The Power of "I Can"
How Human-AI Collaboration Removes Excuses and Unlocks Action
Breaking through the "I can't" mindset with AI as your learning partner. From building websites to running marathons — how to eliminate excuses and start executing.
32 minutes • May 27, 2025 • Accelerating Humans Podcast
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Episode Summary
Most of us don't even start something because we've already convinced ourselves we can't. "I can't code," "I can't switch careers," "I can't run a marathon" — whatever it is, there's this imaginary wall that keeps us from doing what someone else gets to do.
But here's what's shifted: AI has removed most of our excuses. You can use AI to smash through that wall — not in a "Welcome to the robot future" kind of way, but with actual practical stuff that works right now.
In this episode, Bert and Julianna break down how to move from "I can't" to "I can" using AI as your learning partner, accountability coach, and execution assistant.
Key Topics Covered
The Pareto Principle Applied
Why you only need 20% of the knowledge to get 80% of the results
AI as Your Professor in Your Pocket
How AI adapts to your learning style, constraints, and goals instantly
From Customer Service to Business Analyst
Real strategies for career transitions using technology as your learning partner
Building Websites Without Being a Developer
Starting simple and scaling up, from idea to execution
Marathon Training with AI
Personalized training plans, nutrition, injury prevention, and motivation
Episode Timeline
Jump to the sections that interest you most
Introduction
Perfect's the enemy of good. AI gives you the thing to start with, and you can iterate from there. Breaking down how AI has changed the game for learning new skills and solving real problems.
The Excuse Problem
Most "I can't" statements come down to knowledge and experience limitations. The 80/20 rule applied: you don't need to be an expert to get results.
Case Study: Building a Website
Breaking down the "I can't build a website" problem. Starting with purpose, choosing the right platform, and using AI to guide you through each step.
Case Study: Running a Marathon
How AI can create personalized training plans, suggest running routes, help with nutrition, and even build playlists that match your pace.
Career Transitions
Moving from customer service to business analyst. Finding what managers need, building skills with AI coaching, and creating your own promotion path.
Your Excuses Are Gone
AI as your accountability partner and instant teacher. Whatever's blocking you — learning style, analogies, tone — AI can meet you there and adapt instantly.
Key Quotes
"Perfect's the enemy of good. All I want is an iteration. Once I have a thing, I can work from that. And AI is incredible at giving me a thing."
— Bert Carroll
"Whatever it is that's blocking you — whether it's a learning style, whether it's an analogy style, whether it's a tone of voice — AI is going to be able to meet you there."
— Julianna Fricchione
"You cannot assume that it's just gonna keep the way it is right now. When you grow is when you're challenged."
— Bert Carroll
"It really is a teacher that you're giving feedback to, and it's taking that feedback and changing it instantly to help you learn better."
— Julianna Fricchione
Take Action
Ready to move from "I can't" to "I can"? Start here.
Start with AI
Pick one "I can't" statement and ask ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini to break it down into actionable steps.
Try it now →Track Your Progress
Set up simple metrics and feedback loops. Document what works and what doesn't.
Get guidance →Start Small
Focus on the 20% that gets you 80% of the results. Build momentum with quick wins.
Take AI quiz →More Episodes
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