How to Organize Your Digital Life in Seconds (PARA Method) | Part 1

[@TiagoForte]

Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this, you might like my book, The PARA Method: www.buildingasecondbrain.com/para

[@kratugautam304]

Sir I will use it to clear my job interviews and competitive exams. This will help me stand out from the Massive Amounts of Geniuses in India.

[@cpwyou]

Very interesting, how are you tracking the end dates for projects?

[@cpwyou]

Would not Archive get very large and potentially cause an issue due to it's size

[@mujey]

😊

[@darryl9488]

Curious and a bit confused about how the two books relate to each other? Do they cover the same material? Would you recommend one over the other, or one as a precursor to the other? Thanks

[@benjavides]

I really like that the acronym still works in spanish. Proyectos, Areas, Recursos, Archivos

[@dfalfan]

Pero de hecho, no sería "Archivos" sino "Archivo"

[@adrianozzz]

em português também: Projetos, Áreas, Recursos e Arquivos. provável que tenha sido de caso pensado, já que Tiago é (meio) brasileiro

[@riccardostaroccia7550]

Also in italian: Progetti, Aree, Risorse, Archivio 😊

[@-suguru-]

In French it’s Projets, Domaines, Ressources, Archive, so PDRA

[@jorgek92]

@@-suguru- HAHA it is so French to think of areas as something dominated, ehm colonialism 😅

[@raymondch33]

Saving this video link into Resources > Interest folder

[@MaiSimpleGifts]

I have implemented this system for the past two years, for myself and for my work. It's highly effective, but it does take time to train my employees to the concept. While most of the descriptors "Projects, Resources, and Archives." The term "Area" takes a lot of explaining and I still get confused at times. So I changed it to "Essentials" And that helped make things easier to understand.

[@EddyGonzalez1509]

I really like this, I can't seem to tell the difference between what goes in Area and what goes in Resource but maybe I'm overthinking it. I like the idea of renaming the Area section as 'essentials'

[@tiongkey]

PARA is perfect on Obsidian!

[@TiagoForte]

Heck yeah it is

[@IsraelDiaz-rf6ns]

How? On different vaults?

[@robertlittle7314]

I've been using PARA for the past few months. It helps me considerably. For example, just this morning I partially cleaned up my photos folders, with most just getting dumped into a "pre-2023" archive. In particular, I use a project folder for my current genealogy research question, holding the files for that ancestor. The rest of my genealogy files go into resources.

[@TiagoForte]

Great tip!

[@colinpowda]

Finally, watched so much videos about PARA from others, but for the first time we heard it so clearly from the founder. Looking forward to the rest of this series.

[@trent.langley]

The para method transformed my productivity! Can’t wait for the new book

[@KayForbey]

This method is changing my life! I just finished your book, Building a Second Brain. I'm so thankful I found you and your content.

[@tramzone]

Looking into this as someone that tries to organize their adhd life. The para is basically how it should be organized for adhd so nothing new but I appreciated the framework and usage of digital tools to achieve it.

[@JoshGonsalves]

No joke, this system changed my entire life (for the best)

[@BrownestKoala]

I've been "using" PKM for years (Like I'd had a lobotomy it seems) Then I came across BASB. (Dismissed it as not for me.) Then I found PKM as a thing. The lights went on and I started looking at note taking apps, including the one I'd been using for those same years. Then I went back to BASB and a brilliant flash of a realisation hit me. Now with Obsidian, BASB (The audiobook and paperback) and soon, both of The PARA Method media when released, I think I can say Tiago has fully illuminated the productivity world for me. Even an old retiree can learn new tricks. Thanks Tiago

[@edjwise]

Video Idea... how do you turn your past work into Intermediate Packets. IP's to me are your most ground breaking topic.

[@knomad666]

Thank you, Tiago. I have been feeling extremely disorganized for the longest time which creates unnecessary stress and your system has helped to relieve some of that. I literally just bought 2 4'x3' whiteboards for my office to help myself get organized before watching your video. PARA is the first thing I wrote on one of them. I look forward to watching the rest of the videos in your series.

