Happy Friday friends! After many requests: here's My answer to the overcoming the overwhelm of getting started in Notion FAST! Fast track the initial learning curve?!📣 Grab my free Notion Tasks Template here www.bettercreating.com/taskmanager & check out my Essential Template collection here: www.bettercreating.com/notionessentials Cheers!
@@bilianakaneva4763 No worries, it might be that Notion is not the right tool for you, since the basics of setting it up can feel that way! Good luck with finding what works :)
@@mal-avcisi9783 OK - what a shame it was not enjoyable for you. I get a huge amount of comments however from people saying they like it, as do I , so will keep it! maybe try to adjust the mic a little. thanks, Simon
Great to hear! This is exactly the comment I hoped to read on this video. Thanks so much for taking time to share the positive feedback! And welcome to the BC Notion community. :)
I have been using Notion for a long time and I want to say that this is a great tutorial a great tutorial on how to use it. Especially for new users. I have never seen databases in this way and so well explained.
I'm absolutely in love with this video and how well you go through the main functionalities and the most relevant ones. I CANNOT BELIEVE how much time I've wasted so far watching endless minutes of videos containing so little useful information and you could go through so much in 20m. THANK YOU, I'll be subscribing and looking out for more
Great overview, great help... still very fast. For a first few hours with Notion user, it almost was more confusing. It di however give me the nuggets of info I needed to dig into specific topics a little further.
I really want to organize my life with notion and I appreciate you for making a video on how we can get started. I can say from Experience that Notion isn't "intuition-friendly" to navigate with hahaha. Maybe just a suggestion, if Notion can be similar to a social media platform that we use daily and already know, it should be easy to navigate. Thanks and I'm going to try Notion again xD
You can do it! Yes, a little learning and it unlocks! Do feedback to Notion- they tend to listen: but it is definitely designed to be ubiquitous - not a complete ready made UI ! :)
Hey Simon! Awesome video. Curious what the timeline is for the 2024 iteration of your complete LifeOS refresh is. I think I recall it dropping in April, is that still accurate? I do not want to spend a bunch of time really filling out the old version if I am going to have to transfer everything over to the new version soon so I am in a sort of holding pattern with a lot of my project management and would love to get into the new and refreshed system soon! Thanks!
I was doing great with the follow along until we got to connecting the databases to the home page, they must have new updates that don’t match what I saw but I’ve learned a few tips :)
awesome thank you! give the free task manager a go - hope it will fast track things a bit too - since you can mess around with it and see how it works / is built :)
Timestamps, because the “three areas” are not specific enough 0:00 Intro → to why people want to use Notion and how it feels when ACTUALLY trying to use it 0:51 How the Video is Divided into 3 categories 1:09 1ST CATEGORY: Basics 1:29 Create an account and open a new, blank page 1:45 What forward slash ( “ / “) can do for you → 1:55 Headings → 2:04 Divider → 2:08 Columns → 2:18 Mentioning bulleted lists & quotes and and using toggle list → 2:42 Callouts 3:19 Colors and “Turn into” function 3:40 Icons 3:59 Covers 4:10 “Customize Page” function + Full Width 4:24 Creating a Homepage Example 4:52 Intro to Databases → 5:42 Overwhelm alert + How to Access Property List → 6:11 Status → 6:21 Options within categories → 6:35 Editing Existing Properties → 7:01 “Deck” Property → 7:22 “Button” → 7:55 Filter and Sort Options → 9:00 “Views” 9:29 Table View 10:55 2ND CATEGORY: Database Relations 11:40 Changing Properties in Databases with “Type” option 12:13 Creating Multiple “Views” 13:35 Linking Together by using Relations 15:22 Download of Notion used in Video 15:51 3RD CATEGORY: Customization and Templates 17:18 Notion Templates Gallery 18:12 Next Steps
Damn, this looks soo overwhelming... My dream Notion feature is getting the flexibility of databases but having the clean & minimalistic look of a simple [ ] checkbox list
I would love to watch your videos because they seem very educational. Unfortunately, I have a TBI, I have difficulty with the background music during dialogue, and you don't do CC. WTF man.
