A time-bound effort with a clear outcome
Core Idea: In the PARA system, a project is a time-bound endeavor with a specific goal that needs to be accomplished by a certain deadline.
Key Elements
Defining Characteristics
- Has a specific outcome: A clearly defined deliverable or result
- Has a deadline: Either explicit (date) or implicit (as soon as possible)
- Requires multiple actions: More complex than a single task
- Currently active: Being worked on now or in the near future
- Belongs to you: Something you are responsible for completing
Project Criteria Questions
- Does it have a clear outcome that will mark its completion?
- Is there a specific date or timeframe for completion?
- Will it take multiple steps to complete?
- Is it something you're actively working on or planning to soon?
- Is it your responsibility to ensure it gets done?
Examples
- Complete quarterly financial report
- Launch new product feature
- Renovate kitchen
- Plan summer vacation
- Write research paper
- Prepare client presentation
- Set up home office
Project Management
- Projects should be reviewed regularly for progress
- New projects emerge from areas of responsibility
- Completed projects often create valuable templates
- Projects can be broken down into tasks and milestones
- Multiple related projects can be grouped into programs
Applications
- Personal task management
- Professional work organization
- Team coordination
- Goal achievement
- Information organization
Additional Connections
- Broader Context: PARA Method (organizational system containing projects)
- Applications: Project Checklists (processes for starting and completing projects)
- See Also: Intermediate Packets (building blocks that make up projects)
References
- Forte, Tiago. "Building a Second Brain"
#productivity #project-management #organization #knowledge-management
Connections:
Sources:
- From: PARA Method