The Power of a Weekly Review: A Guide to Setting Yourself Up for Success

Today, I want to share one of my weekly habits that helps me stay on track with my goals, check in with my habits, and focus on my priorities. Interested?  

It’s a weekly review. Did that surprise you? Seriously, a weekly review is an effective tool for pause, reflection, and reset, ensuring you stay on track toward your bigger objectives while also maintaining a balanced and productive life.

We will dive into the importance of conducting a weekly review, and I’ll provide a step-by-step schedule that includes reviewing your goals, assessing your calendar, evaluating habits, identifying wins and challenges, and setting priorities for the upcoming week.

Why Do a Weekly Review?

A weekly review isn’t just about checking off to-dos. It’s a proactive approach to:

• Gain clarity on what matters most in your personal and professional life.
• Stay aligned with your long-term goals by breaking them into manageable weekly tasks.
• Improve productivity by optimizing your schedule and focusing on what’s important.
• Develop better habits by identifying what’s working and what’s not.
• Celebrate wins and address challenges before they become roadblocks.

A Suggested Weekly Review Schedule

I was recently listening to an audiobook, and I found it frustrating. It was beautifully written with lots of motivational words, but the book failed to give me any direction on HOW to make the type of change they were suggesting. Four hours of writing with no how-to.  

Therefore, let me share my weekly review schedule with you.   I allocate 30-60 minutes on Sundays.  However, you can schedule it at the end of the week —whether it’s Friday afternoon, Sunday evening, or another time that works for you. Here’s a step-by-step plan you can follow:

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1. Review Your Goa s (10–15 Minutes)

Start by revisiting your long-term goals—both personal and professional. These could include quarterly goals, yearly objectives, or larger life ambitions. Then ask yourself f:

• What progress did I make this week toward these goals?
• Are my daily and weekly tasks aligned with these objectives?
• Do I need to adjust my focus to stay on track?

If you haven’t made much progress, don’t stress! This is your chance to correct the course and create a better plan for the coming week.

Pro Tip: Break down your long-term goals into small, actionable steps that can fit into your weekly schedule.

2. Assess Your Sch dule (10–15 Minutes)

Next, take a look at your calendar for the past week. Did you follow through on your planned tasks and commitments? Consider:

• Were there meetings or events that took up more time than expected?
• Did you spend your time on the right activities?
• Are there any tasks or appointments you need to reschedule?
• If you use an ideal week as a guide, do you need to make changes because something is not working?

Now, glance at your schedule for the upcoming week. Do you need to make adjustments or add time for important tasks? This step will help you anticipate any time crunches and ensure you’re allocating time to your highest priorities.

3. Evaluate Your H bits (5–10 Minutes)

Your habits are the building blocks of success. Reflect on the habits you practiced this week:

• Which habits contributed positively to your productivity, health, or well-being?
• Were there any negative habits that hindered your progress?

Identify one or two habits you want to improve or reinforce in the coming week. For example, you might prioritize getting more sleep, reducing screen time, or practicing mindfulness.

4. Identify Wins and Challenges (5–10 Minutes)

Celebrating wins is crucial for maintaining motivation. Take a moment to acknowledge your wins, both big and small, from the week:

• Did you complete a project or task ahead of schedule?
• Did you manage your time better?
• Were you able to overcome a challenging situation?
• Regardless of how small the win is, celebrate!  Little wins add up over time. 

On the flip side, reflect on your challenges:

• Did you encounter any unexpected obstacles?
• Were there tasks you struggled to complete?
• I like to ask myself, “Where was I uncomfortable”?  This usually helps me identify areas I need help with.

This reflection helps you understand what worked well and what areas need attention so you can strategize solutions.

5. Set Priorities for the Coming Week (5–10 Minutes)

Now that you’ve reviewed your goals, schedule, and habits, it’s time to set priorities for the coming week. These priorities should align with your long-term objectives and include personal and professional tasks.

• What are the most important tasks or projects you need to complete next week?
• Which goals or milestones will you focus on?
• Are there any urgent deadlines to meet?

By setting clear priorities, you’ll ensure that you’re focusing on the right things and avoiding distractions.

6. Plan Your Week head (10–15 Minutes)

The final step is to create a concrete plan for the upcoming week. Using the prior ties you’ve set, assign specific tasks to each day of the week, making sure to balance work, personal time, and self-care.

• Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable actions.
• Schedule time for breaks and relaxation to avoid burnout.
• Leave room for flexibility in case unexpected events arise.

Use your preferred planning tool—a digital calendar, a to-do list app, or a physical planner—to organize your week. The goal is to ensure you know what needs to be done each day without feeling overwhelmed.

Conclusion

A weekly review is a powerful way to take control of your time, goals, and habits. It provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress, make necessary adjustments, and set yourself up for success in the coming week. By dedicating just 30–60 minutes to this process each week, you can ensure you stay on track with your long-term goals while also improving your daily life.

Try incorporating this weekly review process into your routine, and watch how it transforms your productivity, focus, and overall sense of accomplishment.

Happy reviewing!

The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine.

Mike Murdock

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