PD #1: Overcome Fear in the Dojo

I’ll be real with you—getting this newsletter off the ground was harder than I expected. I spent days staring at a blank screen, wrestling with fear, and second-guessing every format idea I came up with. I almost called it quits before it even started! 🙈

But you know what? The minute I stopped trying to make it perfect and just started typing, everything began to flow. It was like my time living in Japan kicked in, and suddenly this whole Prompting Dojo thing felt meant to be.

Facing Fear: My First Lesson in the Dojo

If you’ve ever hesitated to start something new because it felt overwhelming or you were worried it might not be “good enough,” I get it. I was right there. But I realized something while writing this first issue: fear is just another obstacle to practice overcoming. It doesn’t matter how clumsy or awkward it feels at first—the key is to show up and keep practicing.

And here’s a cool twist I didn’t see coming… Did you know in the field of education we have PD—Professional Development? Well, it turns out that PD also stands for Prompting Dojo. Funny how life works, right? 🙃 I feel like this newsletter is not only for my own development but also to help you grow alongside me. Let’s see where this takes us!

How This Newsletter Will Shape Up (For Now)

I don’t have it all figured out yet (and that’s okay), but I’ve got some ideas brewing for how I want to structure our dojo sessions. I’m going to share the lessons I’m learning about AI, productivity, and just going for it—because if I can overcome the fear of starting, so can you.

Here’s a sneak peek at what might make its way into our dojo:

1) AI PRESS (or AI Trends)
Think of this as your dojo news board—the latest updates, trends, and breakthroughs in the world of AI. Whether it's a new tool or a major development, you’ll be the first to know.

2) Power Prompt of the Day
Every dojo needs frequent practice. I’ll be sharing one actionable prompt each issue that you can test, tweak, and master. Think of it as your daily kata—simple, focused, and practical.

3) THE MATCHUP/DOJO DUEL
What happens when two AI tools step into the ring? In The Matchup, I’ll compare the best tools, breaking down where they shine and where they fall short. Whether it's ChatGPT vs. Bard or Notion AI vs. Jasper, you’ll get an honest showdown.

4) AI TOSS
Stop wasting time with inefficient tasks—this is the “cut-the-fluff” section. I’ll show you how to ditch the old way of doing things and use AI to simplify your life. From task management to content creation, AI TOSS will help you stop the busy work and start working smart.

Here are some other ideas

5. Tech Launch

In each issue, I highlight a new or useful AI tool, explaining why it’s worth checking out and how it can improve productivity or solve specific problems. This helps me stay up-to-date on the best AI tools and share them with my community.

6. Sensei’s Wisdom (AI Tip of the Week)

I offer a quick, actionable AI tip to help you get better results from your prompts or AI tools. Whether it’s a simple hack, strategy, or best practice, I make sure it’s easy to implement. In line with the dojo theme, these are bite-sized lessons for consistent improvement.

7. Dojo Drills

Here, I give you short AI exercises to practice and hone your skills. It could be a prompt challenge or a small AI-driven task designed to help you improve step by step. It’s a perfect way to keep things engaging and ensure practical learning.

8. Dojo Library (Learning Resources)

Each issue, I recommend books, articles, or videos to help you expand your knowledge of AI, productivity, or personal growth. It’s a valuable resource for those who want to continue learning beyond the newsletter.

9. Training Grounds (Tutorials or Courses)

This section is where I share AI tutorials or courses I’ve found helpful. Whether they’re from around the web or exclusive tutorials I’ve created, they’re perfect for diving deeper into specific AI tools or strategies.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know exactly where this journey will take us, but I do know this: stepping onto the mat is the hardest part. Once you’re there, the training begins, and with every move—clumsy or not—you’re improving.

I’m glad I took that first step, and I hope you’ll join me on this journey of learning, experimenting, and facing fear head-on. Let’s show up, practice, and see where AI can take us together.