The Weekly Review System That Boosts Productivity and Keeps Your Business on Track
Running a business sometimes feels like spinning a hundred plates at once. Emails, client work, invoices, life—it’s A LOT. But there’s one simple habit that saves me from drowning in last-minute scrambles and endless to-do lists: my weekly review.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think, "Great, another task to add to my plate," hear me out. This one actually makes life easier. Every week, I take some time to reflect, reset, and plan. It keeps my business running smoothly and stops me from waking up at 2 AM, panicked about what I forgot to do.
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Pick a Specific Time (and Stick to It)
I do my weekly review on Friday afternoons—it’s the perfect way to wrap up the week so I can go into the weekend without work stress hovering over me. If Friday doesn’t happen, my backup is Sunday evening.
Pick a time that works for you, put it on your calendar, and treat it like a meeting you cannot cancel. Because, honestly, it’s that important.
Step 2: Reflect on the Past Week
Before I even think about next week, I take stock of the week I just finished. A quick check-in helps me spot patterns, tweak my workflow, and stay on track with my bigger goals. Here’s what I ask myself:
What gave me energy this week? (Client wins, fun projects, creative moments?)
What drained me? (Annoying tasks, tech issues, tough conversations?)
What was my biggest win?
What was my biggest struggle?
Did my work align with my long-term business goals?
What’s unfinished and needs to be carried over?
If I notice something draining me week after week, that’s my cue to delegate, automate, or eliminate it.
Step 3: Check In on Client Work
Since I work with multiple clients, I make sure everything is on track before closing out the week:
✅ Review client projects and deadlines
✅ Update my project management system (I use Asana and Notion)
✅ Send any follow-ups or check-in emails
✅ Make sure all action items are assigned and nothing is slipping through the cracks
This simple check-in prevents last-minute client emergencies from popping up and ruining my week.
Step 4: Plan the Upcoming Week
Once I know where things stand, I map out my week ahead.
Set 3-5 top priorities—the high-impact tasks that move my business forward.
Schedule deep work blocks—batching similar tasks together saves so much time.
Spot potential roadblocks—Overlapping deadlines? Personal commitments? I plan around them now instead of dealing with chaos later.
Make sure my tasks align with my 12-month goals—every week should bring me closer to where I want my business to be.
Step 5: Close Open Loops
Before I log off for the weekend, I do a final sweep of loose ends:
✔ Respond to any lingering emails
✔ Send out invoices or follow-ups
✔ Check for unfinished business that might carry over into next week
I try to resolve as much as possible so that I don’t start Monday playing catch-up.
Step 6: Stay Accountable
Writing down my plan is great, but sharing it keeps me on track.
I keep my weekly plan visible so I don’t forget my focus.
Sometimes, I check in with a business accountability group or a biz bestie.
A midweek check-in helps me stay aligned with my goals.
Why This Works (Even When Life Gets Messy)
Let me tell you a little story.
A few weeks ago, we had a snow day. You know what that means? A hyper four-year-old, extra meals to make, and Shrek playing on repeat. I shouldn’t have gotten anything done.
But I did. Because I had a plan.
I didn’t have to waste time figuring out what needed to be done—I already knew. I squeezed work into small windows, and instead of feeling frazzled, I felt in control.
This isn’t just for business owners with kids or snow days. It works for anyone who doesn’t want to start their week feeling overwhelmed.
Try It Yourself
Your weekly review doesn’t need to be complicated. Take 15-30 minutes and give it a try.
Pick a time. Friday afternoon? Sunday night? Whatever works.
Reflect on your week. What went well? What sucked?
Check your client work. No last-minute surprises.
Plan next week. Prioritize, schedule, and align with your goals.
Close open loops. Don’t leave loose ends hanging.
Stay accountable. Write it down, share it, and check back midweek.
I promise, your future self will thank you.
About Crystal Eva
Crystal Eva is a Fractional Chief Operating Officer. She empowers and supports women entrepreneurs by streamlining their technology, enhancing client retention, and elevating the client journey and onboarding process with seamless efficiency.
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