Ants Are Specialists Don't Be An Ant!

It seems all our lives we’ve been pushed down a path of specialization. Schools, universities, and careers all emphasize narrowing our focus and becoming experts in one specific thing. But have you ever stopped to ask: is that really what’s best for us?

That’s what ants do:

• Worker ants

• Soldier ants

• Queen servant ants

But unless I’m much mistaken, none of us want to live like ants. Humans thrive when we embrace being generalists. We have range. We see the bigger picture.

The Problem with Specialization in the Age of AI

Why being narrowly focused could make you vulnerable in a world dominated by AI.

If you’re a specialist and worried about AI, you’re right to be. AI is the most capable specialist the world has ever seen. It’s like a super-ant: focused, efficient, and relentless.

So what should you do? Start learning. Not narrow, specialized learning, but broad learning. Begin building the knowledge and skills that will allow you to direct these super-ants—these AI agents.

You’re the director. AI needs you to provide the big picture, because it can’t see it on its own.

The Power of Being a Generalist

I’ve always wondered if I should have specialized. But it turns out, I’m a natural generalist. My social handle for years has been “Generalistalan,” and I’ve spent my life exploring different tools and technologies.

Being a generalist has helped me in roles like director, editor, journalist, and manager. It’s given me a broader perspective and the ability to connect ideas in ways that others might not see. And that’s the key: generalists excel at making connections.

Today, I see more and more people designing their lives and businesses by combining general knowledge of tools and skills:

• Leveraging design tools to launch creative agencies.

• Using storytelling skills to build compelling social media campaigns.

• Pairing financial expertise with newsletter platforms to deliver valuable insights.

To do this, you need to cultivate range in your interests and learning. As you learn, look for connections to things you already know.

For example:

• Social media is storytelling.

• Writing a newsletter can be teaching.

James Altucher calls this “Idea Sex”—combining ideas to create something new. Your unique worldview, combined with design tools, could lead to an online design agency. Your financial acumen, paired with a platform like Beehiiv, could become a weekly financial analysis newsletter.

It’s Never Too Faarking Late

The great news? It’s never too faarking late to become a generalist. In fact, you’re probably already one without realizing it. You just haven’t stopped to think about how the pieces of your life could fit together to create something new.

Consider this:

• If you’re a journalist, you’re skilled at breaking down complex subjects for others to understand (teaching).

• If you’re an accountant managing a team, you’re also a coach.

Look for connections. Where do things overlap? Where can they become something new and valuable? Make it a project. Set aside time to think deeply, experiment, and try new things.

Ready to Start?

Thanks for reading! If this resonates with you, I’ve got a free mini-course that can help you get started on your experiments.

Try My Free Mini-Course: How to Be a High Performer in Times of Change