A simple way to break down big goals (without feeling overwhelmed)
A while back, I had this big goal: writing a book.
Exciting? Yes.
Overwhelming? Absolutely.
Every time I sat down to work on it, my brain felt like a tangled mess. Where do I even start? Which idea should I focus on first? Should I outline everything now, or just start writing?
Then I remembered something crucial: Big goals aren’t meant to be tackled all at once. They need structure. They need organization.
That’s when I turned to the PARA method.
How PARA Helped Me Break It Down
PARA—Projects, Areas, Resources, Archive—is a system designed for organizing information. But it works just as well for tackling big, intimidating goals. Here’s how I used it:
- Projects: What’s the next actionable step?
Instead of “Write a book” (which felt massive), I turned it into clear, manageable projects: “Outline Chapter 1,” “Draft 500 words daily,” “Edit Chapter 2.” - Areas: What ongoing commitments does this goal fit into?
Writing isn’t just a one-time project for me—it’s an ongoing craft. I set up an “Area” for writing, so I could track progress and improve over time. - Resources: What knowledge do I need?
I gathered book notes, writing frameworks, and reference materials in one place. No more endless searching for scattered ideas. - Archive: What’s done, but still useful?
Finished drafts, scrapped ideas, and past notes all went into the archive. They weren’t cluttering my workspace, but they were there if I needed them.
Breaking my goal down like this made all the difference. No more staring at a blank page, wondering what to do next. Just clear, structured steps.
Try This for Your Own Goals
Whatever big goal you’re working on—starting a blog, learning a skill, launching a project—PARA can help.
- Turn the big, vague goal into small, clear projects
- Define the broader area it fits into
- Organize the resources you need
- Archive what’s done so your mind stays clear
Instead of drowning in the big picture, you’ll always know the next step to take.
That’s how real progress happens.
What’s One Big Goal You’re Breaking Down Right Now?
Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear about it.
