# Transforming Quarterly Reviews With Dictation: A Step-By-Step Process and Evaluation  ## Introduction - Dictation Method and Inspiration - The author recently performed their quarterly review and reflection retreat using a unique method - dictation - to answer questions on their Quarterly Review Template, inspired by David Sparks' approach to planning and review sessions. - The author had previously used writing to answer the questions but decided to try dictation after attending a Zoom MacSparky Labs call where [[Dave Sparks | Sparks]] discussed the benefits of using dictation, including feeling freer in thinking and making the process less like work. - The author has become more comfortable with dictation over the past year, using it almost every morning to journal in the Day One app, and has found the built-in system dictation on [[IPad | iPad]] and [[MacOS | Mac]] to be around 95% accurate. - To initiate dictation, the author uses the microphone icon on the virtual keyboard on iPad or [[IPhone | iPhone]], or presses the right-side command key twice in quick succession on Mac, and enables the dictation feature in Keyboard settings. ## Initial Approach and Process - The author did not have a specific plan when starting dictation for their quarterly review, but used their Template as a guide and modified their methods as needed, initially planning to do a complete response and then clean up the text. - The author's step-by-step process involved creating a new journal in Day One, dictating responses to template questions, and adding section headings to provide navigation, with the goal of making the review process more efficient and effective. - The author found that dictation allowed them to focus on their thoughts and ideas without the distraction of writing, and was able to create a more comprehensive and organized review. ## Step-by-Step Process and Benefits - The author used a step-by-step process to transform their quarterly reviews with dictation, starting by adding headings to each section while dictating to make navigation and reference easier. - The author followed a process of dictating responses to questions, cleaning up grammar and errors, and adding additional thoughts before moving on to the next section. - This process was repeated for each section of the template, with the author reviewing and adding to their responses a total of three times. ## Review Process and Action Items - During the review process, the author highlighted key phrases and headings to make the document more functional and easier to review. - The author also added [[Action item | action items]] for the next 90 days at the end of each section, which were then consolidated into a master checklist at the end of the document. - To ensure follow-up on the action items, the author created a checklist with checkboxes and added reminders to their task manager to work through the list. ## Productivity and Future Use - The author found that using dictation was more productive and freeing than writing, allowing them to provide more complete and detailed responses to questions. - The author plans to use dictation again in the future, citing the benefits of being able to let their mind wander and provide more comprehensive answers. - The use of dictation resulted in an 8500-word document with bolded headings and highlights, making it easier to review and navigate. - The author's overall evaluation of using dictation was positive, and they believe it will be a valuable tool for future quarterly reviews. ## Overall Evaluation and Further Applications - The author recently used dictation to complete their Quarterly Review Template and found it to be a highly effective method, resulting in a 200% improvement in their responses compared to written answers. - The author plans to continue using dictation for future quarterly reviews and also intends to use it for their weekly life roles reviews, which help maintain balance and focus in their life roles. - The author found that dictation allowed for more comprehensive and spontaneous responses, providing a sense of freedom to explore thoughts as they arose during the review sessions. ## Recommendations and Process Summary - The author recommends allowing adequate time for the review process, as it is not linear and can involve jumping between different sections of the template. - The author suggests that others with a review process should consider trying dictation, as it may prove to be a significant improvement over writing out thoughts, but also emphasizes the importance of finding the method that works best for each individual. - The author's process involved dictating a running narrative section by section, adding section headings, cleaning up the text, adding additional thoughts, and creating an [[Action item | action item]] checklist. - The author believes that using dictation for reviews will be valuable in the future, allowing them to look back at their responses and reflect on their progress.