Exploring the Areas of Focus horizon in GTD, defining self-management roles, regular review and accountability, analyzing performance variability, and shaping aspirational areas for affirmations.
Areas of focus help maintain standards in health, work, and relationships.
Regular reviews of areas of focus ensure alignment with goals and priorities.
Deep dives
Understanding the Horizons of Focus Model in GTD
The model consists of six horizons that frame conversations and help identify where attention, outcomes, and tensions belong. These horizons range from ground level up to purpose and principles, with each level representing different scopes of outcomes and commitments. Organizing tasks into these horizons helps clarify priorities, define projects, and maintain alignment with goals and values.
Accountability and Flexibility in Areas of Focus
Areas of focus and accountability offer a structured approach to maintaining standards and addressing life domains like health, relationships, and work responsibilities. These areas reflect ongoing commitments and values, requiring updates based on life changes or evolving priorities. They provide a foundation for decision-making, project alignment, and ensuring that actions and projects align with broader objectives.
Review and Alignment Practices
Regular reviews of areas of focus and accountability are crucial for staying aligned with goals and responsibilities. Monthly reviews help gain perspective and ensure that actions and projects remain in sync with higher-level priorities. These reviews serve as checkpoints for reassessing progress, redefining objectives, and adapting to changing circumstances.
Optimizing Alignment and Commitments
The process of managing areas of focus involves quantifying and balancing the number of commitments to prevent overextension and maintain clarity. While there is no definitive limit to the number of areas, a balance between breadth and depth is recommended. Clarifying and prioritizing areas of focus minimize overwhelm, facilitate effective decision-making, and ensure that efforts are directed towards the most meaningful outcomes.
In this Skills Lab we take a deep dive into the Areas of Focus horizon. What are typical areas, and how are they distinguished from your commitments on other horizons? We answer common questions, and explore practice scenarios. Click here for the two-page PDF with sample professional and personal Areas of Focus.
You can listen to the entire webinar from August 2023 at GTD Connect®.
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