T.M. Kayode

This week was pretty intense with a lot of happenings that I won’t bore you with the details. However, some parts of the week were particularly exciting as I dived into learning new skills and revisiting some personal projects that I’ve been putting off for a while. Here’s a glimpse into my week:

Learning to Build Custom GPTs

I spent a significant part of the week learning how to build custom GPTs, and it was thrilling! This new skill has opened up numerous possibilities for integrating ChatGPT into my daily life. Unlike the general GPT models, custom GPTs are tailored to specific use cases.

To put it simply, you train your GPT with relevant information that might not be readily available online. For instance, the training data for ChatGPT is only up to date until September 2021. Any information beyond that needs to be manually added. This customization is particularly useful for organizational processes that aren’t publicly documented. By training a GPT with your specific workflows, you can create a knowledge base that staff can refer to, saving time and boosting efficiency.

I have several use cases in mind and will be trying them out soon. I promise to share my experiences and results as I explore these applications.

Pursuing Creative Writing

I also embarked on a creative writing journey this week. With my birthday coming up in August, I’ve set a goal to write a book. I had the same ambition last year, but life got in the way. This time, I’m determined to make it happen despite the tight schedule.

To kickstart my writing process, I enrolled in a few creative writing courses. These have been instrumental in reigniting my creativity and providing practical strategies for completing my book. One particularly enlightening course was on how to finish a book in 30 days. Here are some key takeaways:

• Borrow Techniques from Fiction: The instructor emphasized that non-fiction books can benefit from the engaging techniques used in fiction. For instance, opening with a captivating first line can draw readers in. Consider these famous opening lines:
  • “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities)
  • “Call me Ishmael.” (Herman Melville, Moby Dick)
• Simplify Your Writing: The course highlighted the importance of readability. Most adults find it easier to read material written at a 5th to 7th-grade level. This is where the Flesch-Kincaid readability score comes in handy. I’ve been using this tool to ensure my writing is accessible and easy to understand. This approach is akin to the difference between reading an academic paper and a novel. While both have their place, clear and simple communication is often more effective for daily interactions.

Social Media and Networking

In addition to these projects, I’ve also been making progress with @ourbiblenotes Instagram page. Staying consistent with posting and engaging with our growing community has been rewarding. Each post feels like a step forward in building a space where we can share and grow together.

Moreover, I reached out to several educational stakeholders in Nigeria. This outreach is part of my ongoing efforts to collaborate and bring positive changes in the education sector. Fingers crossed on all that! The support and insights from these stakeholders could be a game-changer, and I’m hopeful about the potential collaborations.

Reflections and Future Plans

Reflecting on my week, I feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the future. Learning to build custom GPTs and diving into creative writing are just the beginning. I’m eager to see where these new skills will take me and how they’ll enhance my personal and professional life.

Stay tuned as I continue this journey. I’ll be sharing more updates and insights, especially as I experiment with custom GPTs and progress on my book. Thank you for being part of this adventure!

Achieve Your Goals

As you go about this new week, I encourage you to set out and achieve your goals. Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a creative project, or revisiting a passion you’ve put on hold, take that first step. Remember, every small effort counts and brings you closer to your dreams. Let’s make this week productive and fulfilling!