David Allen GTD Weekly Review
A structured end of week process to gather open loops, review active projects, and clear your mind for the week ahead.
5 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.
Time blocks
- Collect Loose Papers and Mind Sweep: 15 min
Gather physical notes and write down open loops - Process In-Tray to Empty: 15 min
Decide immediate actions or trash for every item - Review Past and Upcoming Calendar: 10 min
Check recent notes and prepare for upcoming events - Review Next Actions and Waiting For Lists: 10 min
Mark off completed items and follow up on pending work - Review Projects and Someday List: 10 min
Ensure every active project has at least one next action
About this routine
In his foundational book Getting Things Done, David Allen outlines the David Allen weekly review as the master habit that keeps an organizational system reliable. Without a regular review, action lists fall out of date and mental anxiety returns as uncaptured tasks pile up.
The process follows three distinct steps: get clear, get current, and get creative. It begins by collecting loose physical papers, receipts, and digital notes into a single in-tray. You then conduct a thorough mind sweep, writing down every uncaptured task or idea occupying mental space.
Once inputs are processed to empty, you update your past and future calendars, clear out finished next actions, and check on items in your waiting for list. Finishing the review with a glance at active projects and someday ideas ensures your mind stays free of lingering friction for the coming week.
Why this routine works
- Clears mental clutter and uncaptured open loops
- Keeps action lists accurate and reliable
- Prevents missed commitments and calendar surprises
- Creates space for strategic project planning
FAQ
What is the David Allen weekly review?
It is a structured end of week process described in Getting Things Done. It involves gathering loose inputs, updating calendars and lists, and reviewing active projects.
How long does a GTD weekly review take?
David Allen suggests setting aside one to two hours. This template condenses the standard steps into a focused 60 minute session.
When should you do a GTD weekly review?
Most practitioners complete it late Friday afternoon to clean up the workweek, or on Sunday evening to prepare for the week ahead.