12 Strategies for Weekly Reviews

My weeks used to just disappear. Sunday would roll around and I’d have no idea where the time went or what I had actually accomplished.

It was a frustrating cycle. I felt like I was drifting. I had big goals like losing weight and breaking free from bad habits like binge eating and endless gaming but my days just blended into a fog of distraction. I knew I needed to change. I just didn't know how. The key wasn't a complicated system or some magic productivity hack. It was something much simpler. A weekly review.

Taking 30-60 minutes every Sunday to look back and plan forward became my anchor. It helped me lose over 110 pounds. It helped me build a life of purpose and intention. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present. It’s about learning from your life so you can actually live it better.

If you feel like you’re just going through the motions, this can help you too. Here are the 12 strategies I use every week to stay on track.

My Simple Weekly Review Process

I do this on Sunday evening. It’s a quiet time to reflect before the new week begins. Find a time that works for you and protect it. This is an appointment with yourself. Don't skip it.

Start with Gratitude
Before I look at any tasks or failures I start with thanks. What went right this week? I write down at least three things I’m grateful for. It could be a productive work session. A good conversation with a friend. A healthy meal I enjoyed. This simple act shifts my entire mindset from what’s wrong to what’s right. It builds a foundation of positivity before I dig into the hard stuff.

Review Your Wins
What did you accomplish? Did you stick to your workout plan? Did you finish a project at work? Write it down. When I was losing weight, a "win" was sometimes just avoiding junk food for one day. These small wins matter. They prove you can succeed. Celebrate them. Acknowledging your progress builds the momentum you need to keep going.

Face Your Challenges Honestly
Now for the tough part. What didn’t go so well? Where did you fall short? The goal here isn’t to beat yourself up. It’s to learn. I used to get so frustrated when I’d slip back into old habits like overeating. But instead of seeing it as a total failure I started asking a simple question: why? Was I stressed? Tired? Unprepared? This turns a mistake into a lesson for next week.
Check Your Calendar
Look back at last week’s calendar. How did you actually spend your time? Did your actions align with your goals? Sometimes we think we have no time but a quick review shows we spent hours scrolling or watching TV. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about awareness.

Review Your Goals
Look at your bigger goals for the month or the quarter. Did your actions this past week move you closer to them? If not what can you adjust for the coming week? This keeps your long-term vision connected to your daily actions.

Clear Your Mind
Get everything out of your head and onto paper. Unfinished tasks. Worries. Ideas. Appointments you need to schedule. This is a brain dump. It frees up mental space and reduces that feeling of being overwhelmed by a million little things.

Set 3 Priorities for the Week
You can't do everything. So what’s most important? Choose no more than three main priorities for the upcoming week. These are your big rocks. If you only get these three things done you can still consider the week a success. This forces you to focus on what truly matters.
Plan Your Big Rocks First
Open your calendar for next week. Before you add anything else schedule your big rocks. For me this includes my short 2-4 hour deep work blocks, my workouts, family time, and my prayer time. Once those are in the calendar you can fit the smaller tasks in around them.
Tackle One Lingering Task
We all have that one annoying task that we keep pushing off. Making a phone call. Answering an email. Fixing something small. Identify one of those tasks and plan to do it first thing Monday morning. Getting it done provides a great boost of energy for the rest of the week.

Clean Your Space
A clear space helps create a clear mind. I take 15 minutes to tidy up my desk and the room I’m in. I throw away trash, put things back where they belong, and get my workspace ready for Monday. It’s a simple act that signals a fresh start.
End with Prayer
For me this is the most important step. My plans are just plans. True strength and guidance come from God. I end my review with a quiet prayer. I offer my week to Him—my wins, my struggles, and my plans. I ask for wisdom and strength for the days ahead. It puts everything into perspective and reminds me that I’m not in this alone. This has been the foundation of my entire journey.
Rest and Recharge
Once the review is done, close your notebook. Put it away. The planning is over. Now it’s time to trust God and trust your plan. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Be present with your family. Rest your mind and body. You are ready for the week.