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4. Reviews & Staying on Track

Regular reviews are the cornerstone of staying organized and productive with Nirvana. These moments of reflection help you ensure that your tasks, projects, and goals are aligned with your priorities, giving you clarity and confidence to move forward.

1. The Power of Regular Reviews​

Why reviews matter:

  • Stay Focused: Ensure you’re working on the most meaningful tasks.
  • Stay Organized: Keep your system clean and up-to-date.
  • Stay in Control: Anticipate upcoming deadlines and commitments.

A consistent review habit keeps your trusted system running smoothly and reduces the risk of things slipping through the cracks.

2. The Weekly Review​

The Weekly Review is a comprehensive check-in with your system, usually done at the end of the week or the start of the next. It’s your chance to reflect, refocus, and prepare.

Steps for a Successful Weekly Review​

  1. Clear Your Inbox:

    • Process all tasks and ideas in your Inbox into the appropriate lists.

  2. Review Projects:

    • Check each project for progress.
    • Identify next steps for active projects.
    • Archive or defer completed or stalled projects.

  3. Update Areas:

    • Reflect on your roles and responsibilities.
    • Ensure each Area has clear priorities.

  4. Check Waiting and Scheduled Lists:

    • Follow up on any tasks you’re waiting for.
    • Confirm upcoming tasks or deadlines.

  5. Revisit Someday:

    • Look at your deferred ideas and goals.
    • Move anything actionable into active lists.

  6. Plan the Week Ahead:

    • Populate your Next and Focus lists with tasks for the week.
    • Highlight 3–5 top priorities to tackle first.

3. The Daily Review​

The Daily Review is a quick, 5–10 minute check-in to set your intentions for the day.

Steps for a Quick Daily Review​

  1. Process Your Inbox:

    • Review and process any new items in your Inbox.
    • Clarify, organize, delegate as needed.

  2. Move to Focus:

    • Review your Focus list and confirm priorities for the day.

  3. Scan the Next List:

    • Identify tasks you’re ready to tackle and "star" them to Focus.
    • Reprioritize remaining tasks as needed.

  4. Check Scheduled:

    • Look for time-sensitive tasks or appointments.

  5. Wrap Up at the End of the Day:

    • Mark completed tasks as done.
    • Add any new tasks to the Inbox to process tomorrow.

Pro Tip: Use the Daily Review to keep momentum and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

4. Monthly and Quarterly Reviews​

For long-term planning, step back from the day-to-day and assess your bigger goals and aspirations.

Monthly Review​

  • Reflect on the past month:
    • What went well? What could improve?
  • Revisit Someday goals and projects.
  • Plan high-priority projects or events for the next month.

Quarterly Review​

  • Assess progress toward larger goals.
  • Realign Areas and Projects with your evolving priorities.
  • Clear out any clutter in your system.

5. Pro Tips for Staying on Track​

  • Set Reminders: Schedule recurring to-dos for reviews so they become a habit.
  • Start Small: If reviews feel overwhelming, begin with just Daily and Weekly Reviews and build up to Monthly.
  • Use Checklists: Create a checklist for your Weekly and Monthly Reviews to stay consistent.

Quick Recap:​

  1. Use the Weekly Review to maintain clarity and plan ahead.
  2. Use the Daily Review to set intentions and keep momentum.
  3. Reflect monthly and quarterly for long-term focus and alignment.
  4. Make reviews a habit by setting reminders and using checklists.