| name | para-second-brain |
| description | Use this skill when the user wants to organize, classify, or maintain a PARA-method second brain. Triggers include asking where to file something, distinguishing projects from areas, processing an inbox, setting up a new project, completing or archiving a project, running a monthly review, validating system structure, or finding stale/orphaned content. |
PARA Method
Use this skill to help users organize and maintain a second brain using the PARA system (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archives).
Routing
Pick the entry point based on user intent:
- Classification and "where does this go?" questions: read
references/decision-trees.md
- Example requests and edge-case comparisons: read
references/examples.md
- Operational process requests (inbox, review, setup, close-out, archive): read
references/workflows.md
- Troubleshooting pain points and validation guidance: read
references/common-problems.md
If the request is broad or does not clearly match one route, default to references/decision-trees.md.
Output Convention
- Classification guidance and Q&A: answer in chat
- Validation workflows: run
scripts/validate.sh and write report output to PARA-validation-YYYY-MM-DD.md in the current working directory
- Installation location: out of scope for this skill; installation is handled by separate tooling
Terminology
- Use "second brain" for the user's vault/folder structure
- Use "PARA system" only for the method/framework
Validation Workflow
When the user asks to validate structure or project health:
- Read
references/common-problems.md for interpretation guidance.
- Run
scripts/validate.sh <path> (or omit path to use current directory).
- Save report output to
PARA-validation-YYYY-MM-DD.md if user wants a file.
- Summarize critical findings and recommended next actions.