When Anything Is Possible: The Unexpected Consequences of AI-Driven Abundance
AI has removed the friction from creation, making it easier than ever to build and write. But that abundance brings a new challenge: intentionality. When anything is possible, we’re forced to ask not just can we create—but what’s actually worth creating?
Introduction: Is Easier Always Better?
A friend recently made a passionate case for an app he was convinced the world needed. It was something he said would genuinely improve his life. In the past, we would’ve dug into the problem, discussed the need, clarified the job to be done, and defined a minimum viable product. Instead, caught up in the ease of creation, I spent a couple of days building before realizing he was never going to use it. I’ve built products for decades. I know better. But simplicity is seductive. Sure, spending a few days to validate an idea can be a reasonable tradeoff. But this time, I didn’t even ask the questions. AI has changed what’s possible, and now our decisions carry more weight than ever.
AI's Hidden Challenge: The Loss of Friction
We used to navigate around constraints. Limitations of time, resources, or skill dictated how we approached tasks. Reports became bullet points when there wasn't time to write paragraphs. Emails stayed short because crafting the perfect proposal was painstaking. These constraints forced a certain clarity and decisiveness. And yes, it can take more time to write a shorter note, but our constraints helped us decide what was best.
But AI has upended this calculus. Now, the friction around creation is dramatically reduced. The perfect pitch, detailed proposal, comprehensive report, or polished document can be produced seamlessly. The scarce resource is no longer your capacity to create—it's your audience’s capacity to consume.
The Abundance Paradox: When More Means Less
In a recent sales call, my potential client was deliberating. Previously, my follow-up would have been a single thoughtful email or document. Now, I could wallpaper their offices with beautifully articulated documents. But more isn't inherently better. Faced with unlimited possibilities, intentionality becomes crucial. Sending half a dozen documents ensures none will be read.
This paradox is fascinating. The ease of creation doesn't reduce effort; it shifts it. It places more responsibility on creators to be precise, selective, and thoughtful. Because everyone else has the same limitless potential, your creation must be more targeted, specific, and tailored than ever before.
Navigating the New Constraints: Intentionality Matters
Interestingly, abundance creates its own form of scarcity—attention. While I can effortlessly generate numerous tailored responses, pitches, or creative outputs (even poems or dance videos!), I now must carefully consider which output is most impactful and effective. It’s not just about what I can create, but what I should create.
This shift demands a recalibration. When everything is possible, clarity of purpose and intention becomes the new constraint. Ironically, AI-driven abundance means we must impose our own limits to communicate effectively.
Conclusion: The New Discipline of Choice
In removing friction, AI didn't necessarily simplify our work. It changed the nature of the challenge. We are now tasked with thoughtfully curating our creations, recognizing that in a world of infinite possibility, focused intentionality wins.
As problem solvers, storytellers, and persuaders, we must now continually ask ourselves: When anything is possible, what do we choose to build?
