We often hear that the biggest value of AI is in reducing repetitive tasks. But what if that’s just the surface?
During a recent Feishu (also known as Lark) conference, one quote stood out to me:
The real value of AI is not just in reducing repetition, but in inspiring you to do things you’ve never done before.
That statement hit differently. It reminded me that the true power of AI lies not just in saving time, but in opening doors to previously unimaginable possibilities.
Here’s how I’ve come to rethink the role of AI in our work—and ourselves.
1. Efficiency Is Just the Entry Point
Let’s be honest—most people started using AI to save time and automate boring tasks. That’s normal. Automating emails, summarizing documents, or drafting content quickly has become second nature.
But if that’s all you use it for, you’re missing the real point.
We’re entering an era where AI isn’t just a tool—it’s embedded into our workflow. It should challenge how we work, not just speed it up. The new question is: What could you do now that wasn’t even possible before AI?
2. Most of Us Are Barely Scratching the Surface
Despite how accessible AI has become, many people are still stuck in the basics. Freemium tools are everywhere. But why do some people unlock insane productivity and creativity—while others are still asking AI to write emails?
Simple: you don’t know what you don’t know.
Most users haven’t taken the time to learn the art of prompting or explore AI’s full capabilities. We’re still carrying an old-school mindset—just get the task done—instead of asking, how could this be reimagined?
3. AI Can’t Predict the Future—But It Can Help You Shape It
AI learns from the past. It analyzes patterns and gives suggestions based on data. But vision? That still comes from you.
If you’re waiting for AI to tell you what the next big thing is, you’re missing the point. Use AI to spark your thinking, not to replace it.
The most groundbreaking innovations will always come from the intersection of human creativity and AI support, not AI alone.
4. If You’re Not Thinking Differently, You’re Wasting It
Remember brainstorming sessions with whiteboards and sticky notes? That energy? That chaos?
Now we can generate ten versions of an idea in seconds. But are we using that speed to stretch our thinking—or just to rush to the finish line?
The danger is we’re becoming passive. AI gives answers too easily. But if you don’t stop to reflect, question, and explore, you’ll miss the growth. AI should be your coach—not your crutch.
5. AI Is Not Magic—You Still Need Process
Many people expect AI to be a magic button. But behind every “smart” AI solution is a lot of experimentation, iteration, and process-building.
One of the best insights I got from the Feishu conference: their team classifies AI into 4 internal stages before rolling it out. This sets expectations, prevents overhype, and shows users where things are heading.
If you’re deploying AI tools, build a maturity model. Not just to track adoption—but to educate, guide, and evolve how you (or your team) use it.
Final Thoughts
We love routine. It’s safe. Comfortable. Predictable.
But comfort is the enemy of growth—especially in the AI era.
If you keep using AI to do the same old tasks, you’ll never unlock its full potential.
Worse—you’ll get left behind.
So ask yourself:
What part of your work—or even your mindset—has AI helped you reinvent lately?