In Part 1, we talked about the long game of learning —one that requires patience, discomfort, and persistence. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about learning. It’s about ownership.
Once you invest the time to build something—whether it’s a skill, an audience, or a body of work—who actually owns it? Who controls your success? If the answer is not you, then you’re in a risky position.
The truth is, you can spend years mastering something and still have it taken away in an instant—if you don’t own it. And that’s what we’re exploring today: the importance of ownership in the digital age, the rise of AI, and how to position yourself on the right side of the future.
The Illusion of Control: Are You Renting or Owning?
"Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are not your allies—they’re landlords. They control the space, set the rules, and can evict you at any time." — Dan Kennedy
It’s easy to believe that because we have access (free or paid) to something, we own it. We build audiences on social media, create content on borrowed platforms, and store our work in the cloud. But the reality? Most of us are renting space in someone else’s ecosystem.
I’ve seen this firsthand. A while back, a creator I followed lost years of work overnight when an algorithm changed. No warning, no recourse—just gone. It was a harsh reminder that platforms are businesses first. They make the rules, and they can rewrite them at any time. Hell, I even got locked out of my own Facebook profile not that long ago, which could have had a considerable impact on our business (read about it in Book Brew 90).
Kennedy’s quote above is a blunt truth: if you don’t own the platform, you don’t own the game. That applies to content, business, and even our skills. When we rely too much on external systems, we give up control over our future.
The AI Crossroads: Work for It or Make It Work for You
"You’re either going to work for an AI or have an AI work for you. Which would you prefer?" Seth Godin
If platforms are landlords, AI is the next frontier of leverage. But like any tool, it’s neutral—it depends on how you use it, and it is a skill to learn and develop.
Godin frames the choice clearly in the quote above. Right now, AI is reshaping industries. It’s automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and replacing roles. Ignoring it isn’t an option. The question isn’t whether AI will be involved in your work—it’s whether you’ll use it to your advantage or be left playing catch-up. (Want to up your AI skills? Check out our AI Quick Tips).
Dalio’s principle of embracing reality and adapting to change is crucial here. AI isn’t something to fear—it’s something to integrate. Those who proactively learn to use it gain leverage. Those who resist it risk becoming replaceable.
The same way we need to take ownership of our digital presence, we need to take ownership of our relationship with AI.
The Bigger Picture: Learning, Patience, and Ownership
Stepping back, there’s a thread connecting all of this:
- Learning anything new starts with embracing incompetence and sticking with it.
- Progress is slow, but compounding effort over time pays off.
- In a world of shifting rules, owning your work and skills is the only safeguard.
- AI is a tool—you can either wield it, or be shaped by it.
Ultimately, this is about intentionality. The more we understand the forces at play—whether digital platforms, learning curves, or AI—the more power we have to shape our own path.
So the question isn’t just where you’re investing your time, but who is in control of it.
Ponder This
- How much of what you create is actually yours?
- What skills are you building that no algorithm can take away?
- How can you start using AI now so that it works for you—not the other way around?
The future belongs to those who choose to own it. The question is: will that be you?
Books/Newsletters
- Seth’s Blog - Seth Godin
- Magnetic Marketing - Dan Kennedy
- Principles - Ray Dalio
Up Your AI Game Today!
Want to get the most out of AI without the overwhelm? Check out our AI Quick Tips—short, actionable insights to help you work smarter, save time, and boost creativity with AI.
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