One of the most powerful habits I’ve learned from my work in project management—and that I now apply to my personal life—is the art of the review.
In Agile methodologies, we have daily stand-ups to check in on progress, clear blockers, and keep everyone aligned. We also have weekly or biweekly sprint reviews to assess what’s been done, what needs improvement, and what we’ve learned. These moments of reflection are not just rituals; they are rhythm-setting tools that keep the project moving in the right direction.
But the concept of reviewing isn’t limited to teams or tech projects. It shows up in productivity systems like David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) too. GTD emphasizes regular review: checking your daily to-do list, updating your priorities, and setting aside time—ideally weekly—to reflect on open loops, completed tasks, and upcoming responsibilities. Without the review process, the whole system can break down.
This made me realize: whether it’s a client project or a personal goal, reviewing is how we stay on track. Without reviewing, we risk falling into the trap of being busy without being intentional.
The Power of One Weekly Goal
Lately, I’ve adopted the habit of setting a weekly goal—just one. I ask myself, “What would make this week feel like a win?” It could be something work-related, a step in my PhD research, or even something personal like organizing my closet or calling a friend I’ve been thinking about. That one goal becomes my anchor, and the review at the end of the week helps me see whether I honored it—or what got in the way if I didn’t.
And here’s something I’ve noticed: that weekly goal doesn’t have to be something big. In fact, sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from finally tackling something I’ve been procrastinating on. Often, I’ve found that the reason I was avoiding the task wasn’t laziness or poor time management—it was lack of clarity. I didn’t have all the necessary information, or the next step wasn’t clear enough. Once I take a moment to write down exactly what’s missing, the resistance starts to fade.
So now, part of my weekly review includes asking myself:
- What am I avoiding?
- Why?
- Is it truly difficult, or just undefined?
This small habit has helped me turn stuck tasks into finished ones—and reduce the mental clutter that comes with carrying them around week after week.
The Reviews That Matter Most
Here are the types of reviews I’ve found most helpful, both in my professional and personal life:
- Daily Review: A quick check-in to see what’s on your plate, adjust priorities, and clear any mental clutter. It helps you stay grounded and realistic about what can actually get done today. I often do this the night before, reviewing my calendar and time-blocking focus time so I’m set up for a productive morning.
- Weekly Review: This is where the magic happens. It’s a deeper reflection on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs attention next. From this weekly review, three key outcomes emerge:
- Define a Weekly Goal – Just one. Something meaningful that, if completed, would make the week feel like a win.
- Clarify Next Actions – Break down lingering tasks or open loops into specific, doable steps. This reduces friction and makes execution easier.
- Review Upcoming Meetings – Look at your schedule to mentally prepare for the week and ensure your time is aligned with your priorities. Sometimes this helps me reschedule, cancel, or better prepare for what’s ahead.
These reviews don’t have to be lengthy, but they can transform how you experience your week—turning chaos into clarity, and busyness into intentional progress.
A Final Reflection
In the end, whether it’s Agile, GTD, or just your own way of staying organized, the common thread is reflection. Reviews help us slow down, spot what’s working, and gently course-correct when it’s not. By setting one clear weekly goal, checking in with ourselves, and examining the reasons behind procrastination, we create a rhythm that supports real progress—both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re managing a product launch or managing your own life, reviews give you perspective. They help you adjust, recalibrate, and move forward with intention.
So here’s your invitation: What would make this week feel like a win?
Arabela Navarro 