A Productivity Ninja’s Weekly Checklist

Why a Weekly Checklist is Your New Best Mate

Ever felt like you're juggling too many balls and can't quite catch them all?

Meet the Productivity Ninja’s Weekly Checklist, your new best mate in the realm of productivity. It isn't just about ticking boxes, although that feels greatl; it’s about giving you the freedom to switch seamlessly between the boss and the worker mode: being the boss of your plans and the worker bee actually getting things done.

By setting aside a couple of hours each week to reflect, decide, and strategise, you're not just planning; you're ensuring you're always on the right track. Think of it as your weekly tune-up to keep your engine running smoothly without the unnecessary clunks.

The Anatomy of an Effective Weekly Checklist

So, what goes into this weekly checklist? The Weekly Checklist is structured to cover all bases—from clearing your mental and digital clutter to strategising for the week ahead. It kicks off with ensuring your capture and collect systems are up to date, with no meeting notes, tax letters, important emails, etc, floating about. Then, you dive into the five critical stages: zeroing out all inputs (yes, including that pesky email inbox), updating your second brain (a.k.a. your trusted system of lists and calendars), visualising the upcoming week, prepping for imminent tasks, and engaging in a reflective tête-à-tête with yourself. This systematic approach ensures nothing slips through the cracks and guides you to always have a clear, actionable plan.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Now, how can you supercharge the effectiveness of your Weekly Checklist?

First, carve out a sacred time each week and guard it fiercely. Whether it's a quiet Sunday evening or an early Friday afternoon, find a slot that lets you focus without any distractions. Consider pairing up with a review buddy—a colleague or a friend who's also keen on keeping their weeks in shipshape. This not only adds a layer of accountability but can also make the process more enjoyable. And don't forget to use a checklist or template to streamline the process and track your progress.

Celebrate your weekly wins—big or small, they all count.

Making It Stick: Cultivating the Weekly Review Habit

Consistency is key to making your Weekly Checklist a non-negotiable part of your routine. Communicate its importance to your colleagues and supervisors to ensure they respect this time. Choose a conducive environment that minimises distractions, allowing you to focus fully on the task at hand. Incorporate reflective questions to assess your well-being and identify any potential hurdles, ensuring you're not just going through the motions but truly engaging with your tasks and responsibilities.

Your Path to Weekly Review Mastery

To wrap up, the Weekly Checklist is your weekly strategy session for productivity and clarity. It’s about taking control, steering your projects with confidence, and ensuring you’re always aligned with your goals.

Ready to give it a go?

Download the Weekly Checklist template provided, tailor it to fit your work, life, and needs, and start mastering your own weekly review process. Embrace this tool, and watch as it transforms your approach to work and well-being and guides you to always have a clear, actionable plan for your week ahead.

To read more about the Weekly Review and Checklist, get a copy of my book ‘How to Be a Productivity Ninja’.

And if you want to bring me into your organisation for a productivity session, please contact me.