How to Set Up the PARA Method in Obsidian from Scratch

A 5-minute guide

Source

I’ve been using the Zettelkasten method with few modifications in Obsidian for a very long time. Recently I read the book, The PARA Method by Tiago Forte. He also wrote Building a Second Brain, which is nice btw.

After reading it and learning everything, I’m making a switch from what I’ve right now to the new system, the PARA Method.

In this article, I will talk about how I’m starting again from scratch in Obsidian after using the zettelkasten method for more than 2 years.

This article can be helpful if you are looking for a way to organize information and you are not happy with what you’ve right now.

But before we dive in, let’s talk about what PARA is.

The PARA Method

PARA is an information organization method developed by the same mind behind “Building a Second Brain”.

It is a simple organizational system designed to help us move forward in both our personal as well as professional lives.

What sets PARA apart is its universal applicability. You can use it in your note-taking app, task manager, cloud storage, or any other tool you have.

The core idea of PARA is simple: Organize for action.

It helps you sort your information based on the outcomes you want to achieve.

There are other systems out there, but they can be cumbersome. Some may even serve as hidden forms of procrastination. Others might take up too much time and energy.

PARA avoids all that. It’s simple to start and easy to keep up with.

You can set up PARA in Obsidian in just 5 minutes. But first, let’s go over its four main components:

Projects:

They are your short-term commitments. They have a set deadline and a clear outcome.

For example: Building a website, Moving to a city, Buying a new computer, etc.

Areas:

These are ongoing aspects of your life you manage over time. They have no specific deadlines or outcomes.