Thanks and sorry to hear that, now I have improved the mic set up I’m actually looking at removing some music on videos soon. Let’s see. :) CC is available - you can just turn them on.
Hi Simon. Thanks for that video. I was one of the "overwhelmed" that commented on a previous video and this one has started to clear away the confusion and help me get started from first principles. I'm going to give Notion a 2nd try and will use the free version to just learn the basics, follow your guidance on this video and build up - before I think about migrating my current content and the way I manage my life currently. Great intro - thanks. I did have a couple of questions or suggestions - 1) Is there a way to download all of the content that is created in Notion so a user can back it up (on iCloud for example or an external drive)? if so, perhaps that's a good subject for a future video if there isn't one already. 2) Do you have any idea when Notion will be allowing integration with Outlook calendar (not just Google calendar)? Thanks again.
Great video but after watching it all i realized my specific requirement - finding a replacement for evernote. Do you have any videos that can help in this regard? I'm eager to use notion for its clean design but getting started has been overwhelming.
Hey - i feel you - check out my Simplified Notion Life OS template and playlist - it could be great for you: This video is the full tour: ruclips.net/video/vby0FjH1ob0/видео.html and this one is specific to Notes and Clippings section of it: ruclips.net/video/VTz1oyi5v-E/видео.html
I quit Notion (with sadness) several years ago to use Craft instead, since you could use it in the iPad much better than Notion. But I´ve missed it! Then I migrated over to Amplenote, and I love the functionality of creating tasks from anywhere but it´s so UGLY I can´t get used to it (it´s been a month or so...). Now considering going back to Notion! And it looks like I could do it all in the free plan??
Ah it's a classic story i think. Lots has developed with notion in the last years - but the onboarding bit is still a little annoying for some to get up to speed - BUT once you unlock using it - i think it's fab. :)
Clean simple explanation of getting started. Would love to see more action oriented tutorials. None of this matters unless it gets things done and would be great to see how you manage it.
Noted! Thanks for the comment on this: I have a bunch of those action focused videos on the channel - just check out thinks like my Simplified Notion Life OS guides playlist :)
Great introduction but I'm wondering how many of these features are free vs paid? For example, I tried creating my own task management list only to find that if I wanted my completed tasks to be deleted, I had to become a paid user.
Everything I’ve built on Notion (Complete Life OS System) has been on the free plan other than the database automations: task manager is very doable on free and just using a filter for completed tasks is the best way. :) so all good!
Hi Simon Have been following you since 2022. I was curious to know if you have the plan to give for free the Notion Life OS for students and those who can't afford it (Even the older versions)? Meanwhile, We'll highly appreciate if you put some notion courses in youtube or any other platform. Thanks
Struggling to find the video linked in the description about creating project and database templates?!?! The link that looks to be there goes to a video about using a templated system vs creating one unless I’m clicking the wrong link
people waste a hell lotta time watching videos on how to make their notion pages more aesthetic instead of working their way towards achieving things in life notion increases your dependency on your phone and time blocking doesn't really work that way because in life not all the conditions are ideal
The top tasks view is a linked database view. Or ‘table view’. So main database is at the bottom as system database, and the. I create various dashboard views linking to that. How I make all my Notion systems. :)
My to do lists were post it notes. I had ideas and lists on my phone, a notepad for work notes, post it notes everywhere. Finally, I bought an e-ink tablet to organize my note taking, and it has been incredible! Now I'm looking at Notion as an option to better manage my tasks and projects. It may not be the right solution for everyone. Post it notes work, and their business success proves it. But just like we could walk or run or bike or drive or fly, we have different tools for different people and tasks that cater to our needs and preferences. Personally, I feel more organized since I moved away from post it notes, but I would not recommend my solution for everyone. E-ink is very niche solution to my needs and preferences, but I'm glad we have the options!
