“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”
– Tiago Forte
Hey Friends 👋
I don’t know about you, but my digital life is an absolute mess.
I have files everywhere.
My computer. My phone. My iCloud. My Google Drive. Hundreds if not thousands of notes across multiple note-taking apps. USB thumb drives in different drawers. Old hard drives that I may never look at again.
And the files and photos and everything else just keep coming.
It’s pretty insane when you think about it.
It’s basically digital hoarding.
But I read a book called Building a Second Brainand I learned a few things that helped me begin to simplify my digital life.
The first thing I did was go to my computer desktop, make a new folder called “Archive,” and drag everything else on the desktop into that folder.
Sound crazy?
Ok, well truthfully that wasn’t the first thing I did, but it was maybe my favorite part of implementing the PARA method.
PARA stands for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive.
You make one folder for each category at the top of your folder hierarchy like this:
In PARA, this is the top of the folder hierarchy
That’s it. Four folders.
Every file, every note, every document or download… they all fit into one of these four categories.
The idea is to optimize for actionability.
Instead of organizing things alphabetically, or chronologically, or by the dewey decimal system,we can organize things by how likely we are to need them in the near future.
A Breakdown of “PARA”
Projects are things with a deadline and specific outcome, or things you are actively working on. These are the most actionable items you have. Examples of projects and possible sub-folders within those might be be:
“Sarah’s birthday party”
Cake options
Themes
Bouncy houses
“New client proposal”
Outline
Power Point presentation
Supporting data
“Trip to Japan”
Hotels / AirBnB’s
Restaurants
Tours and attractions
Itinerary
“Kitchen renovation”
Counters
Floors
Cabinets
“Build a website/blog”
Hosting services
Colors, fonts, style guidelines
Topics and idea
Areas are ongoing responsibilities you need to maintain. These things have no end date, but they need regular attention, and therefore are moderately actionable:
“Health”
Fitness
Diet
“Medical”
Receipts
EOB’s
Eye
Dental
“Finances”
Budget
Statements
“House stuff”
HOA
Mortgage docs
Insurance docs
“Taxes”
2025
2024
Resources are topics you’re interested in for the future. Think stuff that might be useful someday. These items are less actionable, but more for reference when needed:
“Recipes”
“Travel ideas”
“Bucket List”
“Marketing swipe file”
“Professional headshot photos”
“Resumes”
“Screenshots from Woody’s Weekly emails”
The Archive is everything else. These are the least actionable things that you really haven’t needed in a long time. Old projects, outdated resources, things you’re keeping “just in case.” You aren’t deleting it, you’re just getting it out of the way.
The beauty is that everything you save goes into one of these four buckets.
No more wondering where to put that random PDF or screenshot.
No more wondering where to find it later.
Does this seem like something that you might try out?
Here’s How To Start:
Pick one platform.
This could be your notes app, Google Drive, your computer, whatever makes sense for you and doesn’t feel too daunting.
Next, create four folders with these exact names:
1-Projects
2-Areas
3-Resources
4-Archive
(Adding the numbers in front of each folder title will help keep them in order)
Lastly, spend 10 to 15 minutes sorting your most recent stuff into your new folders.
Don’t overthink it. If something could go in two places, just pick one and move on.
Anything that doesn’t fit into the first 3 folders just goes in the Archive for now.
That’s it!
Everything ends up somewhere. And everything is still very searchable in case you forget where you put it.
Move things around as things in your life change
An old Resource might inspire a new Project—for example, a collection of renovation photos you’ve been saving might be useful when you start your own renovation project.
An Area of your life might move to the Archive, say if you change jobs for example.
I found that getting all the digital clutter into these four buckets makes it much easier to find what I need, when I need it.
Things feel simpler, with far less overwhelm.
You’ll be shocked how much mental energy you get back when your digital life has a home for everything.
–
If you liked this post, you will love my weekly newsletter. Get on the list at woodyweekly.com
If you know someone else who might like to learn about the PARA method, send them this post!
P.P.S. Some links in this email are affiliate links. I may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, so thank you for your support when you use my links!
