Notion Masterclass: Build a Second Brain from Scratch

We live in a world of endless apps and platforms for capturing ideas, managing tasks, tracking projects, and more.

But what if there was a way to corral all that into one flexible system?

For this, I personally use and recommend Notion.

Notion is a true all-in-one project management app—where you can organize, create, and view everything you’re working on all in one place.

But, with all of that flexibility comes a huge amount of options and systems to choose from.

One system that many utilize is called PARA, and it could be the key to unlocking your productivity.

PARA stands for Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archive. It’s a framework for organizing information based on how actionable it is.

And by implementing it in Notion, you can build the ultimate “second brain” to get clarity and stay on top of everything life throws your way.

Intrigued and ready to learn more?

This in-depth video by Thomas Frank Explains walks through a step-by-step tutorial on building a complete PARA system in Notion.

Actionable Items from the Video

1. Setting Up Your Task Inbox:
   • Create a ‘Tasks’ database with properties like ‘Done’ and ‘Due Date’.
   • Use filters to create an ‘Inbox’ view, showing only tasks without a project and not yet completed.
   • Create a ‘Next Seven Days’ view to spotlight tasks due within the week.
   • Duplicate the view and label it ‘Completed’ to quickly access finished tasks.
2. Organizing Notes:
   • Set up a ‘Notes’ database.
   • Display the URL view for easy access to web-clipped content.
   • Use filters to display only notes that aren’t linked to any project, area, or resource and aren’t archived.
3. Managing Projects:
   • Create a ‘Projects’ board view.
   • Group projects by their status.
   • Use filters to display only non-archived projects.
4. Organizing Areas and Resources:
   • Set up a gallery view for ‘Areas and Resources’.
   • Use filters to differentiate between areas and resources, ensuring only non-archived items are displayed.
5. Archiving:
   • Create an ‘Archive’ page.
   • Add linked databases for completed tasks, archived notes, projects, and areas/resources.
   • Use filters to display only archived items in each category.
6. Aesthetic Tweaking (Optional):
   • Customize your dashboard for a cleaner look.
   • Hide unnecessary properties and display only the most relevant ones.
   • Use icons and covers for a visually appealing setup.

Our Takeaway

The PARA method, when implemented in Notion, can be a game-changer for your productivity.

It offers a structured way to manage tasks, notes, projects, and resources, ensuring that everything has its place.

With the steps outlined above, you’re now equipped to set up a robust PARA system in your Notion workspace.

Remember, the key is consistency.

The more you use and refine your system, the more intuitive and effective it will become.

Your Turn

How do you manage all of your projects, tasks, and notes?

Have you tried Notion?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies in the comments below!