing still.
Why now? Because the earlier you start, the more experienced you’ll be when AI becomes even more central to how we work and create. Starting today means you’ll have a year of learning under your belt by the time someone else decides to jump in. That’s an edge no one can take away from you.
There’s another benefit to starting now: context. If you’re already building, you’re not just learning how to use the tools—you’re learning how they evolve. You’ll see patterns, understand pitfalls, and adapt faster because you’ve been in the trenches. That’s a kind of experience that compounds over time.
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Tokens: The Currency of AI
Let’s talk about tokens. They’re the native currency of AI tools—the resource you spend to bring your ideas to life. It’s not just money anymore; it’s tokens.
Think about how we used to evaluate smartphones: “How many GBs of storage does it have?” Or cameras: “How many megapixels is the sensor?” These weren’t just specs—they were shorthand for value. Tokens are the same. Soon, you’ll be asking, “How many tokens will it take to build this feature?” or “What’s the ROI on spending tokens for this idea?”
This shift isn’t theoretical—it’s happening now. Whether it’s training a model, generating content, or running processes, tokens are what make it all possible. The challenge is learning to use them wisely. Spend recklessly, and you’ll burn through resources with little to show for it. Spend thoughtfully, and you’ll turn those tokens into meaningful outcomes.
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Bringing It All Together
Building with AI is about more than just the tools—it’s about how you approach them. If you focus on the 3Ts—thinking, time, and tokens—you’ll not only create better outcomes, but you’ll also build a better process for yourself.
// Think deeply about what you’re making and why it matters.
// Invest the time to learn, experiment, and grow while AI is still evolving.
// Spend your tokens wisely, treating them as the fuel for thoughtful creation.
The opportunities AI brings are immense, but they’re not unlimited. The people who thrive won’t be the ones who create the most—they’ll be the ones who create the best. And that starts with understanding these three simple principles.