As the New Year approaches, we’re all thinking about what we want to achieve in 2025. Whether it’s career goals, personal growth, or simply tackling that ever-growing to-do list, prioritization is key. But let’s be honest—it’s not always easy, is it? I’ve been there, staring at a long list of tasks and wondering, “What on earth do I tackle first?”
That’s why, in this episode, I’m excited to share a framework from one of the most influential voices in productivity—David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tasks or unsure of what’s truly important, Allen’s Six Horizons of Focus can help you bring clarity and structure to your life. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that allows you to prioritize not just your daily tasks but also your long-term goals and values.
So, grab your coffee, get comfortable, and let’s explore how you can bring more clarity, focus, and intentionality into your life—starting right now.
Why Prioritization Matters
Let’s start with a question: Have you ever felt like your to-do list is controlling you rather than the other way around? It’s a common challenge. You do a “mind sweep,” as David Allen calls it—you list out everything on your mind, categorize tasks, and discard what’s unnecessary. And yet, your list is still too long. So, how do you figure out what’s truly important?
David Allen suggests that the answer lies in understanding six different horizons of focus. These horizons are like layers, each representing a different level of commitment in your life. They range from the daily actions we take to the overarching purpose that guides us. And the key to prioritizing effectively is understanding which horizon you need to focus on at any given moment.
Let’s break it down.
The Six Horizons of Focus
So, what are these six horizons, and how do they help us prioritize?
Horizon 5: Purpose and Life Mission
This is the big one. The highest horizon. It’s about your “why.” Why are you here? What’s the purpose of your life? What do you want to contribute to the world?
Now, I know this sounds like a heavy question, but it’s one worth reflecting on. Your purpose serves as a guiding star—it helps you decide what’s truly important and what aligns with your values. For me, my family plays a central role in my purpose. It’s why I prioritize creating meaningful experiences with them, like traveling and showing my kids the world.
But here’s the thing: Knowing your purpose won’t necessarily tell you which email to write first. That’s why we need to move to the next horizon.
📖 Recommended Read: Uncovering Your Purpose: The Power of Self-Awareness and Close Connections
Horizon 4: Vision (3-5 Years)
This is where you start to paint a picture of what success looks like. Imagine yourself three, five, or even ten years from now. Where do you want to be? What kind of life do you want to create?
Your vision might include professional goals, personal milestones, or lifestyle changes. For example, maybe you envision building a thriving business, moving to a new city, or achieving a better work-life balance. This horizon helps you see the bigger picture and ensures that your daily actions are moving you closer to your long-term dreams.
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Horizon 3: Goals and Objectives (1-2 Years)
Now we’re getting more actionable. Goals and objectives are the specific milestones that help you turn your vision into reality. These are the things you want to accomplish over the next 12 to 24 months.
Think of this as your “to-do list” for the year. For example, if your vision includes better health, your goal might be to run a marathon or adopt a consistent workout routine. If your vision includes career growth, your goal might be to earn a certification or take on a leadership role. These goals give you direction and a sense of progress.
📖 Recommended Read: The art of annual review and project planning
Horizon 2: Areas of Responsibility
This horizon is all about maintenance. It’s the ongoing areas of your life that require attention to keep things running smoothly. Think of it as the “engine room” of your life.
For example, your areas of responsibility might include:
- Your health and fitness.
- Your relationships with family and friends.
- Your finances.
- Your professional responsibilities.
- Even your hobbies or spiritual life.
You don’t necessarily “complete” these things—they’re ongoing. But keeping them in balance ensures that you have the foundation to achieve your goals and vision.
📖 Recommended Read: How to stay fit when working remotely – be minimalistic but consistent
Horizon 1: Projects
This is where we start to get tactical. Projects are the things you’re actively working on—those multi-step tasks that move you closer to your goals. For example:
- Planning a family vacation.
- Launching a new product at work.
- Renovating your home.
Each project has a clear outcome, and tackling them systematically helps you make progress on your larger objectives.
📖 Recommended Read: How to Create More Happiness in Your Life
Ground Level: Daily Actions
Finally, we arrive at the ground level—your daily actions. These are the emails you need to send, the errands you need to run, the meetings you need to attend. It’s the nitty-gritty of your to-do list.
Here’s the thing: Most people get stuck here. We focus so much on the daily grind that we lose sight of the bigger picture. But when you understand how your daily actions connect to your projects, goals, vision, and purpose, prioritizing becomes much easier.
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Making It Practical
Now, you might be wondering: How do I actually apply this six horizons of focus framework to my life?
Start by reflecting on each horizon. Ask yourself:
- What’s my purpose? What’s truly important to me? (Horizon 5)
- Where do I want to be in 3-5 years? (Horizon 4)
- What goals can I set for the next year? (Horizon 3)
- What areas of my life need attention? (Horizon 2)
- What projects am I working on right now? (Horizon 1)
- What actions do I need to take today? (Ground Level)
You don’t have to have all the answers right away. The key is to start thinking holistically about your priorities and how they align with your bigger picture.
Conclusion: Start Your Year with Clarity
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with this thought: Prioritization isn’t just about checking things off a list. It’s about aligning your actions with your values, your goals, and your vision for the future. When you take the time to reflect on the Six Horizons of Focus, you’ll find it much easier to decide what truly matters.
So, as we step into 2025, take a moment to pause, reflect, and prioritize.
- What’s your purpose?
- What’s your vision?
- And what steps can you take today to start building the life you want?
Thank you for tuning in to this special New Year’s episode of The Coffee Journeys Show. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with someone who could use a little clarity in their life. Until next time, keep sipping, keep reflecting, and keep growing.
📖 Recommended Read: Tim Ferris Show: David Allen — The Art of Getting Things Done (GTD) (#384)
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