**Last Update**: 26.07.2024 *** > A universal System for Organizing Digital Information ![[para-method.webp]] P.A.R.A. stands for **Projects — Areas — Resources — Archives**, the four top-level categories that encompass every type of information you might encounter in your work and life. ![[para-definitions.webp]] A **project** is "a series of tasks linked to a goal, with a deadline." ^237e06 Examples include: - Complete app mockup - Develop project plan - Execute a business development campaign - Write blog post - Finalize product specifications - Attend a conference An **area of responsibility** is "a sphere of activity with a standard to be maintained over time." ^b5edec Examples include: - Health - Finances - Professional Development - Travel - Hobbies - Friends - Apartment - Car - Productivity - Direct reports - Product Development - Writing A **resource** is "a topic or theme of ongoing interest." ^287834 Examples include: - Habit formation - Project management - Transhumanism - Coffee - Music gardening - Online marketing - SEO - Interior design - Architecture - Note-taking **Archives** include "inactive items from the other three categories." ^d0ec2c Examples include: - Projects that have been completed or become inactive - Areas that you are no longer committed to maintaining - Resources that you are no longer interested in ### Projects vs. Areas of Responsibility Projects always fall into Areas. A few examples: - Running a marathon is a project, whereas Health is an area - Publishing a book is a project, whereas Writing is an area - Saving 3 months’ worth of expenses is a project, whereas Finances is an area - A vacation to Thailand is a project, whereas Travel is an area - Planning an anniversary dinner is a project, whereas Spouse is an area *** **References**: - [The PARA Method: A Universal System for Organizing Digital Information](https://fortelabs.com/blog/para/)