Overview
The GTD Weekly Review is a dedicated time block (typically 1-2 hours) to step back, process everything, and ensure your system accurately reflects current reality. David Allen considers it the "master key" to making GTD work.
The Weekly Review Process
1. Get Clear
- Collect loose papers and materials: Gather all scattered items
- Process your notes: Review meeting notes, jottings
- Empty your head: Brain dump anything on your mind
2. Get Current
- Review Next Action lists: Update, complete, remove
- Review Project list: Ensure each has a next action
- Review Calendar: Past 2 weeks and upcoming 2-3 weeks
- Review Waiting For list: Follow up as needed
- Review Someday/Maybe: Consider promoting items
3. Get Creative
- Review goals and objectives: Big picture thinking
- Generate new ideas: Creative thinking about projects
- Identify new projects: Capture emerging work
Why It's Essential
Trust in the System
- Weekly review keeps system current
- Outdated lists aren't trusted
- Trust is prerequisite for relaxed productivity
- Must know system reflects reality
Perspective
- Step back from daily execution
- See whole landscape
- Make strategic adjustments
- Prevent important from being overlooked
Mental Clarity
- Mind knows system is current
- Can truly relax
- Reduces anxiety about forgotten items
- Provides fresh start each week
Best Practices
- Same time/place each week: Build habit
- Friday afternoon ideal: Clear desk for weekend
- Minimum 60 minutes: Don't rush
- Distraction-free: Close email, silence phone
- Complete the review: Don't skip steps
Benefits
- Updated accurate system
- Clear picture of commitments
- Ready for upcoming week
- Relaxed confident mind
- Better decision-making
Common Mistakes
- Skipping weeks (breaks trust)
- Rushing through process
- Not processing to completion
- Doing work instead of reviewing
Ideal For
Anyone using GTD or similar system for managing work and life commitments