I am a 2017 evernote user, but after they became too greeedy with the plans I have since moved over to other apps. Im currently using Notion as a subsitute and its pretty on par
Ah it is likely the filter for that view doesn’t cover where there is no status: click into the status for the view and add so it also covers OR where status is empty … I’m guessing a bit of the context here - but it’s likely the filters
Maybe I'm not understanding something here but it seems like setting these tasks up takes longer than maybe doing a task. It is in itself a task and should be placed on the tasks database.
Nah, I find I drop them in the inbox with one line, and then if it’s less than 2 mins to do, I just do it when I process stuff. Otherwise it takes about 10 seconds to add and defer right? It’s all good.
I'm tearing my hair out as I've watched several tutorials and keystrokes are different for me. for instance a narrator will say hit ## to get heading 2, when I do that I don't get any other level or font, or the forward slash for creating a new level or page has mo response. I don't know if I have some global settings that I need to change that are different from the narrator's or if I have a newer version of Notion than the tutorial that is 6 months old. All I know is I try to follow the tutorial step by step and I end up with different output than what they've shown me. and then I'm stuck with a terrible decision of trying to fix what I have or if it's so out of whack that I need to delete everything and start with brand new pages. I have a bunch of work put into it but none of it matches what I was trying to create as per the tutorials and trying to fix it seems like going down an even deeper rat hole.
Yep, I found that with the ## too! Just use /h2. Generally / is the best bet to build consistently I think. You do have to watch out on the older tutorials yes; as Notion updates the features etc. perhaps consider starting from a free template and adapt - it can be a lot faster :)
The video was great, but it would be better if you were using Notion in Dark Mode. It was very unpleasant to watch the video with this all white screen.
Thanks for watching! overall, I’ve had more comments saying the opposite when I did dark mode I’m afraid! Old videos are in dark mode and many people find this harder to follow :) thanks for the feedback.
Notion does have free plan and it’s super comprehensive: the main difference is you can’t create automations or the new Charts when they come out. But I was running a Notion business on the free plan for 3 years - so not bad at all! :)
hey dude! I'm from India currently in high school can I get your life os templete for free as I don't have any payment method ! & I cannot ask for parents please!
Hey there, I recommend downloading my Task & project manager for Free: use the link below: you can also drop me an email at notion@bettercreating.com and I'll help you out with a couple of the other templates so you can join them together! :) Thanks! S
Notion is unstructured and chaotic. Tables are called databases and databases are called tables attributes are not used as in databases and links are recursive creating chaos. There is a reason why Notion stayed a niche tool and never took off.
Happy Friday friends! After many requests: here's My answer to the overcoming the overwhelm of getting started in Notion FAST! Fast track the initial learning curve?!📣 Grab my free Notion Tasks Template here www.bettercreating.com/taskmanager & check out my Essential Template collection here: www.bettercreating.com/notionessentials Cheers!
Can you share the link of your keyboard and mouse please?
This just made me even more overwhelmed
@@bilianakaneva4763 No worries, it might be that Notion is not the right tool for you, since the basics of setting it up can feel that way! Good luck with finding what works :)
Your keyboard is horrible clicky and loud.
@@mal-avcisi9783 OK - what a shame it was not enjoyable for you. I get a huge amount of comments however from people saying they like it, as do I , so will keep it! maybe try to adjust the mic a little. thanks, Simon
Clearest explanation of using Notion I have seen. I can stop trawling through other second brain videos (for now) and follow yours.
Great to hear! This is exactly the comment I hoped to read on this video. Thanks so much for taking time to share the positive feedback! And welcome to the BC Notion community. :)
Agree
I have been using Notion for a long time and I want to say that this is a great tutorial a great tutorial on how to use it. Especially for new users. I have never seen databases in this way and so well explained.
I'm absolutely in love with this video and how well you go through the main functionalities and the most relevant ones. I CANNOT BELIEVE how much time I've wasted so far watching endless minutes of videos containing so little useful information and you could go through so much in 20m. THANK YOU, I'll be subscribing and looking out for more
same
Ah wonderful! This is exactly what I hoped to read from people! So happy this has helped you out and welcome to the channel! :) cheers, Simon 🎉
I’ve watched so many videos on how get started and this is the first time a video explains it well and without being overwhelming
Wonderful! So pleased - this was exactly the aim I had! :)
This IS overwhelming but it's super helpful. Glad I didn't give up watching the video.