[@debarghyapaul809]

Thanks tiago forte I am a high school student your books and videos , made me organized , I am managing my studies with my hobbies and personal projects .❤

[@steampunkemo9211]

I had just read your book on this and had no clue that you had a youtube channel. Made me really happy bc i was really gonna be sad to return the book to the library XD. But in all reality, your system has me seriously believing it will chnage my LIFE. thank you for sharing this engenius method of organization

[@TiagoForte]

I'm glad you liked the book, and I hope you find the channel helpful!

[@davyL.]

I am currently reading your how to build a second brain book and you’ve just dropped this banger for us to understand more about the PARA method which gives me more insight. Appreciate it!

[@RidetoEnglishwithDM]

Great video, Tiago! These visual examples of what PARA looks like in your own Evernote was suuuuper valuable. Really appreciate you sharing this with all of us! 👍👍

[@ahib0x]

Tiago really deserves better bro, let's get him to 1 Million Subs!💪

[@theviablecoach]

One of the most underrated guys on the internet. It's because real practical advice doesn't get the views all these "productivity hacks" channel promise. Tiago came up with a system that is unmatched.

[@sixro]

I agree. I don't understand how it is possible that he has just 170k subs with the wisdom he has

[@TiagoForte]

😍

[@SP-ii4gq]

Just subbed! You're right, I was just looking into how to organize my files

[@mavrosyvannah]

​@@sixrohow it's possible is just so simple. Have you noticed most people are lost, or losers, or depressed. They have no need or interest is anything leading to a good life.

[@pavankumar-sv5ry]

You are my productivity guru. everything you say is relatable and actionable and very precious.

[@BDV000]

I just set up my Task Manager with the PARA Method and I honestly feel a sense of calm. Now if I can only find the right note taking app.

[@KP-ky1sn]

This video has given me the incentive i needed to clean up the fragmented data i had on one note. After watching your video twice, i got to work on fixing the mess i created over the years. It took me a few hours to move and rename sections etc but now i feel like I've accomplished something very important. Also by doing the much needed maintenance work, I've polished up my one note skills. Since i'm very picky picky about what you-tube videos i watch and like value content which is not that abundant on you tube, however this video is super valuable, big thanks to you for the work you put in. By the way i found your video after watching one of Andy parks videos. Both channels have great content.

[@agostinc]

Ola Tiago tudo bem contigo ? o trabalho que voce desempenha é realmente fantastico, mudou muitos minha vida neste sentido. esses videos seus e acredito que de seus alunos mostrando como funcionam efetivamente as pastas, é incrível. obrigado por compartilhar. espero que logo seja lançado seu livro aqui no Brasil.

[@pedrocelestino8551]

Dia 02/08 lança!!

[@agostinc]

@@pedrocelestino8551 MUIIITO OBRIGADO PELA INFORMCAO. muito mesmo.

[@angelosalexiou]

Thanks for the time and energy of making this EXCELLENT video! My question is: Where do you save your memories (pictures, videos, etc) files in the PARA Method Folder Structure and how these files are organized?

[@TiagoForte]

Pictures and videos are unique kinds of media that require special treatment, because we now generate them in such incredible quantity, because they are so large in size, and because viewing and editing them require special features. I keep a small number of images and photos in my notes app for ideas or inspiration, but most of my photos from my day to day life, vacations, etc just get uploaded automatically from my phone to Google Photos, which sorts them chronologically by date without any effort needed from me. So this is even easier and power effort than using PARA!

[@ec7152]

Anyone else thinks he looks like Elon Musk?🤔

[@chrischromeos]

I did when I saw the thumbnail

[@UnicornPizza]

I literally thought it was him lol

[@pateto_21]

Same

[@Eznus1]

Yeah he looks like Elon musk, I was thinking the same thing

[@MintRahman]

Elon Musk variant

[@Chobed]

Hey Tiago! Thanks for sharing all of this with us. I have a question. What about projects within areas? o resources within project or areas?

[@leandrommr]

Because of your method, for the first time in my life I could see myself with an more organized routine, thanks man

[@IvelisseCruz-oe1hy]

😢8😮😮😮😮😮 1:09 😮pill😢op ññ o😢😢 1:27 o ok😢 olo😮ppñ😢o p 1:34 1:34 1:34 😢pill ñ lo😅 1:37 p7😢😢o 1:37 )p😅p😅

[@IvelisseCruz-oe1hy]

😊😢 1:51 🎉o😮8😢 1:52 8🎉l🎉🎉 1:55 😅p😮ññ8😮😊😅

[@ThisIsDonGeo]

love seeing inside the System. Would like to see more. I get the overall concept, but with so many areas of life, interests, and projects it helps seeing the details on how you and other organize theirs using the PARA framework

[@coxbright]

Nailed the explanation in this video! I'm just gonna send people to this video next time I'm going on about PARA and how I've found it such a breath of fresh air!

