8 Problems I Solved Using Notion — With Screenshots
If you are a Notion user looking for more ways to make the all-in-one workspace work for you then this article may be helpful. These are 8 problems I solved using Notion for my personal and professional life.
The idea behind this article is to give you ideas to make your life easier using Notion. Take what is useful to you and ignore the rest.
Staying in Touch With People
I created a database in Notion for all of my contacts complete with information including telephone numbers, email addresses, locations, gift ideas, personal details, and the last time we were in touch. I also included tags like family, reader, work, friend, etc. Alongside the database, there is a checkbox for people I need to reach out to and reminders about upcoming events like birthdays, anniversaries, and so forth.
This helps me keep in touch with people I have met online through writing, work contacts, and family members who live out of state without having to say: “Oh crap, I meant to give you a call.”
Shopping in Bulk
Shopping in bulk is a great way to save money but it can become tricky when you’re not sure where to find the best deals. That’s where Notion comes in.
I made a bulk shopping database detailing what to buy and where including pricing, shipping costs (free shipping versus paid), and the status of each item (To order, Ordered, Stocked). Each time I go to make a purchase in bulk, I research the product and add it to the database for next time. By doing this I am able to save a few hundred bucks each year.
Meal Planning
I’ve never been able to meal plan consistently until I started doing it on Notion. I made a very simple meal plan template and added things like a recipes page, grocery list, and my bulk shopping database to make it easier.
Now I am able to meal plan each week saving time and money and since I can pull up the grocery list on my phone, shopping is a breeze.
Consistent Writing
Outside of my weekly newsletter, I haven’t been able to maintain a consistent publishing schedule for quite some time. Once again Notion came to the rescue. I created an editorial calendar that I update monthly outlining each month's projects. Included in the calendar is the name of the project, due date, and status (Not Started, In Progress, Done).
By setting deadlines and having the month’s writing planned out I am able to keep myself on track instead of getting shiny object syndrome.
Paring Down
I don’t like stuff. And because of this, I live a minimalist lifestyle with very few possessions. Notion allows me to keep an inventory of my personal belongings in a simple numbered list sorted by category. This helps me see where I could possibly eliminate things and because I add a date to items I use infrequently I am able to see the last time that item got used. If it’s been a long time, I know I can get rid of it.
Forgetting Things
I don’t like forgetting things and that’s where the magical power of checklists comes in. For example, I have a checklist for travel showing me everything I need to pack for a trip. I also have checklists for publishing articles, my newsletter, and a host of other things. Checklists on Notion are easy to make and keep me from forgetting important steps.
Budgeting
I’ve always been good with money but I have been lazy when it comes to budgeting. With Notion, I am able to track income and expenses down to the penny. By creating a database I am able to categorize expenses and view monthly averages and totals of what I am spending. I also set up formulas to automatically calculate the budget without having to use a calculator. The best part is, it’s all within the same workspace as the rest of my personal and work-related pages for quick access.
Quarterly Goals
Each quarter I make a list of goals I would like to accomplish. And because I don’t like paper clutter Notion is the perfect tool for creating a 90-day plan. I set up a basic database using a KanBan style view to easily track my progress. Each goal is put into one of three status categories (To-Do, In Progress, Complete).
This keeps me on track throughout the quarter ensuring I remain productive year-round.
There’s not much you can’t do on Notion which is why it’s so powerful. In my case, it helps me be more organized and productive while offering a user-friendly interface to help streamline my life. Plus it offers the benefit of having everything in one place while being accessible across various devices. A win-win.
For thoughts and comments @ me on Twitter.
Exploring culture, technology, life design, and more at BarryFralick.com
