# GTD Weekly Review

> Critical weekly practice from Getting Things Done methodology where you review all projects, clear inboxes, update lists, and plan the upcoming week. David Allen calls it the "master key" to GTD, ensuring the system stays current and trustworthy.

- **URL:** https://gettingthingsdone.com/2017/07/the-weekly-review/
- **Category:** Practices
- **Tags:** GTD, Review, Planning, Organization
- **Updated:** 2026-03-14 15:50
- **Canonical page:** https://timetrack.works/items/gtd-weekly-review

## Details

## Overview

The GTD Weekly Review is a dedicated time block (typically 1-2 hours) to step back, process everything, and ensure your system accurately reflects current reality. David Allen considers it the "master key" to making GTD work.

## The Weekly Review Process

### 1. Get Clear
- **Collect loose papers and materials**: Gather all scattered items
- **Process your notes**: Review meeting notes, jottings
- **Empty your head**: Brain dump anything on your mind

### 2. Get Current
- **Review Next Action lists**: Update, complete, remove
- **Review Project list**: Ensure each has a next action
- **Review Calendar**: Past 2 weeks and upcoming 2-3 weeks
- **Review Waiting For list**: Follow up as needed
- **Review Someday/Maybe**: Consider promoting items

### 3. Get Creative
- **Review goals and objectives**: Big picture thinking
- **Generate new ideas**: Creative thinking about projects
- **Identify new projects**: Capture emerging work

## Why It's Essential

### Trust in the System
- Weekly review keeps system current
- Outdated lists aren't trusted
- Trust is prerequisite for relaxed productivity
- Must know system reflects reality

### Perspective
- Step back from daily execution
- See whole landscape
- Make strategic adjustments
- Prevent important from being overlooked

### Mental Clarity
- Mind knows system is current
- Can truly relax
- Reduces anxiety about forgotten items
- Provides fresh start each week

## Best Practices

- **Same time/place each week**: Build habit
- **Friday afternoon ideal**: Clear desk for weekend
- **Minimum 60 minutes**: Don't rush
- **Distraction-free**: Close email, silence phone
- **Complete the review**: Don't skip steps

## Benefits

- Updated accurate system
- Clear picture of commitments
- Ready for upcoming week
- Relaxed confident mind
- Better decision-making

## Common Mistakes

- Skipping weeks (breaks trust)
- Rushing through process
- Not processing to completion
- Doing work instead of reviewing

## Ideal For

Anyone using GTD or similar system for managing work and life commitments

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