What Is a Weekly Review?
Once a week — for me every Friday at 4 PM — I pause and go through the past week. No big ceremony. A clear process, 25–35 minutes.
The concept comes from GTD (Getting Things Done), but my version is significantly leaner.
My Process
1. Clear the inbox (5–10 min)
All open notes, photos, screenshots, browser tabs I "wanted to look at". Either discard immediately, act on them, or move them into a system.
2. Review projects (5 min)
Briefly look at each active project. Did I make progress this week? Is there a blocking next step?
3. Last week's calendar (3 min)
What happened? Is there anything I need to follow up on or note?
4. Next week's calendar (5 min)
What's coming? Is there preparation I need to schedule now?
5. Define weekly goals (5 min)
Maximum 3 things I want to have done next week. Not wishes — commitments.
Why It Works
Without a review, backlog accumulates. Tasks that are "almost done" stay half-open forever. Projects lose momentum. The feeling of being overwhelmed doesn't come from too much work — it comes from a lack of overview.
The Weekly Review restores that overview systematically, once a week.
The First Step
Block a 30-minute slot in your calendar right now. Friday afternoon works well because the week is still fresh. Monday morning works too.
Do it for three weeks. Then decide whether it's helping.