GTD: A Fresh Look At The Weekly Review

Discover a fresh perspective on the Weekly Review—a pivotal practice within the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology.  We consider how the Weekly Review is not just a checklist but a strategic and reflective journey. Uncover the art of maintaining, reflecting, and executing, and learn practical tips to turn this ritual into a consistent and inspiring part of your routine.

MAIN POINTS

1. Introduction to Weekly Review (GTD Style):

1. The weekly review is a fundamental practice in the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology by David Allen.
2. Its primary purpose is to maintain a clear and organized system, preventing anything from being overlooked and reducing mental clutter.
3. Purpose of the Weekly Review:

2. Engage in a systematic process to collect, process, and organize inputs, including loose papers, notes, and items collected during the week.
3. Process items to ensure each is assigned a proper place or action.
4. Review calendar to check the previous week’s tasks and prepare for upcoming commitments.
5. Check the project list for progress and ensure each project has an active action item.
6. Review next actions list to confirm appropriate contexts and check off completed actions.
7. Track delegated actions through a “waiting for” list.
8. Review the “someday maybe” list to activate relevant actions and remove irrelevant ones.
9. Distinction Between Maintaining, Reflecting, and Executing:

3. Maintaining involves cleaning up and ensuring everything is in order.
4. Reflecting involves evaluating whether you are working on the right priorities.
5. Executing is about taking action on what needs to be done.
6. Strategic Layer of Reflection:

4. Beyond tactical aspects, the weekly review includes reflecting on how time was spent the previous week and anticipating distractions for the coming week.
5. Reflect on the value and risk of every task, aligning efforts with goals.
6. Tips for an Effective Weekly Review:

5. Understand the benefits of a weekly review to stay motivated.
6. Set clear goals for the weekly review.
7. Establish a ritual or routine for consistency.
8. Visualize the positive outcomes of a successful review.
9. Start small if the comprehensive review feels overwhelming.
10. Implement a reward system for completing the review.
11. Connect the weekly review to broader personal and professional goals.
12. Use appropriate tools and apps to streamline the process.
13. Make the weekly review enjoyable with music, a comfortable workspace, etc.
14. Consider having an accountability partner for discussion and encouragement.
15. Importance of Consistency:

6. Consistency is emphasized for building the habit of a weekly review.
7. Over time, the benefits become apparent, making the process more natural and even inspiring.

TRANSCRIPT

After posting a video on doing a weekly review GTD style, I saw a comment from someone who said they’re no longer inspired to do their weekly reviews. I’m Dave Edwards today we’re going to take a fresh look at doing the weekly review.

The weekly review is a fundamental practice within the Getting Things Done GTD methodology, as introduced by David Allen. This, the primary purpose of the weekly review is to maintain a clear and organized system, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks, and allowing individuals to focus on their priorities without the burden of any mental clutter. So let’s think a little bit more about the purpose of a weekly review. During that weekly review, you will engage in a systematic process to collect, process and organize all of your inputs. This includes gathering loose papers, notes, business cards, other items that you collected throughout the week, and now reside in your inbox.

You then process these items ensuring that each one is assigned a proper place or action. Reviewing your calendar is an essential step for the weekly review to it involves checking the previous week’s work to see if any tasks require further action, and examining the upcoming week schedule to identify tasks that need some preparation for this step ensures that nothing slips through the cracks, and that you’re adequately prepared for upcoming commitments. The review of your project list is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring that every project has at least one active action item that will help you maintain a current and complete system allowing you to trust your organizational structure. Checking your next actions list is another vital aspect of the weekly review. You confirm that every action has an appropriate context assigned and completed actions are checked off.

This step ensures that you’re well prepared with actionable items for the week ahead. delegated actions are tracked through a waiting for list, preventing anything from slipping through the cracks when relying on others to complete their work. Additionally, the review of the someday maybe list allows you to activate some actions that have become irrelevant and remove those that are you’re no longer interested in. One of the key insights is the distinction between maintaining reflecting and executing during the weekly review. While maintaining involves cleaning up and ensuring everything is in order. Reflecting involves stepping back and evaluating whether you are working on the right priorities. Executing is about taking action on what needs to be done. The review extends beyond the tactical aspects of maintaining lists and calendars, reflecting how time was spent the previous week, and anticipating how to avoid distractions in the coming week. As a strategic layer to the process. The importance of reflecting on the value and risk of every task is highlighted, encouraging a thoughtful evaluation of your priorities. This approach ensures that your efforts align with your goals and that you’re focusing on tasks that really mattered to you.

The weekly review is not just about maintaining control over your calendar and Action Lists, but also reflecting on the bigger picture. It involves evaluating projects considering their status and determining what needs to be done to remove them from your mental space. To find inspiration for your weekly review, make it a consistent and valuable part of your routine.

Consider the following tips.

Understand the benefits remind yourself of the benefits of doing a weekly review, clearing your mind ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and allowing you to focus on your priorities. Recognizing these advantages can motivate you to commit to the process.

Number two, set clear goals define specific goals you want to achieve during the weekly review. Whether it’s maintaining a clutter free workspace, staying on top of deadlines or enhancing overall productivity. Having clear objectives can provide a sense of purpose.

I also recommend number three create a ritual. Establish a ritual or routine around your weekly review. This could be a designated time every week or a specific environment that promotes focus on reflection. Having a consistent ritual makes it easier to turn the weekly review get into a habit. I have a friend of mine who spends every Saturday morning in a coffee shop, enjoying a brew he likes and doing his weekly review.

Number four visualize success. Picture the positive outcomes of a successful weekly review. envision having a well organized task list a clear calendar and a sense of control over your responsibilities. visualization can be a powerful motivator.

Number five, start small. If the idea of a comprehensive weekly review field is a little bit overwhelming, start small. Begin with a simplified version focusing on key elements like processing your inbox and reviewing your calendar. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually expand the scope.

Number six reward yourself consider implementing a reward system. Treat yourself to something enjoyable after completing your weekly review that could be a break of favorite snack or some kind of small reward that reinforces the positive feelings associated with the task.

Number seven connect with goals. Align your weekly review with your broader goals reflect that how this practice contributes to your personal and professional objectives. Connecting it to your aspirations can make it feel more purposeful and fulfilling.

Number eight, use the appropriate tools and apps leverage productivity tools and applications that streamline the review process. Having dedicated tools can make the task more efficient and enjoyable. Experiment with different tools until you find those that work for you.

Number nine make it enjoyable. Find ways to make the weekly review enjoyable. play your favorite music in the background. Choose a a comfortable workspace or incorporate elements that make the process less of a chore. enjoying the experience can turn it into a positive part of your routine.

And finally, number 10. Think about an accountability partner. Share your commitment and doing a weekly review with a friend, a colleague or a family member. Having someone to discuss your progress with can provide accountability and encouragement.

Remember that consistency is key when building any habit. Over time as you experience the benefits of a well executed weekly review. It’ll become a more natural and even inspiring part of your routine. The weekly review goes beyond a simple checklist. It involves maintaining reflecting and executing to keep your system current clear and complete. By consistently engaging in this process. You free your mind from the burden of constant mental clutter, allowing you to focus on what really matters.