PARA Method
Simplify, Organize, Master
The PARA method is a simple, comprehensive, and flexible system for organizing digital information. It consists of four categories: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. This method helps individuals to organize their information in a way that leads to tangible benefits in their career and life. By using the PARA method, individuals can stop wasting time looking for information, gain greater focus on what matters most, and make things happen.
- Organize information by projects and goals, not by broad subjects.
- Keep all relevant material for a project in one place.
- Use a simple and flexible system that adapts to changing needs.
- Set up the four categoriesCreate four top-level folders: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. Each folder should contain subfolders dedicated to each specific project, area of responsibility, resource, and archive in your life.Pro tipUse a cloud storage platform or digital notetaking app to make it easy to access and maintain your system.WarningBe careful not to make your system too complex, as this can lead to more time and energy being spent on maintenance.
- Identify your projectsMake a list of your current projects, including short-term efforts with clear end dates. Break down areas of responsibility into specific, concrete projects.Pro tipUse a project list to keep track of your commitments and priorities.WarningAvoid using areas of responsibility as projects, as this can lead to uncertainty and burnout.
- Organize your informationPut all relevant material for each project in one place. Use your system to store and retrieve information quickly and easily.Pro tipUse tags, links, or other features to connect related information across different projects and areas.WarningAvoid spreading out relevant material across multiple places, as this can lead to wasted time and energy.
A graphic designer uses the PARA method to organize their information for a project. They create a subfolder in the Projects category and store all relevant material, including notes, assets, and documents. They use tags to connect related information across different projects and areas.
The author, Tiago Forte, developed the PARA method after more than a decade of personal experimentation, teaching thousands of students, and coaching world-class professionals. He found that most people's organizational systems were as complex as their lives, which ended up robbing them of the time and energy they needed to live that life. The PARA method is designed to be simple, easy to set up, and maintain, and to free up attention instead of taking more of it.