I spend just 10 minutes every Sunday doing one simple review, and it completely transforms my week. If you find yourself constantly scrambling on Mondays or falling behind during the week, this one habit could be the missing piece in your productivity puzzle.
A Simple Start to a Powerful Routine
Every Sunday night around 8:00 PM, I sit down for a quick weekly planning session. This isn’t a long or boring process. It’s a short, focused connection with my calendar, and it rarely takes more than 10 minutes.
Why a Weekly Review?
The goal of this review is to do two things:
- Look back at the past week to catch anything that might have slipped through the cracks.
- Look ahead to make sure I’m ready for what’s coming.
By doing this, I make sure nothing gets lost and I feel more in control of my time.
Start With a Look Back
No matter what calendar app you use, start by making sure all your calendars are selected. I share mine with my wife, so I include her schedule too—anything that affects my week needs to be visible.
Then I go back to the previous Sunday and slowly drag my cursor over each event that happened during the week. This helps jog my memory:
- Did I follow up on that meeting with Elliot?
- Should I schedule a follow-up?
Even if nothing needs action, this two-minute step ensures I’m not forgetting anything. It can even spark new ideas, like planning another lunch meeting that went well.
Now, Look Ahead
After reviewing the past, I switch to looking ahead. This is where I plan for the next two weeks, not just the coming week. This helps me:
- Prepare for big presentations.
- Reschedule conflicts early.
- Avoid last-minute chaos.
By using the week view on my calendar, I get a better sense of how each day connects. If I see a packed Tuesday, I avoid adding more to it and might give myself a lighter to-do list.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
When I come across something like upcoming office hours, I’ll remind myself to send an email the day before. I add it to my task list or create a calendar note. I also watch for double or triple bookings and reschedule early to avoid stress.
This part of the process also takes just a few minutes, but it makes a huge difference in how smoothly the week goes.
It All Takes Just 10 Minutes
In total, this review takes me no more than 10 minutes. That’s a small investment for peace of mind and a clear plan.
I sleep better knowing I’m prepared. I start my Mondays smiling, not scrambling.
What’s Your Routine?
Now it’s your turn. Do you have a weekly review or planning habit? What helps you stay organized?
Remember, being productive doesn’t have to be hard. Sometimes the simplest habits make the biggest difference.
