Notion: What Can’t You Do With This Productivity Software?
It is time to make your dreams real using one tool.
Well, let us clear the air: this is not an ad, nor is it sponsored by Notion. My newsletter is not about reach or promotion. It is about sharing what works. After nearly three years of using Notion, I have reached a bold conclusion: when it comes to productivity, brainstorming, or bringing any idea to life, Notion can handle it all. Seriously, what can you not do with it?
In this edition of the Startup Design Journal, I will take you through my journey with Notion, from a tool I stumbled upon to a cornerstone of my creative and professional life. If you are a founder, designer, or dreamer looking to organize your chaos and make things happen, stick with me. Let us explore why Notion might just be the productivity software you did not know you needed.
"Great Ideas Need a Great System to Thrive"
Three years ago, I opened Notion to build my first UX case study. What started as a one-off project quickly snowballed. Soon, I was using it to craft my resume, plan my diet, take notes, track job applications, manage tasks, and, yes, write this very newsletter. Every piece of content you are reading right now was born in Notion.
Here is the thing: I have been there. Drowning in scattered ideas, juggling tools that overpromise and underdeliver. Notion changed that. It has become my single hub for everything, adapting to whatever I throw at it. The Startup Design Journal is all about creating a framework to take your dream idea from a fleeting thought to a functioning reality, and Notion fits perfectly into that mission. It is the management tool that keeps your vision on track, no matter where you are in the process.
"Simplicity Is the Ultimate Sophistication"
If you are new to Notion, here is the thing: it is an all-in-one productivity workspace that combines notetaking, project management, and database functionality. Its superpower? Customization. You can make it to fit any task, personal or professional, making it as unique as your needs.
For startup founders or anyone with a big idea, Notion is a treasure trove. Imagine:
Brainstorming your business plan in a distraction-free space.
Tracking milestones and deadlines with ease.
Managing team tasks without endless email threads.
Storing research, resources, and inspiration in one searchable hub.
It is not just an app. It is a playground for your ideas.
"The Right Tool Evolves with Your Journey"
Notion has played different roles at every stage of my journey:
Early Days: I built my CV, tracked job applications with a custom dashboard, and organized my daily routine.
Corporate Life: It kept my projects humming: current tasks, future deadlines, all in one clear view.
Now: Beyond writing this newsletter, I use it to plan entrepreneurial ventures, log ideas, manage social media content, and more, all in a single app.
One tool, countless possibilities. That is Notion's strength.
"Start Where You Are, with What You Have"
I get it: building an elaborate system sounds daunting. But you do not have to start from scratch. Notion's template community has you covered. One of my favorites is Easlo, a template builder with both free and paid options. In the free collection alone, you will find gems like:
Habit Tracker: Keep your goals in check.
Project Tracker: Stay on top of tasks.
Wheel of Life: Balance your priorities.
Content Calendar: Plan your creative output.
Download a template, tweak it to fit your needs, and you are off. Productivity does not have to be complicated.
Find your favorite template here: Notion Templates | Easlo
"Action Is the Bridge Between Dreams and Reality"
Whether you are launching a startup, tackling a passion project, or just trying to get organized, Notion is a game-changer. It shines at:
Building personal dashboards for habits and goals.
Creating databases for niche needs, such as market research or user personas.
Managing complex workflows without breaking a sweat.
For me, it was a lifeline when I design hello:data, syncing design iterations, user feedback, and timelines effortlessly. It is free to start, so why not see what it can do for you?
"Happiness Lies in Pursuing What You Love"
Here is a truth I have learned: millions of us have dreams we have not chased. Maybe it is laziness, a packed schedule, or life getting in the way. But I believe real happiness comes from doing what you love. Tools like Notion can help make it happen. It is a place to document your journey, set clear goals, and stay accountable.
As we build this Startup Design Journal framework together, Notion will be a frequent companion. It is more than software. It is a partner in bringing your ideas to life. In future editions, we will dive deeper, exploring how to use Notion to prototype your startup, scale your team, or refine your workflow.
Here's a brief tutorial if you want to become a Notion expert :
"The Smallest Step Today Leads to the Biggest Leap Tomorrow"
Here is a quick challenge: What is one dream or task you have been putting off? How could Notion help you start? Try this:
Sign up for Notion (it is free at notion.so).
Create a page for your next big idea.
Jot down three goals and one action step.
It is a small move, but it is momentum. Drop your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear how it goes.
If this resonated, share it with a friend who needs a productivity boost. Subscribe at startupdesignjournal.com for more. Let us turn ideas into impact, one step at a time.
Stay inspired, stay focused, and see what Notion can do for you.