A few years ago, Meg used to escape to a café for her weekly review. At home, distractions always pulled her off track, so carving out that space became her secret to staying focused.
Over time, she realized the bigger lesson: the Weekly Review only works when it’s tailored to you.
Why the Weekly Review Matters
The weekly review is one of the most powerful tools in GTD. It keeps your trusted system relevant, up-to-date, and clear. It’s your chance to:
- Get Clear: Capture any lingering thoughts, papers, tasks, and commitments
- Get Current: Review calendars, emails, lists, and projects
- Get Creative: Review your Someday/Maybe list to delete, move to projects, or incubate items, and brainstorm new ideas
- Get Oriented: Ensure all projects have an active next action and that you’re ready for the weeks ahead
David Allen calls this the “reflecting phase,” but it’s not a strict checklist. Its real purpose is to help you see clearly everything you could be doing if you chose to.
Making It Work for You
Many GTD practitioners struggle because they feel they “should” follow the Weekly Review exactly as it’s written in the books. Instead, try these tips:
- Customize the steps to fit your energy and schedule. Chip away at different lists if you get fatigued—it doesn’t have to be done in one sitting.
- Choose the right environment. Home isn’t always ideal, as distractions can easily bleed into your focus. A quiet café, office, or outdoor space can make all the difference.
- Review the right lists: next actions, projects, agendas, waiting-fors, and someday/maybes. Start where you face the most friction.
- Protect reflection time as if it’s a meeting with a coach. Pretend you have a call with them and push the rest of the incoming back.
Reflection Questions
- Which part of your weekly review feels most like “busy work” rather than clarity-building?
- What small change could make your next review feel fresher and more productive?
To make your Weekly Review most beneficial for your schedule and workflow, check out Meg’s latest GTD Gems installment, where she goes in-depth on customizing the weekly review.
Cheers,
The GTD Focus Team
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