[@rahel3539]

Wow, I love this method! It makes so much sense and is super easy to use and start with.

[@bellmusic3702]

Thank you so much! Organizing my information has been secondary for me with my new business but as I move forward I struggle with accessing critical information. Now I feel like I have a good handle on how to get started!

[@Gjermund-Sivertsen]

Brilliant. Thanks. I hope you'll show how to use Roam Research with your PARA system

[@Dr.MichaelHabib]

I wanted to say thank you! I’ve been looking for methods to organize my life and you entertained most of my questions. In addition, you look like Elon Musk, really!!!

[@junaiddhukka5319]

Appreciate your work. I have been reading your book and going through Last letter of CODE (Express). These types of Videos help to create our own second brain.

[@williammorris7279]

I had recently noted your name being mentioned with praise, but had not yet made time to check the spelling and seek you out, so was very glad that youtube anticipated me. I wanted to use Evernote more effectively, and this system fits my need, and my brain. Subscribed. Thank you.

[@jeffreypolanco8641]

Finding you (videos) on KZbin has been like a naked person finding a jacket in the snow , I guess what I am trying to say is Thank You ! Every second spent on you making this video has my respect and appreciation in every way possible please keep up the good work in sharing your amazing brain with us cant wait to see more from you !!

[@Ilennavanjanzer]

Thank you for sharing this FOR FREE *_* very excited for the whole series :)

[@exerciserelax8719]

Very helpful explanation. I wish you spent more time on Areas because it's the category I understand the least. I sort of get it in theory, but in practice I struggle to know what to put there. It almost seems like more of a meta-category that applies to both Projects and Resources, rather than its own thing. To take an example, Health: In my current projects there could be several projects relating to Health (training for an upcoming race, menu plan for next week), and many documents in Resources (how to design a good training plan, a recent study on nutrition). But what do I actually put in the A folder???

[@elisacordeiro4497]

Hii, so just a quick comment from someone that's been using PARA for a while now. First, PARA is an idea and a framework designed to help us organize aspects of our life in a digital (or even physical) way. And it's Tiago's (super awesome) idea. However, it's' not meant to be a rigid method, so you can apply PARA in you own way and Tiago even encourages this in other videos specially the ones where he's showing other people's second brains. So my use of PARA consists of understanding that these 4 categories are related to each other, each project fits within an area and resources can relate to an specific project or area. Let me quickly talk about my use case -- I use Notion to organize all of this -- I have an "academic" area and within this area I have my academic projects like "baccalaureate" / "law school" / "extension project" / "study group" and then within "law school" I can have my subjects (and tasks) and then I can relate resources and information accordingly to each project, area and even subject. It's actually quite a common use case of PARA, so just like you said, we can have multiple projects that kinda kit within one area and resources that correspond to the project that we are undertaking. You can use different softwares that make this process of "relating the PARA letters" better and easier -- as I said my preferred one is notion, but you can use the one you find best suit you needs. Anyway.. I hope I've been of some help 😃

[@exerciserelax8719]

@@elisacordeiro4497 Thanks for giving me those examples of how you use it!

[@oakld]

I don't find this system appealing, but overall the video is inspirational. The "ugly truth" about organizing and time management is, that there's no miracle solution. You learn tiny bit by tiny bit and it takes years. I've learned an idea that organizing my tags and folders across notes, tasks, photos, documents, etc. might help keep things tidy. Learned it Today in this video. I think it will turn into a big small improvement. Great job Tiago! 👏👍

[@TheMarkTheory]

Finishing BASB and getting The PARA Method! Thanks for your work!!

[@dl1563]

I’m using PARA and it’s been life changing! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@deangreen381]

Thank you very much for charing your personal structure. best example you could get is a look at a running system!

[@Freddiechavira]

Dang, the quality in production of your videos is amazing. Good job!

