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# Get Started with Notion (without losing your mind)
- URL: https://www.jeffsu.org/get-started-with-notion-without-losing-your-mind/
- Published: 2024-02-20T13:01:25.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-10T09:18:09.000Z
- Author: Jeff
- Tags: Productivity, Notion

Notion is a powerful tool, but it can be overwhelming if you're just starting out. In this blog post, I'll share a step-by-step tutorial for building a simple Notion dashboard that keeps your tasks and notes organized.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.10.07@2x.png)

## Watch it in action

## Resources

- Make a copy of [the template here](https://jeffsu.gumroad.com/l/beginner-friendly-notion-template?ref=jeffsu.org)
- Grab [Notion Toolkit](https://academy.jeffsu.org/notion-toolkit?utm%5Fsource=mywebsite&utm%5Fmedium=post&utm%5Fcampaign=153) (for free)

## Key Takeaways

- **Databases form the foundation of effective Notion setups.** Set them up first for organized tasks and notes.
- **Dashboards bring it all together.** Create a "Command Center" where you see your important info in one place.
- **Templates save time.** Take the hassle out of routine note-taking with pre-made formats.

## Step 1: The LifeOS Page

Start with a blank page titled "LifeOS". This will be your workspace's home base. Give it an icon and add sections: "Dashboards", "Views", and "Databases".

## Step 2: Build Your Databases

**Tasks:** Create a table database named "Tasks." Include properties for "Task", "Due Date", and "Done". Sort by "Due Date" for priority.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.11.20@2x.png)

**Notes:** Create a "Notes" database with columns for "Note", "Date", "Type", "Created time", and "Updated time". Sort by "Updated time" to see your latest notes first.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.11.41@2x.png)

## Step 3: Your Command Center Dashboard

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.12.06@2x.png)

Create a page called "Command Center" – your productivity hub. Here's how to add task and note views:

1. Duplicate your main "Tasks" view and filter for upcoming tasks, as well as those without due dates ("Inbox").
2. Set up your "Notes" view for recent activity.

## Step 4: Templates for Efficiency

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.12.26@2x.png)

Create a "New Note Template" with pre-populated sections for:

- Date
- Key Takeaways
- Action Items
- Notes

Set this as your default for quick, structured note-taking.

## Bonus Tip: The Task Calendar View

Create a page called "Task View" to visualize your tasks on a calendar. Select your task database, switch the layout to "calendar", and toggle the "Done?" property.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/db/85/db858a9d-1c4f-4993-8042-faa87b9bb3c1/content/images/2024/02/CleanShot-2024-02-16-at-14.12.46@2x.png)

Notion's strength lies in its customizability. Experiment with more databases, views, and dashboards as you explore the features that work best for you.

## If you enjoyed this

You probably want to check out [how I plan my week in Notion](https://youtu.be/XXYfRgXTEE0?ref=jeffsu.org)!