Getting Started with Notion: Setting Up Life OS

Overview

• Goal: Create a Life OS dashboard in Notion from scratch in ~12 minutes.
• Two essential databases: Tasks and Notes.
• Final result: A personal Life OS similar to the presenter’s current setup.

Step-by-Step Guide

Initial Page Setup

1. Create a New Page: Name it Life OS.
2. Add an Icon: Choose the Ying Yang icon.
3. Set up Header & Divider:
   • # twice for Heading 2 (e.g., “Dashboard” with blue background).
   • --- three times to add a divider.

Building the Databases

Task Database

1. Add Table View: For/S + Table view
2. Name the Database: Task Database
3. Icon: Add a check mark icon
4. **Setup Properties: **
   • Task Description (Default)
   • Due Date (Change from multi-select to date, format: MM/DD/YYYY, 24-hour)
   • Done (Checkbox)
5. Modify Table Structure:
   • Rename “Table” to “All Tasks”
   • Organize columns with due date sorted ascending
6. Enter Sample Data:
   • Watch Apple Vision Pro review (Today)
   • Sell kidneys to afford it (In 2 days)
   • Book flight to SF (In 2 weeks)
   • Like and comment on a video (Today)
   • Tasks will auto-sort by due date.

Notes Database

1. Add Table View: For/S + Table view
2. Name the Database: Notes Database
3. Icon: Choose a writing-related icon
4. **Setup Properties: **
   • Note Description (Default)
   • Note Date (Date)
   • Note Type (Select property)
   • Created Time (Date)
   • Last Updated Time (Date)
5. Define Note Types:
   • Meeting
   • Thought
   • Research
6. **Modify Table Structure: **
   • Rename “Table” to “All Notes”
   • Organize columns with date sorted descending

Creating the Dashboard

Setting Up Command Center

1. Create a New Page: Name it Command Center
2. Icon: Select an activity icon
3. Setup Page Structure:
   • Show breadcrumb (Type SL BREC)
   • Add Divider (Type ---)
   • Set page to full width.
4. Header Sections:
   • Weekly Task View Section: Blue background
   • Notes View Section: Gray background

Embedding Databases

• Weekly Task View:
  • Embed Task Database with multiple views: Upcoming, All Tasks, Inbox.
• Notes View:
  • Embed Notes Database: Recent Notes view.

Working with Templates

1. **Create New Template: ** New Note Template:
   • Icon: Pencil
   • Default fields: Date, Note type, Key Takeaways, Action Items, Notes template with colored headers, dividers, bullet points, numbered list, checkboxes.
2. Set Default Template: For the Notes Database.

Advanced Task Views

1. Create Additional Page: Task View
2. Icon: Different check mark icon
3. Page Structure:
   • Header: Calendar View, colored background, dividers.
4. Embed Task Database: Calendar View.
5. Adding Quick Links: To various views from the Command Center.

Key Takeaways

• Core Concept: Databases are the backbone of productive Notion setups.
• Workflow: Build databases first, then customize views and dashboards.
• Adaptability: Tailor dashboards and views to individual needs using templates, filters, and various view formats.
• Pro Tip: Utilize keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Command/Control + [) for efficient navigation.](streamdown:incomplete-link)

Additional Features

• Templates for repetitive tasks.
• Multiple database views (e.g., Table, Calendar).
• Quick links for easy navigation.

Note: Viewers are encouraged to leave questions or requests for additional videos in the comments.