[@alejandropaucardelacruz2684]

Hi Tiago and everyone! I've been using the PARA method since the start of the year, and it's had an amazing impact on my productivity. I really appreciate your help with this! That said, I've been creating a lot of projects related to one area of my life-work. Is there a way to group these projects under a single area? Have any of you tried this before? Thanks so much in advance!

[@husseinalamoudi9922]

How do you suggest integrating the PARA Method and the CODE Method to achieve maximum benefit? Are there any specific techniques or tools that you recommend using to combine these two methodologies effectively?

[@LBrainer]

I understand that they are different. CODE is a "thinking method". You see something interesting, then CAPTURE > ORGANIZE > DISTILL > EXPRESS - an action flow. PARA is a note organization method, it show us how we can categorize our notes.

[@TiagoForte]

@@LBrainer What she said 👆

[@SayaliTank]

This is an amazing video. I was really looking forward to see how you use PARA. Currently reading BASB. You are making my life better. Thank you :)

[@sixro]

Hi Tiago, I read "The PARA Method" book and I have some questions (2 for now :D): 1. I read in a paragrah that TODOs us things that you can do at any time. How do you deal with task that must be managed before an end date? Do you put a memo in the calendar as an appointment to remind it? 2. Do you manage bookmarks in your web browser in a way so that you can use them for projects/area/others? Something like PAR, but without Archives... Thanks 🙏

[@steveo6475]

you do whatever suits you best. everyone's circumstances are different. if you spend time thinking how to categorize things according to how someone else does it you're missing the whole point.

[@AbdullahKassha]

Thank you, Tiago, for the PARA system! It has been a game-changer and a turning point in my productivity and organization.

[@web3io]

Following you from Defi 2nd Brain. Awesome content. Thanks to Defi 2nd Brain and You to show me great content.

[@technicaluserco]

in the age of information, our brains are challenged to act (or react) more quickly I entered here because I thought this was the Elon Musk method of organizing digital life! The video is interesting and insightful so far, I will follow! very often a basic rule of organization is "learn to say NO".

[@crnavas7336]

Did you just give your book for free? You are awesome man. I've been using your system for about a year now and I think it is the the greatest tool of this century. THE SECOND BRAIN!! I truly love it. It has helped me A TON! Thank you so much for sharing such tool. I'm literally obsessed with it and can't stop recommending to everyone.😂

[@BrownestKoala]

I'm with you @cmavas7336. It's so addictive and strangely soothing for the mind. Very satisfying.

[@malingamaddumage]

Thanks for posting this. The pictures in your book introduced the topic, but watching this video really helped me understand how you use set up the PARA system.

[@siddhrau]

Really full of knowledge and learning. Are you maintaining two different set of PARAs? one for Professional Life and another for Personal life?

[@AK-hh1xm]

Hey Tiago, this was an interesting breakdown and the Areas approach was definitely something new that I look forward to trying. I did have one suggestion for you to try out (or explain why you prefer this way in case you've already considered it!) - the Archives folder can actually go within each of the Project / Area / Resource folders. That way stuff doesn't get mixed up again once it is archived and I find it usually works with a way I would refer to an archive anyway (like looking at an older project in reference to a current project). The way I do it is have a folder within square parenthesis called [Archive] within each category so it remains distinct from the others.

[@mikefamm5712]

Do you put archives within both, area and project folders? And then, does that mean you keep projects in the projects folder indefinitely?

[@AK-hh1xm]

@@mikefamm5712 Areas was something new for me but for Projects and Resources - yes. Within my Archives folder there are actually folders for each year (like 2019, 2020 etc.) so you can always put older ones on a different drive if you don't want them there indefinitely.

[@kuu7913]

Hello Thiago Forte, I am Korean and I read your book 'Second Brain' and I am very interested in the method. I'm curious if there are any plans to publish a Korean version of 'The PARA method'.

[@markotoole2407]

I like it! As an architect & project manager, each project has different subject areas that have multiple documents filed in them )ie. scope, program (timeframe), costs, resources, stakeholders, procurement, quality, communications, & risk). Wondering how would you suggest blending this file structure with the PARA method?

[@G-Tarun]

This is super helpful! I'm curious if you include the zettelkasten backlinks in your PARA system, and if so, between Projects and Areas for instance, or between notes within the Projects/Areas folder?

