Overview
The Weekly Review is a cornerstone practice of David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. Allen has called it a "critical factor for success" because regular review ensures you're not just doing things, but doing the right things.
Purpose
The Weekly Review serves to:
- Get clear on all commitments and projects
- Get current with all inputs and actions
- Get creative about future possibilities
- Ensure nothing falls through the cracks
The Weekly Review Process
1. Get Clear
- Collect loose papers and materials
- Process your inbox to zero
- Empty your head of lingering thoughts
- Review "Someday/Maybe" lists
2. Get Current
- Review next actions lists
- Review waiting-for list
- Review project lists
- Review calendar (past and future)
3. Get Creative
- Review Someday/Maybe list
- Be creative and courageous with projects
Why Weekly?
Allen advocates weekly frequency because:
- Short enough to stay current
- Long enough to see meaningful progress
- Matches many professional work cycles
- Prevents overwhelm from building up
Time Investment
Most people need 1-2 hours for a thorough Weekly Review. The time investment pays dividends in reduced stress and increased productivity throughout the week.
Common Challenges
- Skipping Reviews: Life gets busy and reviews get postponed
- Incomplete Reviews: Rushing through without thoroughness
- Wrong Environment: Trying to review in distracting settings
- Lack of Ritual: Not establishing consistent time and place
Best Practices
Scheduling
- Same time each week (often Friday afternoon)
- Block calendar for uninterrupted time
- Quiet location with minimal distractions
- When mind is relatively fresh
Preparation
- Close unnecessary applications
- Silence notifications
- Have all lists and tools accessible
- Commit to completing full review
Benefits
Consistent Weekly Reviews provide:
- Clarity: Crystal-clear view of commitments
- Control: Confident you're on top of everything
- Creativity: Space to think about possibilities
- Confidence: Trust your system is complete
- Calm: Reduced anxiety about forgotten items
