Weekly Review

A scheduled time to review all active projects, update next actions, and ensure your system is current.

Definition

The Weekly Review is a cornerstone habit of GTD. It's a dedicated time (typically 30-60 minutes) to step back, review your commitments, and ensure your system is up-to-date.

Why Weekly Review Matters

Keeps System Current

• Clear completed items
• Update project statuses
• Add new tasks and projects
• Archive finished work

Maintains Trust

• You trust your system
• Nothing falls through cracks
• Reduces mental clutter
• Enables stress-free productivity

Provides Perspective

• See the big picture
• Align with goals
• Adjust priorities
• Plan ahead

The Weekly Review Process

1. Get Clear (10 min)

Process Inbox:

• [ ] Clear inbox to zero
• [ ] Process all captured items
• [ ] Organize into projects/tasks

Review Past Week:

• [ ] Check Logbook
• [ ] Celebrate completions
• [ ] Learn from challenges

2. Get Current (20 min)

Review Projects:

• [ ] Check each active project
• [ ] Ensure each has next action
• [ ] Update project status if needed
• [ ] Archive completed projects

Review Calendar:

• [ ] Check past week for missed items
• [ ] Review upcoming week
• [ ] Add tasks for scheduled events

Review Next Actions:

• [ ] Remove completed actions
• [ ] Add new next actions
• [ ] Update priorities

3. Get Creative (10 min)

Review Someday/Maybe:

• [ ] Check deferred tasks
• [ ] Activate relevant items
• [ ] Drop irrelevant items

Brainstorm:

• [ ] New ideas
• [ ] Upcoming projects
• [ ] Goals and aspirations

4. Get Ready (10 min)

Plan Next Week:

• [ ] Flag priorities
• [ ] Schedule important tasks
• [ ] Block time for focus work

Set Intentions:

• [ ] Choose weekly goals
• [ ] Identify key outcomes
• [ ] Commit to priorities

When to Do Weekly Review

Best Day

Friday afternoon or Sunday evening:

• Friday: End week on high note, clear mind for weekend
• Sunday: Start week prepared and focused

Best Time

• Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Environment: Quiet, uninterrupted
• Energy: When you're fresh, not exhausted

Make It Recurring

Set up repeat settings:

• Every Friday at 3:00 PM
• Every Sunday at 7:00 PM
• Weekly on your chosen day

Weekly Review Checklist

Quick Version (30 min)

• [ ] Clear inbox
• [ ] Review all projects
• [ ] Update next actions
• [ ] Check calendar
• [ ] Flag priorities

Comprehensive Version (60 min)

• [ ] Clear inbox to zero
• [ ] Review and process notes
• [ ] Check all projects for next actions
• [ ] Update project statuses
• [ ] Review calendar (past and future)
• [ ] Review waiting-for items
• [ ] Review someday/maybe
• [ ] Update perspectives
• [ ] Flag next week's priorities
• [ ] Set weekly goals

Project Review in Locus GTD

Review Mode

Locus GTD has a dedicated Review Mode:

1. Tap Review button on homepage
2. Swipe through projects needing review
3. For each project:
   • ✅ Review: Mark as reviewed
   • ⏭️ Skip: Review later
   • 📝 Edit: Update project

Review Intervals

Set review intervals per project:

• Weekly: Active projects
• Bi-weekly: Ongoing projects
• Monthly: Long-term projects

Review Reminders

• Homepage shows review count
• Notifications for overdue reviews
• Visual indicators on projects

Making Weekly Review a Habit

Schedule It

• Block time on calendar
• Treat as important appointment
• Don't skip or reschedule

Create Ritual

• Same time each week
• Same location
• Same process
• Make it pleasant (coffee, music)

Start Small

• Begin with 15 minutes
• Focus on essentials
• Gradually expand
• Build consistency

Track Streak

• Mark each review completion
• Build momentum
• Celebrate milestones

Common Challenges

"I Don't Have Time"

Solution: Start with 15-minute version. Better than nothing.

"I Keep Skipping It"

Solution: Link to existing habit. "After Friday standup, I do review."

"It's Boring"

Solution: Make it enjoyable. Good coffee, favorite music, nice environment.

"I Don't Know What to Review"

Solution: Use the checklist. Follow the process.

Benefits of Consistent Weekly Review

Short-term

• Clear mind
• Updated system
• Ready for week
• Reduced stress

Long-term

• Trust your system
• Achieve more goals
• Better work-life balance
• Sustainable productivity

Weekly Review Tips

Prepare Environment

• Quiet space
• No interruptions
• Close email/chat
• Full focus

Review Everything

• Don't skip categories
• Check all projects
• Process all inboxes
• Complete the cycle

Be Honest

• Drop dead projects
• Admit what's not working
• Adjust commitments
• Stay realistic

End Positively

• Acknowledge progress
• Set clear intentions
• Feel prepared
• Start week confident

Related Terms

• GTD
• Project
• Project Review
• Next Action
• Inbox