Projects that involve other people or multiple inputs often require extra thinking. You might be hiring a new team member, coordinating across departments, or advocating for a role that others don’t yet see the need for.
The Natural Planning Model can help. By combining horizontal and vertical focus, you can take control of complex projects.
Horizontal vs Vertical Focus
In GTD, horizontal focus includes:
- Clearly defining a project
- Identifying next actions
- Placing reminders in your trusted system
For most projects, this creates relaxed control. You can trust your system and move on.
Vertical focus is needed for projects that involve other people, multiple steps, or unclear outcomes. It goes deeper to:
- Define purpose and principles
- Clarify vision and outcomes
When to Use Vertical Focus
Ask yourself:
- Is this project still on my mind after horizontal focus?
- Are other people involved whose input could change the plan?
If yes, it’s time to go vertical using the Natural Planning Model.
Quick Tips for Vertical Thinking
- Purpose & Principles – Why are you doing this?
- Outcome Visioning – What does “done” look like?
- Brainstorming – Who or what else should you consider?
- Organizing – Group ideas and plan sequences or dependencies
- Next Actions – Add clear next actions to your project list or today list
Watch Meg’s full video on horizontal and vertical focus to see how the Natural Planning Model can help you manage complex projects.
Reflection Questions
- Which projects on your project list might need vertical focus?
- How could applying the Natural Planning Model bring greater clarity this week?
Cheers,
The GTD Focus Team
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