How To Name And Organize Your Files

The Beautiful Mess

Are your files all over the place? Do you want a simple method to organize your files? We'll dive into Tiago Forte's simple PARA Method. Do you struggle with naming your files? In this video, I will give you a guide to naming your files so you don’t have to worry about it.

In episode 087 of the TBM Show, Paul Dittus delves into the art of file naming and organization, transforming your digital clutter into a streamlined, efficient system. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by files scattered across your desktop or buried in your downloads folder, this episode is your roadmap to a more organized digital life. Paul offers actionable tips and tested methods for structuring both your files and folders, utilizing best practices for naming conventions and modifying structures to suit your specific needs. Tune in to learn how a little organization can make a world of difference in your daily productivity.

Episode Overview:

- Introduction to the importance of file organization

- Best practices for naming files and using dates versus keywords

- Guidelines for structuring folders from general to specific

- How to use modifiers and special characters to maintain order

- Exploring Tiago Forte's PARA method for organizing tasks and files

- Practical examples and templates for business, YouTube, and podcast file management

5 Key Lessons:

1. Effective File Naming Conventions:

Learn the importance of using the international standard date format (year-month-date) and clear, concise keywords to ensure your files are easy to identify and search.

2. Folder Structure Best Practices:

Organize your folders in a hierarchy from general to specific. Start with broad categories like the year or project name, and narrow down as needed (e.g., raw photos, exports).

3. Using Modifiers Wisely:

Incorporate modifiers like version numbers (e.g., V01), intended audience names, or creator initials to differentiate files while maintaining their order.

4. Avoiding Special Characters:

Stick to underscores, dashes, or hyphens to avoid compatibility issues across different operating systems and to make future migrations smoother.

5. Utilizing the PARA Method:

Adopt Tiago Forte’s PARA method (Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive) to keep your files and tasks organized from most actionable to least actionable. Customize this framework to best fit your needs.

➡️ Resources Mentioned In YouTube Description:

https://youtu.be/s8-wJ1RxWmY

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This is episode 87 of The Beautiful Mess Show podcast.

Hosted by Paul Dittus