—
Not already subscribed to Woody Weekly? Visit woodyweekly.com to get on the list. It’s free, I don’t sell your information, and you can always unsubscribe at any time.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
Hey friend!
Hope your week has been treating you well! I just finished James Clear’s “Atomic Habits” (maybe you’ve heard of it?) and had to share some eye-opening insights that have already made a difference in my daily routine.
The Magic of Tiny Changes
The central idea of Atomic Habits is brilliantly simple: tiny, consistent changes compound over time into remarkable results. Clear explains that if you improve just 1% each day for a year, you’ll end up 37 times better by the end. It’s not about radical transformation but about small, sustainable improvements.
The Four Laws of Habit Change
Clear breaks down habit formation into four simple laws that you can use to build good habits or break bad ones:
1. Make it obvious (or invisible for bad habits)
Instead of relying on motivation, design your environment so habit cues are unmissable. Want to read more? Leave a book on your pillow every morning.
2. Make it attractive (or unattractive)
Link habits you need to habits you want. Clear calls this “temptation bundling” – only watch your favorite show while exercising, for instance.
3. Make it easy (or difficult)
Reduce friction for good habits and increase it for bad ones. The Two-Minute Rule is gold here: scale any new habit down to something that takes just two minutes to start.
4. Make it satisfying (or unsatisfying)
We repeat behaviors that feel good. Create immediate rewards for your good habits while making bad habits immediately unsatisfying.
Habit Stacking: The Secret Weapon
One technique that’s been a total game-changer for me is “habit stacking.” Instead of relying on willpower or motivation, you simply attach a new habit to an existing one using this formula:
”After [current habit], I will [new habit].”
For example: “After I pour my morning coffee, I will take two minutes to write down my goals for the day.”
This works because you’re using an established behavior as the trigger for your new habit.
I look at my morning routine as one giant habit stack or sequence. First I grab a bright light visor to start waking up, then I mix a morning protein shake, followed by taking my vitamins, and so on.
If I ever want to incorporate something new into my morning routine (or remove something that isn’t working for me), I look at the existing habit stack, find the best place to insert the new thing (usually considering where it will be easy or obvious), and it becomes part of the routine.
Identity-Based Habits
Another powerful insight is that lasting change comes from focusing on who you want to become, not just what you want to achieve. Instead of “I want to read more books,” shift to “I am someone who reads every day.” When you change your identity, your behaviors naturally follow.
Every time you complete a habit, you’re casting a vote for the type of person you want to be. Those votes build up over time to shape your self-image.
My Favorite Habit Power Combo
Using a Phillips Sonicare toothbrush has made brushing my teeth for a full 2 minutes Easier (law #3). It has a built in timer, and every 30 seconds there is a little vibration that acts kind of like a progress bar. It’s also Satisfying (law #4) because my teeth feel cleaner and look whiter when I’m done (also thanks to this particular toothpaste).
Packing my gym bag in advance and bringing it to work has helped me streamline the decision to go work out on my lunch break. By having everything I need with me at my desk (including a protein shake or Quest bars for afterwards), I eliminate most of the excuses I might use to not go exercise. Then I use a version of the 2 Minute Rule—Instead of committing to exercising for my full lunch break, I simply commit to grabbing my gym bag and taking the 2-minute walk over to the gym. That’s the only thing I have to do. Once I’m there, changing and doing a workout always follow naturally because I simplified the process of putting myself in the workout environment.
—
There’s so much more wisdom packed in this book than I can fit in one email. If you’re looking to transform your habits (or finally make them stick), I highly recommend grabbing a copy. The audiobook version is excellent if you prefer listening during commutes or workouts—fyi this is one of my favorite habit stacks because it’s Easy and Satisfying!
Found this helpful?Visit woodyweekly.com to get future content delivered straight to your inbox!
Until next week,
–Woody
P.S. What’s one small habit you’re working on building right now? Hit reply and let me know – I’d love to hear about it!
Note: Some links in this blog post are affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no added cost to you) if you choose to buy something through one of my links. Thank you for your support!
Some links in this description are Amazon affiliate links. If you click and choose to buy, we may earn a commission AND it helps grow the channel at no cost to you, so thank you for your support!
