PARA Project Note Template
PARA project note: outcome, deadline, status, next actions, milestones, resources, log and archive criteria
Mode d'emploi: Use it for any personal or work project with a clear outcome and deadline. Name the project as a finished outcome and write the very next action first. Main pitfall: open-ended responsibilities filed as projects; those belong in Areas.
Aperçu
Project: [Project name, stated as an outcome]
A project note for a PARA-organised knowledge system. In PARA, a project has a clear outcome and a deadline; it lives in Projects until it is done and then moves to Archive. Based on the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive) described by Tiago Forte, used here as a concept. Replace every
[bracketed]value.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Outcome | [Example: Conference talk "Local-first apps" delivered and slides published] |
| Deadline | YYYY-MM-DD |
| Status | [Not started / Active / On hold / Done] |
| Area it serves | [[Area: Career]] |
| Started | YYYY-MM-DD |
Outcome and definition of done
The project is done when:
- [Example: Talk delivered on YYYY-MM-DD]
- [Example: Slides and recording linked on my website]
- [Example: Follow-up blog post published]
Why it matters: [Example: builds visibility for the open-source project and practises public speaking].
Next actions
- [Example: Draft a 10-slide outline (45 min)]
- [Example: Email organisers to confirm AV setup]
- [Example: Rehearse with a timer and record it]
- [Next action]
Milestones
| Milestone | Target date | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Outline approved by organisers | YYYY-MM-DD | [ ] |
| Example: Full draft and demo working | YYYY-MM-DD | [ ] |
| Example: Two rehearsals completed | YYYY-MM-DD | [ ] |
Resources
- [[Resource: Local-first software principles]]
- [Link to slide deck file]
- [Contact: organiser name, email]
Notes and log
- YYYY-MM-DD: [Example: Organisers prefer live demo; plan offline fallback video.]
- YYYY-MM-DD: [Note]
Archive criteria
When the outcome checks above are ticked, or the project is cancelled:
- Record a two-line summary of the result and one lesson learned below.
- Move reusable material (slides, checklists) into Resources.
- Set status to Done and move this note to Archive.
Result: [summary]. Lesson: [lesson].
Standard and licence note
Based on the PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive) by Tiago Forte, referenced as a concept. This template is original text and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the method's author. Template licence: MIT.