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

The PARA Method is my simple, intuitive system to find any information right when you need it. In this video, I'll show you how to set up PARA for yourself.
WATCH THE FULL SERIES
• PART 1: The PARA Method Explained • How to Organize Your D...
• PART 2: The 10-to-15 Rule (creating your projects) • The 10-to-15 rule (PAR...
• PART 3: How I Plan My Weekly Tasks using PARA • How I Plan My Weekly T...
• PART 4: My Second Brain in Apple Notes • My Second Brain in App...
Want to dive in more? Get the book: www.buildingasecondbrain.com/...
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[@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

[@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

[@ediblelipscrubs9466]

I literally thought it was him 😭

[@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 😊

[@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.

[@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! 👍👍

[@JoshuaRyder]

Been hoping to see a series like this! Just started implementing this to gain a conscious memory of everything I’m doing and have done. Very excited to step up my second brain game! 🔥

[@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!

[@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 🔥

[@LifeWordCozyDevotions]

I was just listening about this in your audiobook and looked to see if you had something on youtube, imagine you posted this only 10 hours ago. Perfect timing!

[@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 .❤

[@Taskade]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@leandrommr]

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

[@raymondch33]

Saving this video link into Resources > Interest folder

[@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!

[@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.

[@ThiagoMoreiraGoncalves]

Thanks Tiago. I really appreciate all the effort you put on those lessons. Have a great day!

[@dl1563]

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

[@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!

[@watchuslead]

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

[@RikeFPS]

Hello tiago! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and teaching us about the PARA method. I found out about it today, and I'm really excited to start putting it into practice. Keep up the great work.

[@elementartus1227]

Thank you, Tiago! With the rise of tech, organizing our digital lives is a must to increase inefficiency. Moreover, as a visual learner, your video is a shortcut to learning PARA! Hoping that PARA method would lead me to finish reading a book. 😁

[@traceysmith311]

Great video...I've heard about PARA before but hearing you explain it made total sense. I went and pre-ordered the Kindle version so I can read it as soon as it's released, and I'll definitely be tuning in to your upcoming videos. I use OneNote for my second brain, so I hope some of your videos will show suggestions on how to utilize PARA in OneNote.

[@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 :)

[@pavankumar-sv5ry]

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

[@candiceseretin7230]

I loved your book and thank you for showing your breakdown of your Evernote PARA folders, this has really helped to action this for my system.

[@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 !!

[@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!

[@toranshaw4029]

Even though I have my own organising method, for a folder structure, I am looking forward to seeing the rest of the videos in this series. 🙂

[@ronakchauhan8137]

This is not only valuable but also actionable advice. Thank you Tiago 🎉

[@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

[@skylerkriese8729]

This was unbelievably helpful, particularly with all of your examples. Kudos and thank you for sharing!

[@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.

[@soffmusic9655]

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

[@erniehayden]

Thanks, Tiago! As usual, an excellent video production regarding PARA! Well done. Now, for OUR next project, we need to figure out a way to teach this concept to High School students!!!

[@misugrrl]

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

[@Touchmylittleidea]

Love this visual... This will assist in streamlining my method of the PARA idea even futher. I'm really interested in the Education plan as homeschool our 4 children. Would love to see more on that tab if possible on organizing that further

[@Ilennavanjanzer]

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

[@acideye]

Great video! All the data you have curated over the years is extremely valuable not just to you but also to prying eyes. How to you protect your identity and protect that information? Might be a good topic for a video. The PARA method could be used on many different platforms with pros and cons for and against each. It would be interesting to hear your interpretation and approach. I am currently exploring with Obsidian.

[@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.

[@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.

[@carlosrebolledoaguirre4682]

Ufff que buen video. Utilizo PARA en mi Workflowy y estaba esperando verlo y será genial ver los siguientes (entendiendo que por el título de éste (Parte 1)), especialmente para quienes quieren implementarlo para su pequeña empresa y en grupos de trabajo. Muchas gracias Tiago

[@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.

