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In part 1, I discussed how I found myself opening Claude not to write better code or draft better emails, but to design better workouts, understand my own metabolism and improve my health and fitness.
Here, in part 2, I will share how I am attempting to use AI to master complex topics in hours instead of days. Not to analyze business data, but to understand how my own mind learns best.
I think I have always been fascinated by learning and memory. However, what started as curiosity became one of the most impactful applications of AI in my life.
Here’s the paradox we face in technology: We spend our days optimizing everything except ourselves.
Not only is it easy to neglect our bodies, but we let our minds run on outdated mental models and wonder why we feel cognitive and physical decline.
I recognized this pattern in myself. The irony was too much, and I wanted to try something different.
Applying Systems Thinking to the Human System
The breakthrough came when I stopped thinking about “learning faster” and started thinking like a systems architect about my own cognitive performance. Similar to the physical transformation I described in part 1, what if I approached my learning the same way I approach a complex IT challenge?
- Define the current state
- Identify the optimal state
- Design a system to bridge the gap
- Implement feedback loops
- Iterate based on data
- Scale what works
The missing piece? An intelligent learning partner who could help me bridge the gap between knowing techniques and systematically applying them to achieve mastery.
Enter agentic AI coaching for learning.
Unlocking Peak Mental Capability
Parallel to my physical transformation, I discovered an equally profound application: using agentic AI to achieve cognitive performance I once thought was reserved for the naturally gifted.
I’ve spent years studying memory champions, consuming books on accelerated learning, and practicing techniques from the world’s top cognitive coaches. I built memory palaces, practiced first principles thinking, studied the Feynman Technique, and explored Socratic questioning among other accelerated learning techniques.
The problem? Knowing techniques and systematically applying them to achieve mastery are entirely different challenges.
The breakthrough: An agentic AI coach that could help me bridge this gap by serving as an intelligent learning partner that adapts, remembers, personalizes, and guides me toward mastery using proven cognitive techniques.
The System I Built
Unlike the physical transformation that required structured workout schedules, this transformation required a different architecture that included:
Weekly Learning Sessions: Deep dives into complex topics using my AI coach to orchestrate multiple advanced techniques simultaneously.
Metacognitive Reviews: Reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and how to optimize.
Integration Sessions: Comprehensive reviews where we:
- Identify patterns across everything I learned that week
- Examine which mental models I used most and which I neglected
- Deliberately link concepts from completely different areas
- Analyze what’s working in my learning system and what needs adjustment
The Cognitive Results
- Complex topic comprehension time reduced
- Improved accuracy on names and technical details after single exposure
- First principles thinking has become my default cognitive mode
- Learning shifted from effortful to genuinely enjoyable flow states
- Accelerated preparation for excellent recall for a high-stakes performance
The Architecture: Why Agentic AI Coaching Works
What makes agentic AI coaching so effective for cognitive performance? It delivers five capabilities that traditional methods simply cannot match:
1. A true “Learning Coach”
My AI learning coach is not for the purpose of giving me answers per se. Rather, it is a coach with the same intensity as a physical trainer. But instead focused on accelerating and deepening my learning in a manner that is fun and aligned to my personal goals.
2. 24/7 Availability
Need to review key concepts before a high-stakes meeting? Want to explore a topic at 11pm? My coach is always there, always ready to guide.
3. Instant Application of Advanced Learning Techniques
My coach can simultaneously apply memory palace techniques, Socratic questioning, first principles thinking, second order thinking and the Feynman Technique – orchestrating multiple methods that would be difficult and time consuming to coordinate alone.
4. Non-Judgmental Feedback
No fear of looking stupid when I don’t understand something. This creates psychological safety to ask the “dumb” questions that often lead to the deepest insights.
5. Data-Driven Optimization
Continuous analysis of which learning techniques work best for which types of material, with real-time adjustments to maximize retention and understanding.
Systems Thinking Meets Cognitive Performance
Here’s what makes this approach so powerful for IT professionals:
- Build learning systems that allow for integration time
- Progressive Overload, increased challenges & incremental improvements
- Feedback Loops Everywhere
- Evidence-Based Everything
A Day in the Life: Quick Performance Check-Ins
Before high-stakes events:
“I need to recall the five key risks to delivering high-quality solutions and business value.” My coach walks me through the relevant memory palace, tests my recall, reinforces weak points. Approximately 10 to 15 minutes of this guided learning gives me extreme confidence that I will be successful in the upcoming IT certification.
Why This Matters for IT Professionals
The same principles that make us effective technologists make us effective learners when paired with an intelligent coaching system.
We understand systems, feedback loops, and data-driven iteration. We know how to architect for resilience and scale. These skills translate perfectly to cognitive performance optimization.
Moreover, we spend our days focused on abstract problems, our minds constantly learning new technologies and frameworks. We need efficient, effective learning systems more than most.
The Bottom Line
Throughout this journey I continue to remind myself that the most valuable application of AI isn’t automating work, it’s helping people operate at their peak capacity.
The Complete Picture
Physical energy fuels mental clarity. Mental clarity helps drive intelligent actions. They reinforce each other continuously in a virtuous cycle of peak performance.
Combined with the physical transformation detailed in Part 1, I didn’t just get healthier. I built a complete, integrated system for continuous self-optimization and it was fun!
What if you applied a true Automated Intelligent Coach to the most important system you’ll ever manage: yourself?