Weekly Review (GTD)
A critical GTD practice of dedicating 1-2 hours weekly to get clear, get current, and get creative by reviewing all lists, updating projects, and planning the week ahead.
About this tool
Overview
The Weekly Review is a cornerstone habit of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. David Allen considers it essential for maintaining a trusted system and achieving mind-like-water clarity.
What It Is
A dedicated 1-2 hour time block each week to:
- Get Clear: Process all inputs
- Get Current: Update all lists and projects
- Get Creative: Review goals and plan ahead
The Three Goals
1. Get Clear
Empty all inboxes:
- Email inbox
- Physical inbox
- Notes and capture tools
- Voicemail
- Text messages
Process everything to zero.
2. Get Current
Review and update:
- Calendar (past and future weeks)
- Project list (active projects)
- Next Actions lists
- Waiting For list
- Someday/Maybe list
Ensure everything is current and accurate.
3. Get Creative
Look ahead and plan:
- Review goals and objectives
- Generate new ideas
- Update priorities
- Identify next actions for key projects
- Plan the upcoming week
Standard Weekly Review Steps
Step 1: Collect Loose Papers and Materials
Gather everything scattered around.
Step 2: Process Your Inbox
Get inbox to zero using GTD processing workflow.
Step 3: Review Your Calendar
Past week: Capture actions from past meetings Next 2 weeks: Prepare for upcoming appointments
Step 4: Review Your Lists
Next Actions: Review all context lists Projects: Review all active projects Waiting For: Follow up on delegated items
Step 5: Review Someday/Maybe
Consider activating any items.
Step 6: Review Goals and Objectives
Ensure alignment with higher-level goals.
Step 7: Be Creative
Capture new ideas and projects.
When to Do It
Find a consistent time that works:
- Friday afternoon (popular)
- Sunday evening
- Monday morning
- Whenever you have 1-2 hours uninterrupted
Key: Same time each week builds habit.
Benefits
- Maintains system trust
- Prevents things falling through cracks
- Provides weekly closure
- Reduces anxiety
- Enables better planning
- Keeps system current
- Creates space for strategic thinking
Common Challenges
"Too Busy"
Solution: Schedule it as non-negotiable appointment. It saves more time than it costs.
"Takes Too Long"
Solution: Better daily habits reduce weekly review time. As system stays current, reviews get faster.
"Boring/Tedious"
Solution: Make it pleasant - good location, coffee/tea, music. The peace of mind is worth it.
Best Practices
- Schedule it: Put it on calendar
- Protect it: Treat as important meeting
- Make it pleasant: Choose good environment
- Be consistent: Same time each week
- Don't skip: Critical for system health
- Track time: Most people need 60-90 minutes
Integration with Time Tracking
- Track time spent on weekly review
- Review time tracking data during review
- Analyze where time went last week
- Plan time allocations for next week
- Identify time wasters to eliminate
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