Thank you! Yes - beware the Notion newbie arc - but once you are through the basics - it’s awesome! :)
I think it's the best video that you can watch when it comes to using Notion for the first time.
Love this! Thanks for the great feedback: you wrote the comment I imagined I’d ideally get. :)
Can we please talk about your slick keyboard?... It's stunning 😍😍😍
Great overview, great help... still very fast. For a first few hours with Notion user, it almost was more confusing. It di however give me the nuggets of info I needed to dig into specific topics a little further.
Good stuff! A bit overwhelming at first glance but I can see the potential with Notion, almost like a digital brain.
That’s the idea - yes indeed it can feel overwhelming going in full on Notion at first! But once you grasp the basics and potential it’s awesome :)
I really want to organize my life with notion and I appreciate you for making a video on how we can get started. I can say from Experience that Notion isn't "intuition-friendly" to navigate with hahaha. Maybe just a suggestion, if Notion can be similar to a social media platform that we use daily and already know, it should be easy to navigate. Thanks and I'm going to try Notion again xD
You can do it! Yes, a little learning and it unlocks! Do feedback to Notion- they tend to listen: but it is definitely designed to be ubiquitous - not a complete ready made UI ! :)
Hey Simon! Awesome video. Curious what the timeline is for the 2024 iteration of your complete LifeOS refresh is. I think I recall it dropping in April, is that still accurate? I do not want to spend a bunch of time really filling out the old version if I am going to have to transfer everything over to the new version soon so I am in a sort of holding pattern with a lot of my project management and would love to get into the new and refreshed system soon! Thanks!
I was doing great with the follow along until we got to connecting the databases to the home page, they must have new updates that don’t match what I saw but I’ve learned a few tips :)
Make sure you select / table view not table and then you should be able to select any database and build a linked view of it. :) thanks!
Very helpful, thank you!
Thank you. Overwhelmed but confident that I'll get it.
It’s worth pursuing and then things do get easier I think with a system :)
Can't thank you enough for this most inspiring and highly useful introduction to Notion!
awesome thank you! give the free task manager a go - hope it will fast track things a bit too - since you can mess around with it and see how it works / is built :)
Timestamps, because the “three areas” are not specific enough
0:00 Intro → to why people want to use Notion and how it feels when ACTUALLY trying to use it
0:51 How the Video is Divided into 3 categories
1:09 1ST CATEGORY: Basics
1:29 Create an account and open a new, blank page
1:45 What forward slash ( “ / “) can do for you
→ 1:55 Headings
→ 2:04 Divider
→ 2:08 Columns
→ 2:18 Mentioning bulleted lists & quotes and and using toggle list
→ 2:42 Callouts
3:19 Colors and “Turn into” function
3:40 Icons
3:59 Covers
4:10 “Customize Page” function + Full Width
4:24 Creating a Homepage Example
4:52 Intro to Databases
→ 5:42 Overwhelm alert + How to Access Property List
→ 6:11 Status
→ 6:21 Options within categories
→ 6:35 Editing Existing Properties
→ 7:01 “Deck” Property
→ 7:22 “Button”
→ 7:55 Filter and Sort Options
→ 9:00 “Views”
9:29 Table View
10:55 2ND CATEGORY: Database Relations
11:40 Changing Properties in Databases with “Type” option
12:13 Creating Multiple “Views”
13:35 Linking Together by using Relations
15:22 Download of Notion used in Video
15:51 3RD CATEGORY: Customization and Templates
17:18 Notion Templates Gallery
18:12 Next Steps
Damn, this looks soo overwhelming... My dream Notion feature is getting the flexibility of databases but having the clean & minimalistic look of a simple [ ] checkbox list
That would be the perfect combo! :)
Thank you. This is the perfect intro to Notion
Glad you like it! Thanks so much. Welcome to the channel!
Great video, thanks! I love Notion. I've recently also discovered Capacities and it seems to stick even more with my ADHD brain.
