Optimization: The 10-Minute Weekly Review
If the 15-minute weekly sketch is about setting intentions, the 10-minute weekly review is about learning and improving. At the end of the week, typically on a Friday afternoon, take just 10 minutes to reflect on how things went. This isn’t about judging yourself; it’s about gathering data to make your next week even better.
Ask yourself three simple questions:
1. What Worked?
Look back at your calendar. Where did you feel most productive and focused? Was that 9 AM deep work block on Tuesday magical? Maybe batching all your calls into one afternoon was a game-changer. Identify the wins, big and small. The goal is to understand what conditions create your best work so you can replicate them.
2. What Didn’t Work?
Where did the plan fall apart? Did you consistently skip your afternoon deep work sessions? Maybe you discovered that your energy is totally gone by 3 PM, and that time is better used for administrative tasks. Did you overschedule yourself and have zero buffer time, leaving you feeling rushed and stressed? Be honest and curious, not critical. This is invaluable data for next week’s planning.
3. What Will I Do Differently Next Week?
Based on your answers, make one or two small adjustments for the upcoming week. It could be as simple as “I will schedule deep work blocks only in the mornings” or “I will add a 15-minute buffer after every client call.” This continuous, incremental improvement is how you tailor the system to your unique energy patterns and workflow. This review transforms your weekly planning from a static task into a dynamic, learning process.
Consider tracking a few simple metrics during this review to see trends over time:
Energy Levels: Simply rate your average energy for the week on a scale of 1-5. Are you consistently drained by Friday? This might be a sign of over-scheduling or not protecting your rest.
Deep Work Blocks Completed: How many of your scheduled deep work blocks did you successfully protect and complete? This is a great measure of your focus.
Rollover Rate: How many major tasks did you have to push from this week to the next? A high rollover rate suggests you are being too optimistic in your initial planning.
Quality sleep is foundational to energy and focus. If you find your energy levels are consistently low, it may be helpful to review your sleep habits. The Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) offers a wealth of evidence-based information on improving sleep hygiene, which is a critical component of any effective productivity plan.
