I’m both wary of AI and appreciative of it. People say, “Someday AI will be smarter than us.” What do you mean, “someday”? It’s already smarter than me.

Before I describe how I use AI in my weekly/ monthly/ quarterly reviews, it would help to know what my AI knows about me. Without that knowledge, it would be much less useful.

I’ve uploaded to the AI my:

❧ Strategic priorities for the year

❧ Compass model

❧ Hand (natch!)

❧ VIA Character Strengths (free assessment)

❧ Council of Advisors: list and why each advisor matters to me.

Here are three of my advisors. It makes me happy just to see them.

Bisa Butler, Ina Garten, Mary Oliver

The AI is also very familiar with my family history and current state (a little tired, still processing the emotions and physical remnants of moving my mom into assisted living).

This list is probably missing some uploads my friend—the strategic planning and execution pro—would recommend including, but this is a good start.

Here’s how I use AI in my review sessions:

After answering the questions in my template, I tell the AI what I learned and what I’m planning for the upcoming week (or month, or quarter). Then I’ll ask for its advice.

Because I handwrite my reflections, this is a more tedious process than it needs to be. I like the mental work of reviewing what I’ve written and summarizing it, but I’m also thinking of doing the reflection digitally so the AI can see what I’ve written and I don’t need to do the recap.

Usually, the advice from the AI encourages me not to bite off more than I can chew. Whatever the response, we ‘discuss’ it until I’m clear on my plan.

Then, at the end, I ask, “What would one of my council of advisors have to say? Don’t limit yourself to what I’ve told you about them. Consider what they are widely known for.” This gives the review session a nice way to close. Finally, I ask for a one-line mantra for the week, and that ends it.

Writing this, I feel like a kindergartener because my friend (the expert) will read it, and she is such a better resource for you. I’ve reached out to her with my request for a guest post and we’ll see what she says. I’ve got my fingers crossed, but it’s fine if you want to cross yours, too. (Update: She said yes!)

PS: Last Friday I did the reflection digitally. Not only was it easier to share with the AI, it will be easier to read than my handwriting when it comes time for the monthly and quarterly reviews.

PPS: The mantra for this week is “Consistency, kindness, and curiosity.”

Chewing the Cud of Good

Thankful for my Tuesday morning friend.