Organize Your Life and Business with Notion: A Freelancer’s Guide to Productivity
Struggling to stay organized? Trust me, I’ve been there—missed deadlines, scattered notes, and half-finished projects everywhere. But then I discovered Notion, and it completely changed my life. In this blog, I’ll share how I use Notion to organize my life and run my creative business and how you can do the same.
The Problem: Chaos Everywhere
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried every tool, app, and planner out there, only to end up with a cluttered desk and unfinished projects. Sound familiar? The good news is, there’s a solution: Notion. This all-in-one productivity tool is like a Swiss Army knife for organization—flexible, customizable, and perfect for freelancers, students, and creatives alike.
Why Notion?
Unlike other tools like Asana or Trello, Notion doesn’t box you into rigid structures. It’s designed to adapt to your needs, whether you’re managing a business, planning your personal life, or both. The catch? It’s so customizable that it’s easy to get lost in designing the perfect dashboard instead of actually using it. That’s why I’m sharing my system to help you stay focused and productive.
Step 1: Start With Systems
Before diving into Notion, grab a piece of paper and ask yourself: What do I need this for? For me, it breaks down into two main areas:
Creative Business: Daily tasks, accounting, quarterly goals, content calendars, clients, and projects.
Personal Life: Personal goals, certifications, travel plans, reading lists, and budgeting.
Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to create your Home Page in Notion. Think of this as your dashboard—a central hub where everything connects. Start with 2-3 columns:
First Column: Your Main Dashboard with key areas like “Creative Business” and “Personal Life.”
Second Column: A Calendar or Task List for deadlines and reminders.
Third Column: A fun, inspiring space for motivational quotes or images.
Step 2: Create Your Pages
Next, dive deeper by turning your tabs into pages. For example, your “Creative Business” page might include:
Two Columns: Essential links like email, website, and other tabs.
Content Planning: A section for brainstorming and tracking content ideas.
Goals and Offerings: Quarterly goals and a list of current services or products.
Key Links: Accounting, contracts, client templates, and more—all in one place.
For your Personal Life page, include sections for personal goals, certifications, and ongoing projects.
Pro Tips for Success
Start Simple: Add all your pages first, then customize them one by one. Don’t get bogged down in perfection.
Make It Pretty: Add custom covers and icons to inspire you every time you open Notion.
Focus on What Matters: Prioritize the tabs you use most—like a content calendar for your business or a budget tracker for personal finances.
Notion isn’t just a tool—it’s a mindset. It’s about creating a system that works for you, not the other way around. Whether you’re a freelancer, student, or creative, Notion gives you the freedom to build something that fits your unique workflow.
Ready to Get Organized?
If you’re tired of the chaos and ready to take control of your life and business, try Notion. Start your FREE account here. And if you’re curious about how I’ve set up my Notion, watch the video tutorial below.
