How to Use the Weekly Review & Planning Pages

During my last job search, I started strong. I got really clear on the kind of role I wanted, pulled together a solid résumé, and started applying.

But after a few weeks of no traction, the self-doubt crept in.

Then came the avalanche of advice.

LinkedIn posts. Podcast tips. Friends texting me strategies that “worked for someone they know.” Suddenly, I wasn’t just job searching - I was juggling five different tactics and second-guessing all of them.

I realized I didn’t need more advice.

I needed a way to figure out what was actually helping and what was just noise.

That’s why I created the Weekly Review & Planning section inside The Daily Lift.

It’s not just about productivity. It’s about thinking strategically, keeping your head clear, and knowing where to focus next.

Let’s Start With the Weekly Review

This is your pause button. A chance to reflect, recalibrate, and move forward with a clearer head.

Let’s walk through what this might look like on the page:

“Something I’m proud of this week…”

• “I finally followed up with a hiring manager I’ve been nervous to message.”
• “I made space to rest—even though I felt guilty doing it.”
• “I reworked my résumé and actually feel proud to send it out now.”

Start with pride. It helps you anchor in the progress you are making (even if it’s not showing up in interview invites yet).

“Progress I made (big or small)”

Some weeks your win is landing an interview. Other weeks it’s just getting back on track after a hard few days. Either counts.

• “I applied to two roles I’m genuinely excited about.”
• “I got clear on three things I want in my next job.”
• “I said no to a networking request that wasn’t a good use of my time.”

“What’s working / What’s not”

This part helps you spot the patterns. It’s not about judging yourself. It’s about gathering data.

• Working: Blocking 90 minutes in the morning for job search tasks
• Not working: Spending all day on LinkedIn without clear goals
• Working: Using AI tools to help me brainstorm cover letter ideas
• Not working: Applying to every role I might qualify for

Let’s talk about challenges (and how to overcome them)

This next part is a little magic. You’ll jot down one current challenge, brainstorm a strategy to try, and think about who might be able to help.

Most job seekers try to do everything all at once.

The Weekly Review helps you focus on just one real challenge and move through it. You stop spinning your wheels and start making a plan.

Here’s what that could look like:

Challenge: I’m not finding jobs I’m excited about

Strategy ideas:

• Broaden your search a little (change up the keywords or titles).
• DM a friend who just landed a job and ask where they found roles.
• Let 3 people you admire know what you’re looking for and ask them to send you any promising job descriptions they come across.

Challenge: I’m getting interviews but not moving forward

Strategy ideas:

• Compare the roles you heard back from with the ones you didn’t. What patterns do you notice?
• Ask someone in your network for feedback on your résumé or cover letter.
• Record yourself answering common interview questions and notice what could be more clear.

Challenge: I feel stuck and don’t know what to do next

Strategy ideas:

• Reread your job search vision. What did you say you really want?
• Schedule one low-pressure chat with someone who recently landed a role or made a career pivot.
• Focus on one simple action like applying to a role that genuinely excites you or updating your LinkedIn headline.

Now let’s make a plan for the week

This section helps you zoom in on what matters.

You’ll list your top 3 goals or projects, clarify what success looks like, and break them into small, doable action steps.

Let’s break down a few examples:

Example: You’re focused on building relationships

• Goal: Talk to 3 people in my network this week
• What success looks like: I walk away from each convo feeling more clear or connected
• Steps:
  • Send a follow-up to someone I met last week
  • Invite a past coworker to virtual coffee
  • Reply to a helpful LinkedIn comment with a DM

Example: You’re prepping for an interview

• Goal: Practice my story and behavioral questions
• What success looks like: I feel calm and confident telling my story
• Steps:
  • Write out 3 STAR stories
  • Record a mock interview on my phone
  • Ask a friend for feedback

Example: You’re still figuring things out

• Goal: Narrow down my direction
• What success looks like: I have a list of 3 roles and company types to focus on
• Steps:
  • Skim 10 job descriptions and highlight themes
  • Journal about what I want to feel in my next role
  • Talk to a mentor or coach

The bottom line

The Weekly Review & Planning pages aren’t about checking boxes. They’re about building self-awareness and using it to take smarter action each week.

Instead of chasing advice, you’re learning to trust yourself.

Instead of spinning your wheels, you’re creating a rhythm.

Instead of wondering what to do next, you have a plan.

P.S. Want a journal that helps you stay focused and in control of your job search even on the hard days? Check out The Daily Lift.