Traditional learning methods don't work for me. I'm wired differently. Likewise, my learning style is not typical. With my background in tech and computers I started using AI/Generative AI as soon as it was available. In my line of work it's criminal to not figure out where this new technology fits into our industry and even broader, our lives. This is game changing stuff and I'm excited to have a front row seat.

This gets complicated though, when ADHD is in the driver's seat. Curiosity, creativity, and a deep need to understand left me no choice but to adapt. Structured learning is difficult for anyone with executive dysfunction. It was especially hard on me.

When I learn something new that challenges my understanding I need to find a way to relate to the problem or material. While journaling, it finally clicked that I need to find a foot hold on the idea. I need just enough information so that I can start asking better questions in order to chart my course through the material.

This is where my adapted style really kicks in. I jump through different aspects of what I’m learning, often with whiplash-inducing shifts. I take detours into tangents and related material to enrich my understanding and eliminate ambiguity.

But it's deeper than that. One of my core strengths is idea synthesis combined with non-linear thinking. I've always been interested in a wide range of, well, everything. My child-like curiosity is boundless. And my ADHD enjoys feeding it. And I love the feeling. That tingle when ideas converge on a new idea or when a solution presents itself. That's the stuff.

Working with AI on various projects has forced me to refine my interactions. I've continued to iterate as I learn how to get the results I'm looking for.

While exploring what's possible I've rewired my own brain in the process. The learning process is liberating. This gives me the ability to quickly build a mental model of a topic, idea, or problem. Examine it from every direction, with speed and directed precision. I'm quick at filtering out noise and zeroing in on what I'm looking for even when I have no idea what that will be.

Being able to interrogate an idea, follow side quests, and integrate what I find with my own understanding lets me make stronger connections to the material. It allows me to direct my attention to form connections that resonate deeply—and in less time.

The real light bulb moment was when I realized how interacting with AI was teaching me to improve how I communicate, ask better questions, and surprisingly, reflecting on how I do everything. But I was in for one more surprise. The repetition of the process was positive reinforcement that's reshaping the way I think.

This kind of self-directed, curiosity-driven learning is exactly what I wished for growing up. It's unmistakable that AI is changing our lives and redefining productivity, creativity, and what it means to be human. It won't all be for the better but I'm optimistic.

This isn’t just about how I use AI—it’s about how AI helped me reshape myself. And the real surprise? It’s not just my learning that’s changed—it’s me. My inner child is smiling from ear to ear.

How has AI changed you?