What is the PARA Method?
PARA, (detailed in Tiago Forte's new book "The PARA Method") is a remarkably intuitive, yet comprehensive system for organizing any kind of information on any digital platform (like notes, files, notion, etc!). This can be an incredible ally to a modern musician, offering a one-stop solution for organizing all of your creative ideas!
Whether it's notes from a collaboration, snippets of a melody, or photos from a memorable gig, PARA equips you with the ability to preserve and skillfully use it to focus on your musical goals!
Organizing Information by Your Projects and Goals
The way we used to organize our notes by subjects in school just doesn't work today in your music career. Instead, PARA gets you to organize information based on the projects and goals that you're committed to at the moment!
PARA makes sure all relevant material is easily accessible, saving you precious time and mental energy while letting you actively work towards your goals.
How PARA Works for Musicians...
PARA is gonna be more than just creating folders. It's a reflection of your career's structure and goals. It clears away procrastination & offers a simple way to move forward with clarity.
Projects
These could be specific songs, albums, or performances you’re currently working on. For each project, create a dedicated page or note (depending on your digital app of choice- Files, Notes, Notion, Dropbox, etc) that includes all the relevant ideas you’ve captured, along with a timeline or checklist of tasks to complete. This way, you can see the progress of each project at a glance!
Areas
These are ongoing aspects of your music career. You might have areas dedicated to songwriting, performing, recording, promoting your music, continuing education and so on. Each area can have its own page or folder where you keep relevant resources and tasks. This will help you maintain a bird's eye view of your career and ensure that you’re making progress in all areas.
Resources
These are materials that support your projects and areas. You might include tutorial videos, sheet music, articles on music theory, or contact information for other musicians and industry professionals! Organizing these resources in one place will make it easier for you to find and use them when needed.
Archives
This is where you’ll keep completed projects or old ideas that you might want to revisit in the future. This'll help you keep your active projects and areas clutter-free, while still preserving your past work for future reference!
PARA for Musicians: How to Get Started in 60 Seconds
The PARA Method is not only designed to be easy to stick to but also easy to start! So here are the 3 simple steps that Forte suggests to start implementing the PARA method in just 60 seconds!
Archive ALL existing files: Put old files in cold storage without deleting them. Focus on what matters now.
Create project folders: List all active projects to keep yourself engaged without procrastination.
Create additional folders (Areas & Resources) as needed: Only create what's essential to avoid empty, unnecessary folders.
Embracing the PARA method is more than an organizational technique; it's a way to invigorate your creative process. Simplify your workflow, reinforce your ongoing projects, and pave the way for success in your musical journey!
Want to learn more about the PARA method? You can pick up a copy of Tiago Forte's latest book of the same name: The PARA Method- Simplify, Organize, and Master Your Digital Life