The “Wait 3 Months” Test: A Simple Way to Prioritize the Right AI Projects

By Christoph Burkhardt

AI Strategy Advisor | Founder, AI Impact Institute

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There’s a question I come back to in almost every AI strategy session:

“What happens if we wait three months before starting this project?”

It’s not a trick question. It’s a filter.

Because if the honest answer is “not much”, we’ve just learned something critical: The project might not be urgent. And urgency matters more than novelty.

This one question changes the conversation

Instead of asking, “Is this possible with AI?” or “Is this cool?” We ask: “Is this important—right now?”

This shift helps cut through the noise. It focuses attention on real business priorities, not technical potential. It reveals where the pressure is—and where it isn’t.

And it prevents wasted time on projects that are interesting... but not necessary.

Here’s what urgency looks like

If we wait 3 months, will we...

• Fall behind a competitor?

• Miss out on revenue?

• Burn out our team?

• Lose a key customer?

If the answer is yes, that’s not just a use case—it’s a call to action.

Why it works

In a world full of AI tools, decision fatigue is real. But strategy is about sequencing. And the “3-Month Test” is a way to bring clarity to that sequence.

When everything feels possible, this test helps us focus on what’s essential.

Bottom line

AI won’t fix everything. But used with focus, it can unlock momentum.

And sometimes, the smartest move is to say: “Let’s not do that—yet.”