Thank you so much for sharing this Simon, I love everything about this video.
Ah wonderful! Many thanks my friend. :) Simon
I would love to watch your videos because they seem very educational. Unfortunately, I have a TBI, I have difficulty with the background music during dialogue, and you don't do CC. WTF man.
Thanks and sorry to hear that, now I have improved the mic set up I’m actually looking at removing some music on videos soon. Let’s see. :) CC is available - you can just turn them on.
Hi Simon. Thanks for that video. I was one of the "overwhelmed" that commented on a previous video and this one has started to clear away the confusion and help me get started from first principles. I'm going to give Notion a 2nd try and will use the free version to just learn the basics, follow your guidance on this video and build up - before I think about migrating my current content and the way I manage my life currently. Great intro - thanks. I did have a couple of questions or suggestions - 1) Is there a way to download all of the content that is created in Notion so a user can back it up (on iCloud for example or an external drive)? if so, perhaps that's a good subject for a future video if there isn't one already. 2) Do you have any idea when Notion will be allowing integration with Outlook calendar (not just Google calendar)? Thanks again.
Great video but after watching it all i realized my specific requirement - finding a replacement for evernote. Do you have any videos that can help in this regard? I'm eager to use notion for its clean design but getting started has been overwhelming.
Hey - i feel you - check out my Simplified Notion Life OS template and playlist - it could be great for you: This video is the full tour: ruclips.net/video/vby0FjH1ob0/видео.html and this one is specific to Notes and Clippings section of it: ruclips.net/video/VTz1oyi5v-E/видео.html
Thank you. I am trying to learn Notion and this was very helpful! Side note, what keyboard are you using? Best, Rob_
Which keyboard you are using
I quit Notion (with sadness) several years ago to use Craft instead, since you could use it in the iPad much better than Notion. But I´ve missed it! Then I migrated over to Amplenote, and I love the functionality of creating tasks from anywhere but it´s so UGLY I can´t get used to it (it´s been a month or so...). Now considering going back to Notion! And it looks like I could do it all in the free plan??
Ah it's a classic story i think. Lots has developed with notion in the last years - but the onboarding bit is still a little annoying for some to get up to speed - BUT once you unlock using it - i think it's fab. :)
Thanks mate
HI do you have any Black Friday offer pricing - on your NOTION LIFE OS BUNDLE......?
Very helpful, I am quite confused about Notion!
Glad it was helpful! I hear you: I'm working on more onboarding and demystification content for Notion! thanks
Clean simple explanation of getting started. Would love to see more action oriented tutorials. None of this matters unless it gets things done and would be great to see how you manage it.
Noted! Thanks for the comment on this: I have a bunch of those action focused videos on the channel - just check out thinks like my Simplified Notion Life OS guides playlist :)
great video :)
Thanks so much! :)
Great introduction but I'm wondering how many of these features are free vs paid? For example, I tried creating my own task management list only to find that if I wanted my completed tasks to be deleted, I had to become a paid user.
Everything I’ve built on Notion (Complete Life OS System) has been on the free plan other than the database automations: task manager is very doable on free and just using a filter for completed tasks is the best way. :) so all good!
@@BetterCreating Thanks
Where does the task go when you make it disappear when completed?
Nowhere. It just disappears from the view mode but it stays in the source database.
Came for the tutorial, stayed for the thocc. Keyboard sounds like Lego Star Wars😮💨
Haha - welcome!
Hi Simon
Have been following you since 2022.
I was curious to know if you have the plan to give for free the Notion Life OS for students and those who can't afford it (Even the older versions)?
Meanwhile, We'll highly appreciate if you put some notion courses in youtube or any other platform.
