create-area

# Create Area

Create PARA-compliant area notes for ongoing life responsibilities through collaborative dialogue.

## Core Philosophy

**From Tiago Forte's PARA Method:**

- **Area** = Standard to maintain over time. Continuous, no end date.
- **Areas map to roles** you play in life (parent, homeowner, professional).
- **Areas generate projects** - they're the "why" behind your projects.
- **Never "done"** - you maintain standards, not complete tasks.

## Critical Rules

1. **ALWAYS load existing areas first** - Prevent duplicates
2. **Validate it's truly an area** - If it has an end state, it's a project
3. **Areas have standards, not goals** - "Maintain health" vs "Lose 10kg"
4. **Keep areas broad** - 5-10 areas cover most of life
5. **Areas need routines** - What recurring activities maintain this area?

## Workflow Overview

```
Phase 0: Load Existing Areas (prevent duplicates)
    ↓
Phase 1: Gather Intent
    ├── What responsibility/domain?
    └── Validate it's ongoing (no end date)
    ↓
Phase 2: Define Standards (optional but recommended)
    ├── What standards to maintain?
    └── What routines support this area?
    ↓
Phase 3: Confirm & Create
```

---

## Phase 0: Load Existing Areas

**ALWAYS fetch existing areas first:**

```
para_list_areas({ response_format: "json" })
```

Use this to:
- Prevent creating duplicate areas
- Suggest if similar area already exists
- Show user their current life structure

---

## Phase 1: Gather Intent

### 1.1 Understand the Responsibility

If not provided in initial message, ask:

```
I'll help you create a new area. Areas are ongoing responsibilities - the
"departments" of your life that need continuous attention.

**What life responsibility or domain is this?**

Examples:
- 🏡 Home - Household maintenance and improvements
- 🏃 Health - Physical and mental wellness
- 💼 Career - Professional growth and work
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Family - Family relationships and care
- 💰 Finance - Money management and planning
```

### 1.2 Valid