Weekly Review

Overview

The Weekly Review is a cornerstone practice from David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. It's a dedicated time (typically 1-2 hours) to review the past week, process all inputs, update your systems, and prepare for the week ahead.

Purpose

The Weekly Review ensures:

• All commitments are captured and current
• Your system is trustworthy and up-to-date
• You have clarity on priorities and next actions
• Nothing falls through the cracks
• You maintain perspective on projects and goals

The Classic GTD Weekly Review Steps

1. Get Clear (Empty Your Head)

• Collect loose papers and materials
• Process notes from meetings and events
• Empty physical and digital inboxes
• Capture any open loops or concerns

2. Get Current (Update Your Lists)

• Review action lists and check off completed items
• Review project list and add any new projects
• Review waiting-for list and follow up as needed
• Review calendar for past and upcoming weeks
• Update context lists (@home, @office, @calls, etc.)

3. Get Creative (Look Ahead)

• Review someday/maybe list for activation
• Review goals and larger objectives
• Identify projects from your roles and responsibilities
• Be creative about new opportunities
• Capture any new ideas or insights

Timing and Frequency

When to Conduct

• Friday afternoon (popular choice)
• Sunday evening (week preparation)
• Saturday morning (weekend start)
• Choose consistent day and time

Duration

• 1-2 hours typical
• Longer when catching up
• Shorter with practice and maintenance

Frequency

• Weekly minimum
• Some add monthly review
• Quarterly reviews for bigger picture

Extended Weekly Review Components

Review Past Week

• What did I accomplish?
• What went well?
• What could improve?
• What did I learn?
• Wins to celebrate?

Review Calendar

• Past week: capture missed actions
• Next 2-4 weeks: prepare for commitments
• Flag important dates
• Identify preparation needs

Review Projects

• Active projects: identify next actions
• Stalled projects: determine blocks
• Completed projects: celebrate and archive
• New projects: capture and define

Review Areas of Responsibility

• Work roles
• Personal responsibilities
• Relationships
• Health and wellness
• Finance
• Personal development

Process Inputs

• Email inboxes
• Physical inboxes
• Notes and ideas
• Messages and communications
• Receipts and documents

Clean and Organize

• Clear desk and workspace
• File loose items
• Update reference materials
• Organize digital files
• Clear downloads folder

Plan Ahead

• Identify priorities for coming week
• Schedule important tasks
• Prepare materials needed
• Block focus time
• Identify potential obstacles

Benefits

• Clarity: Know exactly what's on your plate
• Trust: Confidence in your system
• Perspective: See the bigger picture
• Reduced Stress: Nothing lurking in the shadows
• Proactive Planning: Get ahead of commitments
• Better Decisions: Full context for choices
• Completion: Sense of progress and accomplishment

Common Challenges

Time Scarcity

• Solution: Schedule as non-negotiable appointment
• Start with 30-minute version if needed

Inconsistency

• Solution: Same time and place each week
• Set calendar reminders
• Track streak to build habit

Overwhelming

• Solution: Use checklist to guide process
• Focus on essentials first
• Build up comprehensiveness over time

Interruptions

• Solution: Find quiet time and place
• Turn off notifications
• Communicate boundaries

Weekly Review Checklist

• Collect loose papers and materials
• Process email inboxes to zero
• Process physical inbox to zero
• Process notes from meetings
• Review and update project list
• Review and update action lists
• Review waiting-for list
• Review someday/maybe list
• Review last week's calendar
• Review next 2-4 weeks calendar
• Update goals and objectives
• Clean and organize workspace
• Plan priorities for next week

Making It Sustainable

Create Ritual

• Same time and place
• Prepare environment (coffee, music)
• Use checklist for consistency

Keep It Enjoyable

• Pleasant workspace
• Favorite beverage
• Celebrate wins
• Reflection time as gift to yourself

Adjust to Fit

• Customize for your role and needs
• Add/remove steps as appropriate
• Find optimal duration
• Experiment with timing

Track Completion

• Mark completed reviews on calendar
• Build streak motivation
• Note benefits experienced

Integration with Other Systems

• Works with any task management tool
• Complements time blocking
• Supports Agile sprint planning
• Enhances goal-setting systems
• Fundamental to GTD methodology