Thanks
Struggling to find the video linked in the description about creating project and database templates?!?! The link that looks to be there goes to a video about using a templated system vs creating one unless I’m clicking the wrong link
people waste a hell lotta time watching videos on how to make their notion pages more aesthetic instead of working their way towards achieving things in life notion increases your dependency on your phone and time blocking doesn't really work that way because in life not all the conditions are ideal
My favourite saying on this: ‘you have to plan, but you can never plan’! :)
Too relatable!😂
How did you get system database under task database. Approximately 9- 10 minutes mark
The top tasks view is a linked database view. Or ‘table view’. So main database is at the bottom as system database, and the. I create various dashboard views linking to that. How I make all my Notion systems. :)
Is there still a way to acces the template? the email signup you linked does not work anymore
Whats the mouse you are using in the vid?
what keyboard is that?
Or, just write a post it note.
My to do lists were post it notes. I had ideas and lists on my phone, a notepad for work notes, post it notes everywhere.
Finally, I bought an e-ink tablet to organize my note taking, and it has been incredible!
Now I'm looking at Notion as an option to better manage my tasks and projects.
It may not be the right solution for everyone. Post it notes work, and their business success proves it.
But just like we could walk or run or bike or drive or fly, we have different tools for different people and tasks that cater to our needs and preferences.
Personally, I feel more organized since I moved away from post it notes, but I would not recommend my solution for everyone. E-ink is very niche solution to my needs and preferences, but I'm glad we have the options!
Is notion good than evernote
I am a 2017 evernote user, but after they became too greeedy with the plans I have since moved over to other apps. Im currently using Notion as a subsitute and its pretty on par
why when I get a new "topic" as "none" status it doesnt appear in the review tab under none? ("rookie" is working..)
Ah it is likely the filter for that view doesn’t cover where there is no status: click into the status for the view and add so it also covers OR where status is empty … I’m guessing a bit of the context here - but it’s likely the filters
Already that "new page" link is now a tiny button at the top.
Cheers
Maybe I'm not understanding something here but it seems like setting these tasks up takes longer than maybe doing a task. It is in itself a task and should be placed on the tasks database.
Nah, I find I drop them in the inbox with one line, and then if it’s less than 2 mins to do, I just do it when I process stuff. Otherwise it takes about 10 seconds to add and defer right? It’s all good.
I'm tearing my hair out as I've watched several tutorials and keystrokes are different for me. for instance a narrator will say hit ## to get heading 2, when I do that I don't get any other level or font, or the forward slash for creating a new level or page has mo response. I don't know if I have some global settings that I need to change that are different from the narrator's or if I have a newer version of Notion than the tutorial that is 6 months old. All I know is I try to follow the tutorial step by step and I end up with different output than what they've shown me. and then I'm stuck with a terrible decision of trying to fix what I have or if it's so out of whack that I need to delete everything and start with brand new pages. I have a bunch of work put into it but none of it matches what I was trying to create as per the tutorials and trying to fix it seems like going down an even deeper rat hole.
Yep, I found that with the ## too! Just use /h2. Generally / is the best bet to build consistently I think. You do have to watch out on the older tutorials yes; as Notion updates the features etc. perhaps consider starting from a free template and adapt - it can be a lot faster :)
The video was great, but it would be better if you were using Notion in Dark Mode. It was very unpleasant to watch the video with this all white screen.
Thanks for watching! overall, I’ve had more comments saying the opposite when I did dark mode I’m afraid! Old videos are in dark mode and many people find this harder to follow :) thanks for the feedback.
The notion has Not a get of free Plan. That is not good. How do you think the reviewer?
Notion does have free plan and it’s super comprehensive: the main difference is you can’t create automations or the new Charts when they come out. But I was running a Notion business on the free plan for 3 years - so not bad at all! :)
literally the first thing you say to do is not on my page. 😭
hey dude! I'm from India currently in high school can I get your life os templete for free as I don't have any payment method ! & I cannot ask for parents please!
Hey there, I recommend downloading my Task & project manager for Free: use the link below: you can also drop me an email at notion@bettercreating.com and I'll help you out with a couple of the other templates so you can join them together! :)
Thanks! S
first minute, and i got a headache
Far too complicated
Your keyboard is horrible clicky and loud.
Notion is unstructured and chaotic. Tables are called databases and databases are called tables attributes are not used as in databases and links are recursive creating chaos. There is a reason why Notion stayed a niche tool and never took off.