Concept
Natural Planning Model
The Natural Planning Model is David Allen's five-step thinking sequence (purpose, a picture of success, brainstorming, organizing and next actions) for turning a vague project into a clear next move.
Some projects sit on a list for weeks without yielding a single next action. Allen's diagnosis is that this is rarely a willpower problem. The thinking simply hasn't happened yet. The fix is to run, on purpose, the sequence your mind already uses for casual plans like a weekend trip. First, why are you doing this, and what standards matter? Purpose becomes your tiebreaker when options conflict. Second, what does success look like when it's done? The clearer that picture, the more your mind starts proposing routes on its own. Third, dump every idea without judging. Fourth, sort those ideas into components, sequences and priorities. Fifth, decide the very next physical action. The key discipline is order. Most people jump straight to organizing or worrying, which is why meetings and plans stall. You also rarely need all five steps. Stop as soon as moving forward is obvious, which is usually after two or three questions.
A real-life example
Mira has had "Find a new flat" on her list for a month. After dinner she spends ten minutes with a pen. Purpose: a shorter commute and a second bedroom for working from home. Success: moved in by September, rent under €1,400. Ideas: agents, neighbourhoods, deposit, viewing weekends. Organizing reveals the real blocker: she doesn't know her budget. Next action: open her banking app and total the last three months' fixed costs. She stops there. The fog is gone.
How to use it
- 1Pick one project that has sat untouched for weeks. Write one line on why it matters and one on what "done" looks like.
- 2Spend five minutes listing every related idea without judging. Then group the ideas roughly into what comes first, next and later.
- 3Write the next physical action, such as a call, an email or a file to open. Stop the moment moving forward is obvious.