Weekly Review Method

Overview

The Weekly Review is a cornerstone habit from David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology, involving a systematic review of all commitments, projects, and actions to maintain a trusted productivity system and clear mental space.

Why Weekly Reviews Matter

• Prevents things from falling through cracks
• Maintains trust in your system
• Provides perspective on priorities
• Reduces mental clutter
• Identifies what's not moving forward
• Creates space for strategic thinking
• Reduces stress and anxiety

The Standard GTD Weekly Review

Get Clear (Process)

1. Collect loose papers: Gather all physical inputs
2. Process inbox to zero: Email, notes, receipts
3. Empty your head: Brain dump remaining thoughts
4. Review past calendar: Note follow-ups from past week
5. Review upcoming calendar: Prepare for upcoming events

Get Current (Update)

6. Review next actions lists: Update, complete, add
7. Review project list: Ensure each has next action
8. Review waiting-for list: Follow up as needed
9. Review someday/maybe: Move items to active or delete

Get Creative (Reflect)

10. New projects: Capture any new commitments
11. Review goals: Align projects with objectives
12. Be creative: Blue-sky thinking, new ideas

Timing & Duration

When

• Friday afternoon (popular)
• Sunday evening (reset for Monday)
• Pick same time weekly
• Make it sacred/non-negotiable

How Long

• Beginners: 2 hours
• Experienced: 1 hour
• Regular practice reduces time
• Don't rush it

Common Adaptations

Personal Productivity

• Review time tracking data
• Assess habit streaks
• Check budget/finances
• Review health metrics
• Personal goals progress

Professional Focus

• Team commitments
• Client projects
• Metrics/KPIs review
• Upcoming deadlines
• Resource needs

Hybrid Approach

• 30 min: Quick GTD essentials
• 30 min: Strategic planning
• 30 min: Learning/reflection

Review Triggers

Questions to ask:

Projects

• What's the desired outcome?
• What's the next physical action?
• Is this still relevant?
• Am I making progress?
• What's blocking me?

Calendar

• Any follow-ups needed from past meetings?
• Am I prepared for upcoming events?
• Is anything missing from my calendar?
• Any scheduling conflicts?

Lists

• Are these still accurate next actions?
• Can any be deleted?
• Are any now projects?
• What's missing?

Environment Setup

• Quiet, interruption-free space
• All tools and systems accessible
• Phone off or DND
• Clean desk/workspace
• Coffee/tea ritual
• Relaxing background music

Tools & Templates

Digital

• Todoist weekly review
• Notion weekly template
• Evernote review checklist
• Asana project review

Analog

• Physical checklist
• Bullet journal spread
• Planner pages
• Index cards

Resistance & Solutions

"I don't have time"

• Schedule it like a meeting
• Start with 30 minutes
• Time saved > time invested

"It's boring"

• Change location
• Add music or coffee
• Reward yourself after
• See it as self-care

"I skip it"

• Set calendar reminder
• Accountability partner
• Track streak
• Notice stress when skipped

Benefits Realized

Short-term

• Clear mind going into weekend
• Ready for Monday morning
• Reduced anxiety
• Nothing forgotten

Long-term

• Better project completion
• Fewer crises
• More proactive
• Aligned with goals
• Trusted system

Advanced: Multi-Level Reviews

Daily Review (5 min)

• Calendar for today
• Priority tasks
• Quick inbox check

Weekly Review (1 hour)

• Full GTD process

Monthly Review (2 hours)

• Goals progress
• Habits review
• Bigger picture

Quarterly Review (half day)

• Strategic planning
• Goal setting
• Life assessment

Annual Review (full day)

• Year reflection
• Year ahead planning
• Values alignment

Success Metrics

• Completion rate: Doing weekly reviews consistently
• Inbox zero: After each review
• Projects with next actions: 100%
• Mental clarity: Reduced anxiety
• Productivity: Better follow-through

David Allen Quote

"The Weekly Review is the critical success factor for marrying your larger commitments to your day-to-day activities."