What are core documents?

Core documents refer to essential documents that help individuals organize and manage different aspects of their lives, including personal values and strategic plans for both personal and professional life. Cal Newport describes maintaining two primary types of core documents:

1. Values Document: This document details an individual's roles and the values by which they try to live.
2. Strategic Plans: Separate plans for career and personal life that outline current thoughts, systems, and plans for living according to one's values.

These documents are updated and reviewed regularly to ensure they remain relevant and reflective of the individual's current circumstances and goals. For example, the values document is updated weekly for maintaining focus on important life roles and values, while strategic plans are typically revised each semester to incorporate new insights or changes 1 2.

Additionally, keeping such documents aids in prioritizing and managing life's tasks, ensuring actions are aligned with one's values and strategic goals 3 4.