[@JoshGonsalves]

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

[@James7104]

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

[@rahel3539]

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

[@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!

[@pedrocelestino8551]

Estou bem ansioso para a estreia do livro em PT-BR!

[@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! 👏👍

[@I_am_Gera]

This video complements the best way to close the second week of BASB Cohort 18. It helped to clarify some items!

[@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!

[@jgojiz]

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

[@TheMarkTheory]

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

[@IKcodeIgorWnek]

Tiago this is really awesome framework. Just starting to use it in all my notes. I will spread your knowledge.👍 Thank you! ❤‍🔥

[@SOLIDUSWorld]

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

[@MiniAquiel]

This is really great info. Looking forward to this series!

[@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.

[@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?

[@PI1901]

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

[@ruehtree]

Enjoyed your video, all about being better organised and able to easily find things. As an individual, I used Evernote for years for my genealogy and it done everything I required, however it became too expensive for personal use.

[@maypasifiki9360]

I very much appreciate this video. I'm always trying to organize my digital info but its so chaotic. Looking forward to learning more about the PARA method. 🙂🥰

[@timomartinson]

Hey Tiago. ;-) I was curious first - but now I am convinced that this changes the way I organize myself and my life. I already shared it with my brother. Thanks.

[@edjwise]

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

[@pengain4]

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

[@carlanthonydelosangeles7411]

Love it! Let's go!

[@railzip]

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

[@brittabernardi453]

Thank you for this video. It comes just at the right time.

[@WickramarangaAbeygunawardhana]

Apart from PARA, you also have another interesting idea: you have prefixed your projects for your company etc. instead of putting them in nested folders (maybe because of software limitations but nevertheless).

[@Pyxis444]

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

[@TheSiris]

This has helped me a lot already!

[@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.

[@special1191]

Great video I just finished listening to your new book The PARA Method which was also great and very helpful. I was wondering how could you use the PARA Method in MS Teams with multiple channels where each channel is a different project?

[@bernardngwasheng9788]

I bumped into this Video This is good stuff that I’m going to implement now And I’m subscribing ❤

[@robertsleight8013]

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

[@nikeetasingh272]

Hi Tiago This is great!… I’m wondering if you keeping a physical notebook as well? And how do you organise this if you do? Do you then transfer to your digital PARA notes? Hope to hear back soon 🤗☀️

[@trent.langley]

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

[@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.

[@colinmarshall472]

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

[@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!!!

[@robinjordin5929]

Love it, love it, love it🤩

[@MinyetteB]

Wow, this is exactly what I need in my life. ❤❤❤

[@charlesgwinter]

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

[@IngridBlackburn]

Love the examples! Excited to get the book in August. 😁

[@Maxamos555]

Wow really good I'm so glad I've come across you, just bought a rocketbook fusion and this is actually what I've been trying to think about but got lost in the decimals.

[@DanielGTaylor]

A helpful video, Tiago, that answered some questions I had about PARA after reading Building a Second Brain.

[@zaynabm0hamad]

thanks so much for this great video it really improved my understanding about the para system , so excited for the coming videos in this series🤩❤‍🔥🔥

[@web3io]

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

[@tasha8102]

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

[@wonga07]

Really helpful breakdown!

[@vheisshu]

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

[@eliodrallag4806]

This is so great!

[@jonathanmertens6762]

Finally thank you!

[@laurenceglazier]

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

[@wildswag8071]

Thank you Tiago! I copy your system in todoist, and it works very well⭐️👍🏻 love it

[@tiongkey]

PARA is perfect on Obsidian!

[@TiagoForte]

Heck yeah it is

[@alikareemfilms4789]

Super helpful, appreciate the walkthrough of your setup!

[@Dima-pk4js]

OMG THIS IS AMAZINGLY AMAZING ❤❤❤❤

[@estebanjara886]

Fantástico método. Una lista de cosas prestadas por ejemplo, dónde iría?

[@boyfanplaceswift1886]

Very Usefull, best note taking concept i ever seen thanks, keep up the good work