para-pkm

name

para-pkm

description

Manage PARA-based personal knowledge management (PKM) systems using Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives organization method. Use when users need to (1) Create a new PARA knowledge base, (2) Organize or reorganize existing knowledge bases into PARA structure, (3) Decide where content belongs in PARA (Projects vs Areas vs Resources vs Archives), (4) Create AI-friendly navigation files for knowledge bases, (5) Archive completed projects, (6) Validate PARA structure, or (7) Learn PARA organizational patterns for specific use cases (developers, consultants, researchers, etc.)

PARA PKM

Organize by actionability, not topic. Projects/Areas/Resources/Archives for optimal AI navigation. Monthly review cadence.

Core Concepts

• Projects = Time-bound goals with deadlines (completes → Archives); includes projects/stories/ for job applications
• Areas = Ongoing responsibilities (use _overview.md per area for context)
• Resources = Reference material; when unsure, put here temporarily
• Archives = Inactive items from any category

Decision Tree

Has deadline/end state? → Projects
Ongoing responsibility? → Areas
Reference material? → Resources (default for uncertain items)
Completed/inactive? → Archives

Quick Start

1. python scripts/init_para_kb.py <name> - Creates PARA + projects/stories/ + navigation
2. Identify projects (deadlines) → areas (ongoing) → resources (reference)
3. python scripts/generate_nav.py - Generate AI navigation

Scripts

Script	Purpose	Usage
init_para_kb.py	Scaffold new KB	<name> [--path <dir>]
validate_para.py	Check structure, detect anti-patterns	[path]
archive_project.py	Archive with metadata (date, origin)	<project-file> [--kb-path]
generate_nav.py	Create AI nav (<100 lines)	[--kb-path] [--output]

Templates

Template	Purpose
assets/AGENTS.md.template	AI navigation index
assets/project.md.template	Project file structure
assets/area-overview.md.template	Area _overview.md format
assets/README.md.template	Knowledge base README

Patterns by Role

• Developers: projects/active/ features/bugs, areas/professional-development/, resources/coding-standards/
• Consultants: projects/active/ deliverables + projects/stories/, areas/consulting/clients/, resources/templates/
• Researchers: projects/active/ papers/grants, areas/research-program/, resources/literature-review/
• Product Builders: projects/active/ launches, areas/product-development/{active,research,graduated,legacy}/

Complex Scenarios

Client = project + relationship: projects/active/client-x.md (deliverables) + areas/consulting/clients/client-x.md (relationship, billing)

Research lifecycle: areas/product-development/{research → graduated → active → legacy} with cross-references

Anti-Patterns

• inbox/ folder (capture directly into PARA; use Resources when uncertain)
• Deep nesting (max 2-3 levels; flat > nested)
• Topic-based organization ("work/personal" → use actionability)
• Todo folders (tasks belong with their projects/areas)
• Perfectionism (move freely as understanding evolves; monthly review catches misplacements)

Content Lifecycle

Resources → Projects → Archives (research → active work → completed)
Areas → Archives (no longer responsible)
Projects ⟺ Areas (goal becomes ongoing or vice versa)

AI Navigation & Success Tips

• Keep nav under 100 lines; point to paths not files; minimize tokens
• Start simple ("What am I working on now?"); one home per item (use links)
• Monthly review: archive completed, reassess areas; let patterns emerge

References

• para-principles.md - Complete PARA method, "actionability not topic" principle
• decision-guide.md - Detailed decision tree with edge cases
• common-patterns.md - Proven patterns for different roles
• ai-navigation.md - AI-friendly navigation best practices