8 Ways To Upgrade Your PARA System

How To UPGRADE Your PARA File Management System
If you clicked on this video, you're probably using the PARA file management system developed by Tiago Forte in Building A Second Brain and looking for ways to upgrade your own setup.
Today, I’m diving into some simple upgrades you can make to supercharge your own PARA system covering everything from splitting up your work and personal projects to making the most of modern technology for version control and synchronisation. These practical tips will streamline your file management, boost your productivity, and keep you focused on what really matters.
I’ve seen a lot of great questions and suggestions in the comments of my previous videos, and I’ve compiled some of the best advice and insights into this video. If you have any other tips others might find useful, why not share them in the comments down below?
If you found this video interesting or informative, make sure you click the like button. It helps other people see this content!
Also, let me know in the comments what I can do to improve my content.
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WHO AM I?
If this is your first time here - Hi! I’m Jonny, a former primary school teacher and current software developer who decided to make videos in 2021 to teach people how to live a more productive life. Through my videos here on this channel, and my Medium page, I share tools and tips to help you be more productive and to get more done.
🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO:
Tiago Forte's website - fortelabs.com/
Building A Second Brain by Tiago Forte - amzn.to/4edfVFC
The PARA Method by Tiago Forte - amzn.to/3VdxJYz
⌚️TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:48 Split personal and work files
2:36 Add dates to Projects
3:59 Have regular reviews
5:21 Maintain searchability
6:43 Have version control and synchronization
8:02 Optimize your Archives
9:09 If in doubt, start over
10:12 Look at other people's PARA systems
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links which means I get a small cut of

[@cooker3]

I got to say I really enjoy your PARA content and I think you of all the KZbin vidoes, blogs etc. you provide the best hands on content to how to actually implement it. For example the moment I saw your colour co-ordinated your Google Drive Folders I instantly realised that is such better way of organising it. Even better it's coming from a fellow Irishman. Keep up the good work!

[@JonnyBoyd]

Thanks so much for the comment - I really appreciate it! 👍🏽 If you need anything covered inn my future videos, just let me know!!

[@tismeDenis]

Perfect timing Jonny as my minds been on it since my last comments..... And this video has answered many questions I considered & some I hadn't, anyways thanks again for this gold 👍👌🏻

[@JonnyBoyd]

Glad this video was useful! Thanks for the comment too - I really appreciate it! 👍🏽

[@JamesStrickland]

Great video! At the moment I have 1 PARA system that incorporates personal and work. The work is listed as an area with an emoji that makes it appear at the top of the sort. My projects folder have projects both personal and work listed by order of date in the file names. For the current inportant projects I star the folders to appear on the "starred" tab of google drive." I create a shortcut to that so I can always go to my current "starred" projects. Once they are completed, they go back into their area, resource or or archive. I have also kept some projects in their area folder, created a shortcut in drive and placed that in the project folder. That what it is current and when it's over I just delete the shortcut. Sounds complicated I know but I'm still working out the kinks. Thanks for the video.

[@JonnyBoyd]

This sounds like a really interesting approach - definitely have to keep me updated on how it is going! Thanks again for the comment James - I really appreciate it! 🙂

[@dennisrlong]

Where would you place goals in a PARA system? Does Tiago suggest where to put goals? Thanks for any insights, as this is a dimension that appears to be missing from this method.

[@JonnyBoyd]

Personally, I would just have a separate note/document/thread within my projects folder called 'Goals'. My thinking behind this is that your projects are things that you are actively working on therefore, this is likely the folder you are most likely to go into and having your goals there can help you align them with your projects. If you are using a quick notes app like Google Keep or Apple Notes or ToDoist, you can just create a separate note called 'Goals' and have it floating without being organised. Personally, I want quick access to my goals so having them free from organisation helps me. Hopefully that is somewhat useful to you!

[@dennisrlong]

@@JonnyBoyd Yes, I too would like to have quick access to my goals. That is a very useful idea how to incorporate into the PARA system. Thanks Jonny!

[@VasylynaHushevska]

Hi Jonny! I'm Vasylyna. I wanted to contact you with a collaboration opportunity that aligns perfectly with your KZbin channel. Where can I write you?

[@JonnyBoyd]

You can send me a DM on Twitter/X if that suits!

[@VasylynaHushevska]

@@JonnyBoyd It would be great to communicate with you via email :)