[@Not0rious7]

This is a great idea, should your archives also have PAR subfolders? My issue is too many nested folders, this will really help me

[@TiagoForte]

I've never felt the need to have subfolders in my Archive. Using the search function usually helps me find what I need.

[@railzip]

Thank you for doing this. Videos like these need a million+ views. Going to try and use this method in Heptabase

[@PI1901]

Thanks a ton! I very much needed this as my current folder management is not working.

[@GetHealthy4Good]

This is a great video, it gives a lot to practice and think about, I have some questions that I'll be glad if you answered: What if this whole organizing system, folders, memories etc. will be deleted? What do you do when you aren't near a pc or a digital device?

[@Otakutaru]

Thank you. That's all I have to say, really, Thank you.

[@kanadi19]

I am still confused with AREAS. How does exactly it look like, to differ it from PROJECTS?

[@SteveDunn]

Fantastic, Tiago. Really looking forward to Part 2.... and of course the book.

[@TiagoForte]

Thank you! Here’s part 2: The 10-to-15 rule (PARA Method) | Part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5_IqayJlqimnbc

[@vigilantventures]

I truly wish I would have adopted this method sooner but then again I just found your book. Thank you from the bottom of my organization heart!

[@jgojiz]

Thank you! Being using your method for knowledge management since I found about you several years now. Bought both books 📚

[@misugrrl]

This system may just be exactly what I've been looking for - thank you for sharing this information.

[@pilotsproject]

thank you so much, Tiago! this is actually something that I was desperately looking for - an easy and effective system to organize all my thoughts, data and whatsoever. in times of breathtaking AI eveolvement, still I struggle to beginn with the very basics in organizing my own personal data. Also, I do very much appreciate the fact that you present your PARA system so openly on your personal screen. Much easier to understand than just the therory behind PARA. Looking forward to many more of your inspiring videos 🔥

[@tottisempre]

Awesome series @tiagoforte ! Can you comment on how you use tags within this system? For example, if I wanted to filter/retrieve notes that are spread across Projects and Areas

[@ashwinbhat95]

Very useful video Tiago! Just goes straight to the point, and makes everything more clear when you showcase how you use it in a practical situation. As someone who uses Evernote, my current system (or lack of) makes it very jarring to use it productively. I will definitely need to sit down and implement this method onto my own notes. Cant wait for the rest of the series!

[@Imane-bf7gj]

Thank you for this tour, I really wanted to see an example or the Area part, does anyone know if Thiago showed one in another of his videos

[@javidiaz7071]

Thank you so much for sharing your method

[@riccardostaroccia7550]

I am Reading Tiago Forte book, and i found this video very interesting! Greetings from Rome ⚡

[@Taskade]

Hey Tiago, loving the PARA Method series! 🙌 Your knack for simplifying the maze of productivity is super inspiring.

[@poppyward994]

You are a legend! I have never been able to organise myself, making the file structure kills me. I feel in the sections I will need to figure out a good naming structure. I may need to put years in the folder names. Im getting the book! Is there an audio version?

[@laurenceglazier]

Perhaps a category below Projects for outcomes without fixed due dates. PARA a very fine analysis, thank you!

[@josimarcastro6805]

a melhor forma prática de organizar minha vida digitalmente, the PARA Method com certeza! se vc é brasileiro e está lendo esse comentário, comece agora mesmo a implementar este método em sua vida.

[@robertsleight8013]

I always got areas and resources a bit muddled up so this is really good to have some examples.

[@SOLIDUSWorld]

Thank you dear Tiago. Really great advice. I will put it into action.

[@thiagopimenta5686]

Tiago, thanks a lot. I am from Brasil. And I will study your method.