Video Chapters:
00:00 how to get rich
01:50 what does it actually take to get rich
03:34 The Millionaire Fastlane book summary
04:14 the only three financial paths you can take in life
Some links in this description are Amazon affiliate links. If you click and choose to buy, we may earn a commission AND it helps grow the channel at no cost to you, so thank you for your support!
Video Chapters:
00:00 investing basics: tips for beginner investors
00:38 investing is necessary to beat inflation
01:20 high yield savings accounts with good interest rates
02:10 definition of an investment: acquiring assets that give you returns over time
02:44 boring investments are better than trendy investments
03:50 401k vs Roth IRA vs HSA Health Savings Accounts for investing
06:20 Roth IRA explained
06:56 investing your HSA for triple tax protection
09:43 steady and consistent contributions will grow your investment accounts more over time
10:45 moving money from the cash balance to an investment
11:30 mutual fund vs index fund vs target date fund
12:04 expense ratios are more important than you think
13:54 Can you time the stock market?
16:32 buying stocks and shares of companies you believe in
17:51 should you invest if you have debt
21:03 investing your time and energy into digital assets
Thinking about working from home? In this video, we explore the pros and cons of remote work, key things to consider before starting a work-from-home job, and tips to stay productive. Whether you’re wondering if remote jobs are easy money or overrated, this guide will help you decide if working from home is right for you.
Some links in this description are Amazon affiliate links. If you click and choose to buy, we may earn a commission AND it helps grow the channel at no cost to you, so thank you for your support!
Video Chapters:
00:00 work from home tips and guidance
00:53 why you need a dedicated work space when working from home
02:12 talking to your partner or spouse about working from home
03:43 stay focused with magic mind
05:50 walk and stretch to clear your mind when working from home
07:14 bright white light therapy for seasonal affective disorder and to feel awake when working from home
This video shows you my morning routine to feel more awake and less tired by using my light therapy visor, hydrating, using Magic Mind, taking a cold shower, and THEN having my cup of coffee! Links to all items mentioned in the video are listed below:
Some links in this description are Amazon affiliate links. If you click and choose to buy, we may earn a commission AND it helps grow the channel at no cost to you, so thank you for your support!
Video Chapters:
00:00 my morning routine to feel more awake
01:00 why you should hydrate first thing in the morning
02:00 what is magic mind supplement
04:00 what is mental wealth
05:00 bright white light therapy for SAD and to feel awake
For the longest time, I felt like I was constantly battling brain fog. It was hard to focus, my energy levels were plummeting, and I just couldn’t seem to get into that “flow state” I craved.
I tried everything – from endless cups of coffee to that afternoon energy slump – nothing seemed to truly cut through the fatigue.
Desperate for a solution, I decided to give Magic Mind a try.
I’d seen the buzz around these nootropic shots and was intrigued by the claims of increased focus, improved mood, and sustained energy.
My Verdict?
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. After my first shot, I noticed a subtle yet significant shift. My mind felt sharper, my energy levels were more consistent, and I actually enjoyed tackling tasks that previously felt daunting. It wasn’t a dramatic overhaul, but it was a noticeable improvement in my overall cognitive function.
Important Note:
Individual results may vary. What worked for me might not work the same for everyone.
This is not a magic bullet. A healthy lifestyle with proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise is still key.
I read Jordan Belfort’s book “Way of the Wolf” and found it so insightful, I had to make a video about it. Jordan, A.K.A. “The Wolf of Wall Street,” teaches a framework called “straight-line selling.” In this video I talk about his Straight-Line System, unlocking your prospect’s buying combination, the importance of tonality and body language in sales, and much more. I really hope you enjoy the video!
If you’re interested in learning about sales from me directly, follow the link below to book a call:
Some links in this description are Amazon affiliate links. If you click and choose to buy, we may earn a small commission which helps grow the channel, so thanks!
😶🌫️Starting a YouTube channel can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. With the right guidance and support, reaching your first 1,000 subscribers becomes a simple, step-by-step process. Let’s cut through the confusion and create a plan tailored to your goals. Click the button below to book a call with Woody today and start your YouTube journey with confidence.
GROWNUP PAINS 