Beginner's Guide to The Weekly Review

Summary

In this Todoist Channel video, host Naomi emphasizes the importance of a weekly review as a key productivity habit. She explains that it was developed by David Allen as part of his 'Getting Things Done' methodology, and it consists of three parts: getting clear by processing loose ends, getting current by updating everything, and getting creative to devise improvements. The video outlines the benefits of a weekly review, such as providing clarity, direction, and a sense of peace, and how it can fit into various productivity systems. Naomi also shares her personal routine of conducting a weekly review on Sunday mornings, which has evolved with the introduction of team workspaces in Todoist. She provides tips on setting up a successful review, including choosing a consistent time and place, and offers a step-by-step guide on how to complete one. The video concludes with an invitation to participate in a discussion about weekly reviews in the comments section for a chance to win a free year of Todoist Pro.

Takeaways

• 📅 **Weekly Review Importance**: Naomi emphasizes the significance of a weekly review for productivity, suggesting it benefits nearly everyone by providing clarity and direction.
• 👀 **Looking Forward and Back**: A weekly review involves not just reflecting on past actions but also planning for the upcoming week, ensuring a proactive approach.
• 📚 **Origin of Weekly Review**: The concept was developed by productivity consultant David Allen as part of his 'Getting Things Done' (GTD) methodology.
• 🔍 **Three Sections of Review**: The review consists of getting clear, getting current, and getting creative to process loose ends, update everything, and generate new ideas.
• 🎁 **Todoist Pro Offer**: There's a chance to win a free year of Todoist Pro by engaging with the video content.
• 🤔 **Benefits of Review**: Weekly reviews offer objectivity, help in decision-making, and foster a sense of peace knowing there's a plan for the week.
• 🧐 **Who Should Review**: It's particularly beneficial for those who start the week without a plan, feel constantly busy without progress, or are always in reactive mode.
• 🛠️ **Customizability**: A weekly review should be personalized to reflect individual needs, schedules, and lifestyles.
• 🕒 **Time and Place**: Selecting a consistent time and enjoyable place for the review can increase the likelihood of maintaining the habit.
• 📝 **Getting Clear**: Start by processing all inboxes (physical and digital) and emptying your mind onto paper or a task management tool to declutter thoughts.
• 📈 **Getting Current**: Review past actions and upcoming commitments to identify tasks that need immediate attention or preparation.
• 🌟 **Getting Creative**: Use the review to reflect on dreams and goals, and consider how to integrate them into actionable steps for the week.
• ❓ **Reflect and Plan**: Ask reflective questions about the previous week and plan for improvements in the coming week to foster continuous self-improvement.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the importance of conducting a weekly review as a productivity habit.

Who created the concept of the weekly review?

The concept of the weekly review was created by productivity consultant David Allen as part of his Getting Things Done (GTD) method.

What are the three distinct sections of the weekly review?

The three distinct sections of the weekly review are getting clear, getting current, and getting creative.

Why is the weekly review not just about looking back?

The weekly review is not just about looking back because it also involves looking forward, planning, and setting a game plan for the upcoming week.

What are some benefits of having a weekly review?

Benefits of having a weekly review include gaining an objective view of the week ahead, clarifying thinking, spotting patterns, aiding decision-making, and providing a sense of peace and direction.

Who particularly would benefit from a weekly review?

People who usually start the week without a plan, feel constantly busy without progress, are always in reactive mode, or anyone trying to manage their tasks effectively would benefit from a weekly review.

How can a weekly review be customized to fit an individual's needs?

A weekly review can be customized by reflecting the individual's personal preferences, what's important to them, their life circumstances, and their schedule.

What is suggested as a good time duration for a weekly review?

It is suggested that around an hour should be dedicated to a weekly review, although this can vary based on individual needs.

What does Naomi recommend to start the weekly review process?

Naomi recommends setting up for success by choosing a consistent time and place that works best for the individual's schedule and is enjoyable.

How does the weekly review help with decision-making?

The weekly review helps with decision-making by providing clarity on past actions and future plans, allowing for better-informed choices.

What is the 'someday maybe list' mentioned in the video?

The 'someday maybe list' is a list of tasks or goals that an individual might not be able to accomplish immediately but wishes to achieve at some point in the future.

What is the purpose of reflecting and planning during the weekly review?

Reflecting and planning during the weekly review helps to identify patterns in working behavior, assess accomplishments, and set priorities for the upcoming week based on lessons learned.