The weekly review is perhaps the single most powerful habit for maintaining clarity and control in your life. This simple practice helps you reflect on the past week, celebrate progress, and set yourself up for success in the week ahead.

Why Weekly Reviews Matter

Without regular reviews, tasks pile up, priorities blur, and you lose sight of your progress. A weekly review creates a rhythm of reflection and intention that keeps you aligned with what truly matters. It's maintenance for your life systems.

The 20-Minute Review Process

5 MINUTES

Phase 1: Collect & Clear

Gather everything that's been floating around in your mind and various systems:

  • Empty your inbox (physical and digital)
  • Collect loose papers and notes
  • Review calendar for past week
  • Check phone for voice memos or photos
  • Capture any lingering thoughts
5 MINUTES

Phase 2: Reflect & Celebrate

Look back on the past week with curiosity and appreciation:

  • What went well this week?
  • What progress did I make?
  • What did I learn?
  • What am I grateful for?
  • What could I improve?
7 MINUTES

Phase 3: Plan & Prioritize

Set yourself up for a focused, intentional week ahead:

  • Review upcoming calendar appointments
  • Identify 3-5 key priorities for next week
  • Schedule time blocks for important work
  • Prepare materials or resources needed
  • Set one personal and one professional goal
3 MINUTES

Phase 4: Organize & Update

Tidy your systems for a fresh start:

  • Update task lists and projects
  • File or archive completed items
  • Clear your workspace
  • Update tracking systems if you use them
  • Set intentions for the week

Powerful Review Questions

What drained my energy this week?

Identifying energy drains helps you minimize or eliminate them in future weeks.

What gave me energy this week?

Notice what lights you up so you can intentionally include more of it.

Where did I spend time that didn't align with my priorities?

Awareness of misalignment helps you course-correct and protect your time.

What am I avoiding that needs attention?

Naming what you're avoiding reduces its power and helps you address it.

What would make next week feel successful?

Define success on your own terms before the week begins, not at the end.

What can I let go of or say no to?

Regular editing of commitments prevents overwhelm and protects your priorities.

Making It Stick

Schedule It

Block 20 minutes in your calendar at the same time each week. Sunday evenings or Friday afternoons work well for most people. Treat it as non-negotiable.

Create Ritual

Make your review pleasant. Brew special tea, light a candle, play calm music. Creating a ritual makes you more likely to follow through.

Use a Template

Keep a simple template with your review questions so you don't have to think about what to do. Consistency beats perfection.

Start Small

If 20 minutes feels overwhelming, start with 10. Or even just answer two questions. Build the habit first, refine it later.

The Compound Effect

One weekly review might not feel transformative. But 52 reviews over a year? That's 52 opportunities to course-correct, celebrate progress, and stay aligned with what matters. The power is in the consistency, not any single session.