I used to set goals at the beginning of the year, feel motivated for about three weeks, and then completely forget about them until December, when I'd feel guilty about not achieving any of them. Sound familiar? Everything changed when I started doing a weekly review in my journal, a simple practice that takes 15 minutes every Sunday and has completely transformed how I approach goals. Instead of setting annual goals and hoping I'd magically stay on track, I started reviewing my week every Sunday and adjusting my upcoming week based on what I learned. The weekly review isn't about productivity guilt or forcing yourself to do more; it's about honest reflection on what actually happened versus what you planned, and why. Here's the format I use: I answer four questions every Sunday evening: "What went well this week?" "What didn't go as planned, and why?" "What did I learn about myself or my habits?" and "What's one thing I want to prioritize next week?" That's it: four questions, 15 minutes, every week.
What makes this practice so powerful is that it creates a feedback loop. You're not just setting goals and hoping to learn from your patterns; you're actively learning from them and adjusting in real time. For example, I noticed through my weekly reviews that I always felt most productive on days when I journaled in the morning, so I made morning journaling a non-negotiable priority. I also noticed I consistently overestimated how much I could accomplish in a week, so I started planning fewer things and actually completing them instead of constantly feeling behind. These insights only emerged because I consistently reviewed my week, not just once a year. The weekly review also helps you celebrate small wins that you'd otherwise overlook. When you're moving fast through life, it's easy only to notice what didn't get done. The weekly review forces you to acknowledge what did go well, which builds momentum and keeps you motivated. I started keeping a "wins" list in my journal where I'd record even small accomplishments: "had a difficult conversation," "tried a new recipe," "went to bed on time three nights this week." These micro wins add up and remind you that progress isn't always dramatic; sometimes it's just a series of small steps forward.
If you want to start your own weekly review practice, block 15 minutes on your calendar every Sunday (or whatever day works for your schedule). Open your journal and answer those four questions honestly. Don't judge yourself, observe. What patterns do you notice? What do you want to do differently next week? Then set one or two priorities for the upcoming week, not ten, just one or two things that would make the week feel successful. After a month of weekly reviews, go back and read through them. You'll be amazed by the patterns you see and how much clearer your goals become when you review them weekly instead of yearly. The weekly review turned me from someone who set goals and forgot them into someone who actively shapes their life week by week. It's not about perfection; it's about awareness, adjustment, and consistent forward movement. Ready to build a goal-setting practice that actually works? Our guided journals at Wilson Wolf Journals include structured formats for weekly reviews and reflection that make this habit effortless. Pick up your copy today.
