180: Do This for a Productive Week - a podcast by Dave Stachowiak

Dave Stachowiak: Coaching for Leaders
In the book Getting Things Done*, past guest David Allen first popularized the practice of a weekly review. In this episode, I share my own process for the weekly review, so that you can incorporate the actions that best work for you.Key Points
1. Block TimeI complete my weekly review either Sunday evening or early Monday morning. Pick a time that will work consistently in your schedule.

2. Record What WorkedI don’t have an issue remembering what didn’t work, so I discipline myself to write down what did work last week. That way, I recognize strengths.

3. Review GoalsI do a full read of the annual goals I created at the beginning of the year, so I know where I am headed.

4. Determine Next ActionsI decide the next action for each annual goal to advance me closer.

5. Flag 3-5 ActionsI pick the 3-5 actions (fewer is better) than I will commit to complete this week. I leave the rest of them for another week.

6. Remove Flags from Last WeekIf there are still flagged items remaining from last week (often the case) I remove them if they are not already on this week’s list. This is an administrative step.

7. Review Projects in OmniFocusI review all my projects in OmniFocus* for important tasks that might need to be added to the week.

8. Review Habits and Set FocusI review my daily habits on Coach.me for the last week to see where I did well and where I fell short. Then, I pick a focus habit for the week so I can realign with one I’ve been missing. I write it on my office board.

9. Review Calendar for 14 DaysLooking ahead to just this week isn’t good enough and I won’t think to look to the following week until Friday. Reminding myself to do this is key.10. Review Tasks for 7 Days
I review all my tasks in the OmniFocus* forecast view, just to be sure I’m aware of busier days ahead.11. Block Time
I schedule or block time that I need to be doing something (like a client meeting) if not already booked. I work hard to minimize this to only things I must do at a certain time.Download My Weekly Review Checklist
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