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If you’re a fellow productivity nerd or system-hopper, you’ve probably experienced the cycle of jumping from one tool to the next, hoping to find the one that will magically organize your life. Sound familiar? Yeah, I’ve been on that merry-go-round too—trust me, it’s exhausting.

Today, I’m taking you through my systems journey—from killing trees with paper planners to finding my forever love with Notion. Spoiler: It’s about more than just functionality. So grab a coffee (or wine, no judgment) and let’s get real about why I finally settled down with Notion after a chaotic fling with every other platform.

The Paper Planner & Bullet Journal Phase

Picture this: Me, sitting at my desk with a stack of Erin Condren planners and enough Washi tape to cover a small country. I wasn’t always a “tech girly.” Nope, for years, I was a paper planner queen. There’s just something about putting pen to paper that hits differently, right?

Then came bullet journaling. Oh boy, did I fall hard. It was like Pinterest exploded on my desk. I loved the creative freedom—designing spreads, doodling, making my planner uniquely mine. It felt like the perfect mix of planning and art therapy.

But here’s where it started to unravel: I was working a full-time job and running a side hustle. And suddenly, spending hours creating weekly layouts wasn’t cute anymore. It was just… exhausting. I needed a system that made my life easier, not one more task on my never-ending to-do list.

Cue the quest for a digital solution.

Discovering Notion: The Start of My Digital Journey

When I first stumbled upon Notion, it felt like unlocking a secret level in a video game. It promised endless customization, which immediately spoke to my former bullet-journal-loving heart. But let’s be honest—I wasn’t ready to commit. I was still in my systems-hopping phase, chasing the next shiny tool like it was the answer to all my problems.

I dabbled in:

• Trello: Great for simple task management, but it didn’t wow me.

• Asana: Felt a bit too corporate for my liking.

• ClickUp: Now, this one had potential. Boards, tables, docs—it was like a Swiss Army knife for productivity.

Each time, I thought, “This is it! This will finally make me feel like I have my life together!” Spoiler: It didn’t.

ClickUp came the closest, but it still felt rigid. And coming from the world of stickers and Washi tape, I needed something that felt a little more… me.

Why Notion Won Me Over

When I circled back to Notion, it was like coming home after a long trip. Familiar, cozy, and full of potential. This time, I was ready to commit. Here’s why it worked:

1. Customizability

Notion is like a digital chameleon. It adapts to YOU, not the other way around. Want a minimalist to-do list? Done. Need a full-blown content calendar with images and links? You got it. It’s like LEGO for productivity nerds.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

Coming from a bullet journaling background, I’ll be honest—looks matter. Notion lets me create a workspace that feels personal and inspiring. It’s like digital scrapbooking for productivity, and honestly? It makes me WANT to plan and organize.

3. All-in-One Functionality

I used to have a different app for everything—notes, tasks, goals, you name it. Not anymore. Notion is my all-in-one hub. Business workflows, personal goals, content ideas—it’s all there in one place.

4. It Inspires Me

This might sound cheesy, but Notion sparks joy. Every time I open it, I feel motivated to plan, create, and dream bigger. It’s not just a tool; it’s a space that makes me excited to get stuff done.

Tips for Getting Started with Notion

Overwhelmed by Notion? You’re not alone. Here’s how to make it less intimidating:

1. Start with Templates: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Use templates to give yourself a head start.

2. Focus on One Area: Don’t try to organize your whole life in one day. Pick one project or area to start with.

3. Make It Personal: Customize it. Change the colors, add images, make it YOURS. That’s where the magic happens.

Want a Done-for-You Notion Setup?

If you’re thinking, “This sounds great, but I need help getting started,” I get it. I think that’s where Notion loses a lot of people. They see the beautiful systems on YouTube, sign up for a Notion account, and are greeted with a blank page. “Uhhh—how do I get my system to look like theirs?”

Well, you’ve gotta remember that they’ve probably been building and refining and working inside of that system for MONTHS or YEARS. So, ya, their system is going to be more put together then yours.

The blank-page-ness of Notion is where, I think, we lose a lot of Notion uses. So, I’ve got you covered with some starting points:

💻 Anti-Burnout Notion Digital Planner: Grab my ultimate template to organize your life and business without the overwhelm. Click Here >>

🛠️ VIP Day with Me: Want me to do the heavy lifting? Let’s set up your Notion system together. By the end of the day, you’ll have a fully customized system that works as hard as you do. Click here to learn more >>

Final Thoughts: Your System Should Work for YOU

Here’s the thing: The perfect system doesn’t exist. It’s not about finding a magic tool; it’s about finding one that fits YOU—and sticking with it long enough to make it work.

For me, that’s Notion. It’s become the foundation of my burnout-proof business and personal life. And if you’re tired of platform-hopping and feeling like nothing sticks, maybe it’s time to give Notion a try.

Ready to build your burnout-proof system? Head to coachellyn.com/notion to grab your template or book your VIP Day today!