Lecture Notes: Using Apple Notes for PARA Method

Overview

• Topic: Demonstrating the PARA (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives) method using Apple Notes.
• Key Demonstration: Replicating the organizational setup from Evernote into Apple Notes.

Interface of Apple Notes

• Sidebar: Displays Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives.
  • Ability to collapse into four main folders for accessibility on mobile.

Projects in Apple Notes

• Structure: Main Projects folder contains individual project folders.
• Example: AI Workshop project folder includes notes copied from Evernote.
• Features: Adding titles, links, images (screenshots can be pasted).

Areas in Apple Notes

• Structure: Split into business-related areas and personal life areas.
• Example Folders: Resources and Archives also have demonstration folders.

Default Notes Folder

• Function: Acts as an inbox where any note taken will appear by default.
  • Similar to an inbox for sorting and organizing later.

Capturing and Sorting Content Examples

1. Email Content

• Example: Notes from a coaching session via email.
• Steps: Download attachment, create new note, drag & drop attachment.

2. Online Article Content

• Example: Interesting facts from an article on wired.com.
• Steps: Copy paragraph, create new note, paste content, add source URL.

3. Social Media Content

• Example: Article about Fusion Energy seen on Twitter.
• Steps: Copy tweet content, create new note, paste content, add tweet link.

Weekly Review and Sorting Process

• Step 1: Open notes and decide project, area, or resource relevance.
• Step 2: Start with Projects and favor them for the most actionable content.
• Example: Speaking session notes assigned to book launch project.
• Step 3: Use Areas if not project-related (e.g., cognitive function info for parents).
  • Create new area folders if necessary.
• Step 4: Use Resources for passing interests (e.g., Fusion Energy related to climate change).
• Step 5: If no category fits, consider deleting the note.

Key Takeaways

• Method Simplicity: PARA method doesn’t require overthinking; no one perfect place for notes.
• Prioritization Checklist: Projects > Areas > Resources > Delete.