Quick Take
Quite simply the best file organization system I have ever come across. It is simple enough to actually stick.
What Stuck with Me
PARA is a simple and actually usable method for organizing your digital files. This is not a complicated system of “more folders,” rather a realistic and maintainable way to organize information in the same way that you operate, at work or at home.
PARA Stands for:
- P - Projects
- A - Areas
- R - Resources
- A - Archive
How to Use it:
- If something has an end date - it goes in Projects
- If it’s something you’ll own all year - it goes in Areas
- Something that’s useful, but not tied to a deliverable - it goes in Resources
- If you’re done with the information - it goes in Archive
Over the years I have tried many methods of keeping track of my digital information such as: by date, by project, by topic, by team, etc…and I have never found one I actually like enough to stick with for any length of time. This method provided me a way to “know” where everything belongs without having to spend time thinking about it.
Worth Your Time?
YES - this is a quick read that produces real results. You can read the book in an hour and implement the solution in 15 minutes.
Best For:
- Anyone looking to organize their digital files at home or work
- Leaders juggling multiple projects and personnel
- Teams who want to standardize how they store and more importantly find work products