[@sixro]

Some things I was thinking while watching your amazing video... 1. It reminds me partially the GTD, but with that Areas that I think was something missing in that system IMHO 2. In Evernote, you are using Notebooks for the inner elements and the elements for PARA are Stacks, correct? 3. Sometimes things that you are working in a Project becomes relevant in your Areas. Do you duplicate notes? Or do you add references? 4. Imagine a user having an old Evernote account with a big pile of mud... ehm... notes. How do you suggest to implement PARA in this scenario? Thanks again for this video 🙏

[@TiagoForte]

1. Both projects and areas came from GTD originally! 2. Yup 3. No NEVER duplicate any content ever. If you do you’ll never know which one is the real, most updated version. Instead, either move the note or file to the new category where it’s most relevant, OR create a link from the old project or area to the new one. Links can be both internal, within an app, or external, between apps 4. Don’t try to migrate your old notes en masse to a new app. Just leave them where they are, and think of them as a big self-contained archive you can access if and when you ever need them

[@BrownestKoala]

@@TiagoForte #4. Ding ! Obvious really. I have 4000+ thoughts in TheBrain that I was agonising over that I want to bring in to Obsidian. I could apply BASB in TheBrain, but doesn't seem to work as well as I'd like. Thanks for your creativity and professional approach. Out of interest, have you ever explored TheBrain (Harlan Hugh)?

[@sixro]

@@TiagoForte thanks

[@stuartthiessen1970]

General question: How do you handle files that may apply to more than one project? Notes can have tags or links that allow a note to live in one project and other projects can have notes that link to that first note. I’m wondering how that best works with files especially if they are being kept in online spaces?

[@om6418]

This system is great, thanks a lot, my question is: Where do u put Project Ideas ? If u do not have a dead line yet, and no concrete projects inside that project, but maybe already started working on it, like brainstorming, outlining from time to time? Is it a Ressource for future or an Area Item cause you already "maintain" it?

[@ananyazoe]

Looking forward to read your new book

[@charlesgwinter]

OMG mind blown. i'm implementing this barebones version now on all my devices

[@tasha8102]

Love your work Tiago, it has transformed how I manage. I will be getting PARA book.

[@vheisshu]

Good job Tiago. My 2024 reolutiom is to adept this method in day to day life and my professional life. Superb video.🎉❤❤

[@YazDallali-xq6yg]

Tbh, I find it interesting that your free KZbin videos are way more well produced and structured than your own paid course.

[@TiagoForte]

Check out the new 2.0 version of our Foundation course and I think you’ll feel differently

[@pengain4]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing and for making it so straight to the point

[@RSG2715]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:44 🗂️ *Projects are defined by specific outcomes with deadlines, focusing on action-oriented and short-term goals.* 01:39 📚 *Areas represent ongoing responsibilities without specific endpoints, requiring continuous attention and organization.* 02:37 🌐 *Resources encompass topics of interest or useful references that may not be immediately actionable but could contribute to future projects or areas.* 03:29 ❄️ *Archives store inactive items from projects, areas, or resources, serving as a searchable repository for past information without cluttering the current workspace.* Made with HARPA AI

[@loricat5606]

I really wish that the specific apps will include Obsidian!

[@zainbm0hamad]

me too 🤩

[@psychology4introverts]

Kudos for helping your son so much. I wish my dad had had an education plan for me beyond marry a rich banker (I’m gen X) 😀 . Thanks for your system. finally one that makes sense to me.

[@James7104]

Thanks again for your great video. Keep up the good work. Look forward to your book in August

[@adam_karpenter]

I don’t know what kind of magic have you applied to PARA but I’ve done all taks for today and tomorrow by now and I’ve managed to do my daily activities in Diablo Immortal. I’ve combined notes with reminders and I WANT to complete this week activities today within two hours and it looks doable!

[@colinmarshall472]

Thank you so much for this breakdown. This system is a game changer.

[@Pyxis444]

This is brilliant! I will be trying this. Thank you so much for this video.

[@AMA2801]

Love from Brazil - Thanks for sharing😘

[@GuitarBluesJR]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📚 The PARA method is an organizing system for managing digital life, using four categories: Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. 00:58 🎯 Projects are actionable, short-term endeavors with specific outcomes and deadlines. 01:53 📝 Areas are ongoing roles or responsibilities with no specific completion point. 02:49 📖 Resources are topics of interest or useful references for the future. 03:29 🗄️ Archives store inactive items from Projects, Areas, or Resources, serving as cold storage for future reference. Made with HARPA AI

[@watchuslead]

Powerful framework and so happy I found it years ago! It’s been so impactful for my personal and business life.

[@christiandiaz587]

I am already reading BASB and the idea is to continue with the PARA.... Greetings ✌🏻