The PARA Method: Simplify, Organize, and Master Your Digital Life

by Tiago Forte

think of your resource folders as “shareable by default.”

you have to keep the information moving.

Your Project List is a list of the outcomes you are currently committed to achieving, all in one place.

It is an inventory of all the things you’re trying to produce, create, accomplish, or resolve.

intentional and strategic, instead of reactive.

Every decision is made through the lens of “What will help me move this forward?”

The most actionable category of “Projects” is closely guarded against distractions from other kinds of information that seem interesting but aren’t useful.

The greatest breakthroughs often come from unexpected connections between ideas,

Organizing ideas according to outcomes ensures you’re actively testing them in the real world.

PARA can be used to cultivate three of the most desirable states of mind for knowledge workers: focus, creativity, and a sense of perspective.

Use PARA as your secluded log cabin in the woods—a place where you can shut out the world and tinker with your own ideas, theories, and creations before venturing back out to share them with the world.

Collecting information is easy, and we’ve seen that filing it away isn’t that hard either. But if you stop there, all this effort amounts to hoarding.

Value doesn’t come from the inputs; it comes from your outputs,

I recommend choosing what to save in your PARA system based on what resonates with you. What moves you?

At these times of deeper reflection, ask yourself these questions: What is the standard (of quality or performance) I’m committed to in each of my areas of responsibility? Am I currently meeting that standard? If not, are there any new projects, habits, routines, or other practices I can start, stop, or change? Are there any resources that would enable me to do so?

When evaluating your resources, ask yourself questions like: Are there any new interests or passions I’d like to pursue more seriously? Are there any curiosities or questions I’d like to start exploring? Are there any hobbies or pursuits I’ve allowed to stagnate that I’d like to reboot?

By surrounding yourself with information that provokes a feeling of fascination, you’ll begin to harness the incredible enthusiasm for learning and growth you have trapped inside.

PARA asks you to make one decision for each piece of information, and one decision only: When will this be relevant next?