The Sunday weekly review: 20 minutes to plan a calmer week
A short look back and a short look ahead can turn a week that happens to you into one you planned. Here is a simple version anyone can follow.
By Daniel Okafor, Senior writer
3 min read

Monday mornings often start in catch-up mode. Emails, plans and loose ends all arrive at once. A weekly review moves some of that thinking to a calmer moment, so the week begins with a plan instead of a scramble.
Look back for five minutes
Open your calendar and notes from the past week. What went well? What did not get done? Is anything still on your mind that needs a next step? Write those down.
Look ahead for fifteen minutes
- Check the coming week’s calendar for appointments and deadlines.
- Choose up to three things that would make the week a success.
- Block time for those three before the week fills up.
- Note anything you need to prepare, buy or book.
Keep it light
This is not a performance review. If last week went off track, that is useful information, not a failure. Make the review pleasant: a favorite drink, a comfortable chair, the same time each week.
“Twenty quiet minutes on Sunday can save a lot of rushed ones on Monday.”
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