180: Do This for a Productive Week

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Feb 16, 2015

David Allen, a productivity pioneer known for his book *Getting Things Done*, shares insights on conducting an effective weekly review. He discusses the importance of scheduling this review, documenting successes, and aligning weekly actions with long-term goals. Allen recommends flagging a few key tasks and reviewing ongoing projects in tools like OmniFocus. He also emphasizes the need to assess daily habits to maintain focus and enhance productivity. A must-listen for anyone looking to boost their efficiency and personal growth!

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ADVICE

Weekly Review for Productivity

Conduct a weekly review to reflect on your work and plan for the next week.
This helps you stay focused and use your time effectively, similar to a pilot's flight plan.

ADVICE

Importance of Planning

Dedicate 20-30 minutes, or at least 10, each week for planning.
Treat your work and life with the same importance as a pilot preparing for a flight.

ADVICE

Schedule and Focus

Schedule specific time for your weekly review, turning off distractions.
Find a time that suits you, whether it's Sunday evening, Monday morning, or even Friday afternoon.

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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 Time
I complete my weekly review either Sunday evening or early Monday morning. Pick a time that will work consistently in your schedule.

2. Record What Worked
I 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 Goals
I 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 Actions
I decide the next action for each annual goal to advance me closer.

5. Flag 3-5 Actions
I 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 Week
If 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 OmniFocus
I review all my projects in OmniFocus* for important tasks that might need to be added to the week.

8. Review Habits and Set Focus
I 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 Days
Looking 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.

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