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Life can be hectic, and as a Black woman juggling multiple roles—whether it’s running businesses, taking care of family, or carving out time for self-care—staying organized isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for survival. Enter Notion.
But let’s be real—sometimes, staying organized isn’t just about having the right app. For me, pairing Notion with a few key tools has been a game-changer. For example, I love using a Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook alongside Notion, so I can jot down ideas and upload them digitally. It’s perfect for when I need that tactile, hands-on feel but still want to keep everything organized.
And if you’re someone who prefers a traditional planner, the Simple Modern Notebook & Planner is a great companion to Notion’s digital space—helping me manage my day-to-day tasks with ease.
Even when I’m deep in a digital workspace, keeping my physical desk organized makes a huge difference. Having a Desktop Organizer Set helps me maintain that same level of order, so everything from my workspace to my mindset is aligned.
Why I Love Notion
Let me be real—before Notion, I was all over the place. Sticky notes, random phone apps, and the classic “I’ll just remember” method (which never works, by the way). But with Notion, I found a tool that lets me keep everything in one place. Whether it’s tracking my skincare business ideas, meal planning for my family, or just keeping my personal goals front and center, Notion gives me a space to bring order to my chaos.
If you’re like me and you want to avoid being overwhelmed by scattered notes and sticky tabs, a great addition is the Logitech Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Combo. It helps me stay comfortable while navigating between my Notion workspace and other tasks. Plus, investing in Blue Light Blocking Glasses has saved my eyes from strain during those long working hours on Notion or any screen-based task.
Getting Started with Templates
Now, if you’re just starting with Notion, let me put you on game: Templates are your best friend. They’re like a blueprint for whatever you’re trying to organize—your weekly tasks, your self-care routine, or even long-term projects. The beauty of Notion is that you can either use a pre-made template (trust me, there are plenty of amazing ones out there) or customize one from scratch to suit your exact needs.
When I’m sitting down to map out my goals or business strategies, using an Apple iPad with Apple Pencil allows me to take digital notes or even sketch out ideas that I can later transfer to Notion. It’s an incredible way to blend creativity with organization, and it has truly elevated my productivity game.
Key Areas You Can Organize
Here’s how I use Notion to keep my life in check. You might find some of these tips useful, and I encourage you to adapt them to whatever works best for you!
1. Daily & Weekly Planning
Every Sunday, I take about 30 minutes to map out my week. I created a template in Notion where I list out my top three priorities for the week, my work meetings, and even personal reminders like “don’t forget to stretch” (self-care is important, sis!). Notion lets me drag and drop tasks around if plans change, which happens a lot when you’re running businesses and raising kids.
One thing that helps me plan better is having everything laid out, including my physical workspace. I use the Cable Management Kit to ensure that my desk isn’t cluttered with cords from my tech. Having a tidy space clears my mind and helps me stay focused on what’s important.
2. Goal Setting
Whether it’s launching a new product for Bariki Body Care or personal growth goals, I use Notion to track my progress. I break my big goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and being able to see everything laid out helps me stay motivated. Plus, there’s something satisfying about checking things off a list, right?
For those of us who love to be inspired while setting our goals, I highly recommend reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. It’s one of the best resources I’ve found for building good habits and tracking progress—both of which fit seamlessly into my Notion goal-setting system.
3. Budgeting
Financial organization is crucial, especially when you’re managing both personal and business finances. I created a budgeting template to track my monthly expenses, income, and savings goals. I’m not saying Notion is going to replace a good ol’ Excel sheet, but it makes things way easier to track and adjust on the fly.
When managing finances, sometimes a physical book like The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll can offer great insights into organizing your thoughts and finances in tandem with Notion. It’s all about having both digital and physical tools working for you.
4. Meal Planning & Grocery Lists
Running a household on top of everything else means I’ve got to be efficient with meal planning. Notion helps me organize my grocery list by category, which saves me so much time (and stress) when I’m in the store. I also keep my favorite recipes in a Notion page so I can quickly add ingredients to my list as needed.
And since I love cooking with calm vibes, I’ll often set up my Essential Oil Diffuser before starting my meal prep. It helps me relax, and I feel like I’m taking care of myself in the process—making meal planning not just efficient, but also a form of self-care.
Personalize Your Space
Notion is more than just a productivity tool; it’s a space to reflect who you are and how you move through the world. For me, that means customizing my Notion with color schemes and fonts that feel like me. I added images that inspire me—everything from motivational quotes by Black women to pictures of products I’m working on. It’s your digital sanctuary, so make it feel good!
If you’re all about creating an aesthetically pleasing workspace like I am, you’ll want to keep things cohesive by adding a Desktop Organizer Set that matches your digital vibe. When my physical and digital spaces are in sync, I feel more grounded and in control.
My Final Thoughts
Notion isn’t just about organization—it’s about creating space for what matters. As Black women, we’re often holding it all together, and tools like Notion can help us do that with a little more ease and a lot more creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with templates, tweak them to fit your life, and make the tool work for you.
So, whether you’re managing a business, raising a family, or just trying to stay on top of your personal goals, Notion can be that extra hand to help you hold it all down. Take the time to explore it, because once you get into the flow, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
And as you organize your life and business, remember that self-care is just as essential. Treat yourself to the nourishing benefits of Bariki Body Care’s all-natural skincare products to keep your skin glowing and refreshed while you take on the world. Self-care is the foundation that helps you stay grounded, focused, and ready to thrive.
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