Action Method

Overview

The Action Method is a productivity system developed by Scott Belsky, founder of Behance, designed to transform ideas into action by organizing all projects into three core elements: Action Steps, Backburner Items, and References.

Core Components

Action Steps

Definition: Concrete, specific tasks that move projects forward

Characteristics:

• Start with verbs (Call, Email, Draft, Research)
• Single, clear actions
• Can be completed
• Assigned to someone
• Have due dates when needed

Examples:

• "Call John about budget approval"
• "Draft outline for Q2 presentation"
• "Email Sarah the project timeline"

Not Action Steps:

• "Think about marketing strategy" (too vague)
• "Website redesign" (too broad)
• "Be more organized" (not specific)

Backburner Items

Definition: Ideas or items to address later

Purpose:

• Capture good ideas without cluttering active work
• Prevent forgetting potentially valuable thoughts
• Keep focus on current action steps
• Review periodically to promote to action steps

Examples:

• Future project ideas
• Long-term improvements
• Interesting concepts to explore
• Potential opportunities

References

Definition: Supporting materials, information, and resources

Types:

• Meeting notes
• Research documents
• Sketches and designs
• Inspiration and examples
• Contact information
• Related files

Purpose: Everything you might need but isn't an action

Key Principles

Everything is a Project

The Action Method treats all work as projects:

• Each project has Action Steps
• Each project has Backburner and References
• Even ongoing work becomes a project
• Personal and professional both qualify

Bias Toward Action

Philosophy: Ideas mean nothing without execution

Implementation:

• Every meeting must generate action steps
• Every conversation should produce next steps
• Every project needs concrete actions
• No project exists without action steps

Rule: If a project has no action steps, it's dead

Action Steps Drive Progress

• Ideas alone don't move projects forward
• Only completed action steps create progress
• Focus on what can be done, not just discussed
• Measure progress by actions taken

How to Use the Action Method

Step 1: Organize by Project

1. List all active projects
2. Create project "spaces" for each
3. Include work and personal projects
4. Keep projects manageable in size

Step 2: Break Down to Actions

For each project:

1. What's the very next physical action?
2. Create action step starting with verb
3. Make it specific and completable
4. Assign to someone (often yourself)
5. Add deadline if time-sensitive

Step 3: Capture Backburner Items

• Record ideas that aren't immediate priorities
• Note potential improvements
• Capture "someday/maybe" items
• Keep separate from active actions

Step 4: Store References

• Attach relevant documents
• Link related resources
• Keep everything project-related together
• Easy access when needed

Step 5: Regular Review

Daily:

• Review action steps
• Complete what you can
• Add new actions as needed

Weekly:

• Review all projects
• Promote backburner items if appropriate
• Archive completed projects
• Ensure every active project has next actions

Meeting Protocol

During Meetings

1. Capture action steps as discussed
2. Assign each action to specific person
3. Set deadlines collaboratively
4. Don't leave without actions identified

After Meetings

1. Share action steps with attendees
2. Add action steps to your system
3. Reference notes as needed
4. Follow up on commitments

Benefits

Clarity

• Always know next step for each project
• No ambiguity about what to do
• Clear ownership of actions
• Concrete progress markers

Momentum

• Focus on what can be done now
• Small actions build progress
• Completed actions motivate
• Projects actually move forward

Reduced Overwhelm

• Big projects broken into small steps
• Focus on one action at a time
• Backburner captures future ideas
• Less mental clutter

Accountability

• Actions assigned to people
• Deadlines create urgency
• Clear expectations
• Easy to track commitments

Common Mistakes

Vague Action Steps

Problem: "Work on website" isn't actionable Solution: "Draft homepage copy for website"

Too Many Active Projects

Problem: Spread thin across dozens of projects Solution: Limit active projects, move others to backburner

Actions Without Projects

Problem: Scattered to-do list items Solution: Associate every action with a project

Neglecting Backburner Review

Problem: Good ideas forgotten Solution: Weekly backburner review

Tools for Action Method

Digital Options

• Action Method Online: Belsky's original platform (discontinued)
• Basecamp: Projects with to-dos and docs
• Asana: Projects, tasks, notes
• Notion: Databases for projects, actions, backburner
• Todoist: Projects with tasks and comments

Analog Option

• Action Method notebook (still available)
• Divide pages into three sections
• Physical satisfaction of checking off

Integration with Other Methods

With GTD

• Projects align with GTD projects
• Action steps are next actions
• Backburner like someday/maybe
• References similar to GTD reference

With Agile

• Projects like epics
• Action steps like user stories
• Backburner like product backlog
• Sprint planning pulls from backburner

Ideal For

• Creative professionals
• Project managers
• Team leaders
• Anyone with multiple ongoing projects
• People who generate lots of ideas
• Those struggling to execute on plans