The Weekly Review: 10 Questions to Make Next Week Better
We plan a lot, but we rarely look back to understand what worked and what didn’t. The weekly review is the missing link: twenty minutes at the end of each week that turn last week into lessons and make your next plan smarter.
When and how to review your week
Pick a fixed time right before you plan the new week, such as Thursday or Friday evening. Bring your weekly planner and a notebook, turn off notifications, and answer the questions below in writing, even with one line each.
The ten questions
1. What did I get done this week that I feel good about?
Start with the positive. Writing down wins, even small ones, gives you momentum for next week and reminds you that you are making progress.
2. Did I complete my three priorities?
If yes, what helped? If not, what exactly happened: were they too big, crowded out by emergencies, or never given a time slot?
3. What took longer than I expected?
This question exposes unrealistic estimates and helps you plan more honestly.
4. Which tasks did I postpone more than once?
A task you keep postponing is either unimportant (delete it), too big (break it down) or unpleasant (do it first thing in the morning).
5. How were my energy and sleep?
Productivity starts with your body. Notice the days you felt your best, and what came before them.
6. Did I stick to my habits?
Look at your habit tracker: how many days out of seven? Don’t judge yourself; look for the pattern.
7. What did I learn this week?
An idea, a skill or a lesson from a mistake. Written learning lasts longer.
8. Who do I want to thank or reach out to?
Relationships are part of a good week. A short thank-you message can make someone else’s day.
9. What will I stop doing?
Sometimes the best improvement is subtraction: an unnecessary meeting, or a commitment that no longer fits.
10. What are my three priorities for next week?
End your review with planning: three clear outcomes, then move on to your weekly planning steps.
10 bilingual pages: goals, monthly calendar, weekly and daily planner, habit tracker and weekly review.
From review to plan
A review on its own isn’t enough; its value is in what you change afterwards. Take your answer to question ten and use it to start next week’s plan with the five-step weekly planning method, and use the rule of three to choose what deserves your time.
The bottom line
Twenty minutes of honesty with yourself every week is worth hours of scattered work. Try these questions for four weeks and you’ll notice your weeks becoming clearer and calmer.
