The PARA method - Tiago Forte

This book teaches how to organize information for action, so we use it to create results & achieve our goals. 

Here is the executive summary I built from my notes:

1) PARA is a method for organizing our digital information

It stands for its elements:

1. Projects: currently active short-time efforts with a discrete goal and deadline, that below an area of responsibility (like a sprint). Examples: write a blog article, build a website, complete a course, etc.
2. Areas of responsibility: important areas that require permanent attention to maintain a standard (like a marathon). Examples: being a son, romantic relationship, project management, sales, etc.
3. Resources: on topics I´m interested in. Examples: chess, guitar, minimalism, cooking.
4. Archive: that stores anything from the previous elements that is no longer active.

2) How to implement PARA

In all of my digital spaces (notetaking app, cloud storage, computer & cellphone files, etc.):

1. Create these main containers (folders, tags, directories, etc.), making sure that the backup and offline features are on:
2. 1. 0_inbox (initial temporary holding area for items waiting to be moved to the right location).
   2. 1_projects
   3. 2_areas
   4. 3_resources
   5. 4_archive
3. Archive existing files into a sub-container named with the date (e.g. archive_20240719) inside 4_archive.
4. Create a sub-container inside 1_projects for each active project.
5. Create areas & resources containers as needed. Never create a folder unless I have something to put in it.

3) How to maintain PARA

1. During a weekly review:
2. 1. Process inbox: Retitle and relocate items.
   2. Update projects: retitle, split, merge, archive, relocate and/or connect items (using links & tags), etc. Never duplicate files.
   3. Evaluate resources & archive: look for things that can enhance existing projects or areas, or that can help start new ones, and relocate or connect them (using links & tags). Never duplicate files.
3. Every day:
4. 1. Capture key ideas inside 0_inbox asking: can this be useful to me, especially with one of my current projects or areas?
   2. Use the information inside PARA to complete projects and maintain areas successfully and creatively.

4) Tips to use PARA in a team/organization

1. Organize by outcome: by project or area.
2. Organize just in time: only when there is a project or area that needs it.
3. Keep organization informal: just make sure that information is inside the right project folder.
4. Define how you will use PARA: using a PARA playbook, for example.
5. Train people.
6. Keep only shared projects on shared platforms: and keep personal projects private so they don´t create noise.
7. Encourage a culture of effective writing.

5) The wisdom economy is beginning

Knowledge has been commoditized by search engines & artificial intelligence, so the era of the knowledge worker is coming to an end, and the era of the wisdom worker is beginning (who´s able to manage the knowledge around).