This is an approach to work advocated by the author. The bottom-up method means prioritizing mundane daily tasks to ultimately achieve higher goals. Allen contrasts this technique with top-down productivity models, which he claims are less effective.

Capture is Step One of Allen’s five-step work processing model. The process comprises collecting and recording all incomplete tasks and placing them into an in-tray. As well as gathering items in the physical environment, capturing involves a “mind sweep”—clearing the short-term memory of thoughts about incomplete actions.

This is Step Two of Allen’s five-step work processing model. It consists of emptying the in-tray and deciding what next actions need to be taken for every item.