I’m always on the lookout for tools that will help me be more productive at work. My system is pretty well configured using Levenger‘s outstanding line of Circa folios and notebooks. When people ask why I prefer the Circa system to a traditional 3-ring or 7-ring planner, I tell them that my primary reason is the interoperability of the pages between the different sizes. Anything from an index card to the Junior pages can be inserted into a letter-sized notebook.

When it comes to keeping meeting notes or to-do lists, however, I’ve always felt that my current system could use a little freshening up. I’ve been eyeing the Action Pads over at Behance recently, and even downloaded their letter-sized PDF to try a few out. Turns out, the letter-sized Action Pad is a great tool for meetings giving you just the right amount of space for meeting prep, quick notes, action steps,  and a "backburner" to store things that may not need immediate action but which might merit consideration down the road.

The Behance site is also replete with simple, down-to-earth productivity tips that flesh out a ruthlessly simple, 3-step process they call the Action Method:

1. Capture Action Steps, Relentlessly.
2. Tend to your Backburner.
3. File reference items, Sparingly.

This refreshingly simple approach is a welcome respite for those who may feel overwhelmed by the Franklin-Covey or GTD methodologies.

So I sent an email to Behance suggesting that they consider selling loose-leaf Action Pads without pre-punched holes so that people like me can Circa punch them or 7-hole punch them to fit within our existing systems. Imagine my surprise when I received a thoughtful reply from a gentleman named Scott (must be a good guy!) indicating that they were already on top of it and even in talks with Levenger exploring opportunities for collaboration.

If you’re feeling that end-of-the-school-year crunch and looking to revamp whatever productivity system you’ve got in place for next school year, Behance’s Action Pads are a tool worth considering.