So we’re running a 6-Week AI Project Challenge.
The first cohort is 3 weeks in, i.e. half-way.
I had a call with them yesterday, and I noticed something.
The people making progress? It’s not about their background. We have engineers, analysts, career changers.
It’s not about coding ability. Some are fluent in Python. Some are learning as they go.
It’s not about complexity. Everyone is following the same curriculum.
The biggest difference is time.
The people making real progress are the ones who block time on their calendar. Every day. Same time. Non-negotiable.
The people struggling? They’re “finding time when they can.” Which means they’re not finding time at all.
If you’re struggling with the same issue, here’s the exact checklist we give our challengers:
☐ 1. Set a non-negotiable time block. Pick ONE daily slot. Not “whenever I have time” — a specific, protected block. Put it in your calendar right now. Treat it like a meeting you can’t skip. 30 minutes is enough.
☐ 2. Do a clean slate ritual. Unsubscribe from 5 other “learn AI” newsletters. Mute accounts that create FOMO. Close those 47 browser tabs of things you were “going to get to.” For the next 6 weeks, this is the only thing.
☐ 3. Pre-commit to imperfection. Write this down: “I give myself permission to build something ugly, messy, and imperfect. Done beats perfect.” Perfectionism kills more AI projects than lack of skill ever will.
☐ 4. Name your saboteurs. What usually derails you? Netflix? Perfectionism? Starting over? Write down your top 3. Name them now so you recognize them when they show up.
☐ 5. Who will I show this to? Write down 3-5 specific people you want to share your finished project with. Not “recruiters” — actual names. A hiring manager, a mentor, that friend who doesn’t think you’ll finish. Then message them and tell them it’s coming.
It’s not about finding more time.
It’s about protecting the time you already have.
And investing into yourself,
Kirill
P.S. 30 minutes a day × 6 weeks = 21 hours. That’s enough to build something real. But only if you actually block the time.