Apr 14, 2025
Notion
The Complete Notion Mastery Roadmap
Back in 2019, I opened Notion for the first time.
I had no clue what I was doing.
People were calling it “the best productivity app ever,” so I gave it a shot.
What I saw was a blank screen... a blinking cursor... and way too many options.
I made every mistake you can think of.
Built dashboards before I understood blocks.
Tried to link databases I didn’t even know how to create.
It felt like I had a Ferrari but didn’t know how to drive stick.
So I bought a course. Not because I wanted to—but because I had no other choice.
There were barely any tutorials back then, especially in Arabic. I didn’t have this roadmap.
But now you do.
This guide is everything I wish existed when I started.
It will take you from your very first block to building systems that run your life, and maybe your business too.
Where to Start:
Absolute beginner? Start at Level 0
Used Notion before? Jump to Level 20
Comfortable with the basics? Start at Level 40
Think you're advanced? Level 60 will humble you
Level 0–20: Get Comfortable in the Notion Universe
Before you build anything, you need to understand how Notion works.
This isn’t about copying templates or tweaking dashboards. It’s about learning how Notion thinks.
If you skip this step, everything else becomes harder.
Step One: Interface & Blocks
Start here: Kevin’s beginner tutorial (stop at 16:27)
What you’ll learn:
The sidebar, the difference between workspaces and teamspaces
Pages inside pages — and how Notion replaces folders
How blocks work: everything from text to toggles to media
Then go deeper with Thomas Frank’s guide to blocks
Practice: Build a note-taking page. Use headings, checkboxes, toggles, embeds. Get used to how blocks behave. You'll use them everywhere.
Step Two: Databases
Now it gets serious.
This is where Notion stops being a notes app and starts becoming your personal OS.
Start here: Productive Dude's database walkthrough
Then continue with:
What you’ll learn:
How to create and customize databases
How to use select, status, date, formula, and checkbox properties
When to use different views: calendar, kanban, gallery, list
How to Filter a database and use sorting
Why this matters: Once you master databases, you’ll stop building pages—and start building systems.
Step Three: Relations & Rollups
This is where people usually give up. I almost did. Twice.
But once I understood how to link databases together, it felt like magic.
Watch this: Relations & Rollups made simple
What you'll learn:
How to connect databases (e.g., tasks → projects)
How to use rollups to summarize and pull data across them
These two features are what give Notion its brain.
Step Four: Build a Real Dashboard
Now bring everything together.
Follow this: Build your first dashboard
Keep it simple: tasks, calendar, quick notes. Forget about aesthetics for now.
If you need motivation to keep going and some inspiration, check these:
Level 20–40: Make Notion Work For You
Now we add power. This level is about giving your workspace logic, speed, and feel.
Step One: Formulas
Formulas aren’t about being technical. They’re about being lazy, letting Notion do the thinking for you.
Start here: Beginner Formula Workshop
What to build:
Progress bars
Overdue labels
Smart text formulas
Step Two: Sharing & Integration
Learn how to share pages, export content, and collaborate in real time.
Use these:
Step Three: Workflow Tools
Those chrome extension saved me hours.
Use:
Flylighter – Try the free plan
Step Four: Make It Yours
Now, we care about aesthetics. But don’t go crazy.
Check: Widgets from PlusAI: Check a collection of widget you can embed to your Dashboard
Design your workspace to feel like your space. Clean, clear, and useful.
Level 40–60: Build Systems That Think for You
You're building with logic now. But let’s push it further.
This level is about automation, deeper formulas, and strategic design.
Step One: Advanced Formulas
Go deeper: Notion Workflows Playlist
Build:
Priority Systems
Conditional logic
Time-based Functions
Step Two: Automations (Only for Paid Users)
This part requires a Notion paid plan. If you’re on the free plan, skip this for now and come back when ready.
Watch: Automation Walkthrough
What to automate:
Status updates
Time Tracking Tasks
Automated Buttons
Start small. Find one thing you repeat, and automate it.
Step Three: Explore (Optional)
If you’re into time blocking learn Notion calendar and if you need help writing use Notion Ai and learn it, try them. But if you’re not sure, skip it. Learn what you need, not what’s trending.
Before Moving On: Build Your Life OS
You’ve learned a lot. Now is the time to create your own system.
Start here:
List what areas you want to manage (goals, habits, projects, tasks…)
Create a page for each one
Connect them using relations and formulas
Add features. Trackers. Insights.
And finish it with a layout you love to look at
Need a spark? Watch my Game Mode Second Brain
Level 60–90: Master the System
If you want to create something like a gamified dashboard or a second brain, this is where it gets real.
You’ll need a sharp understanding of logic, automation, and structure.
Step One: Final Formula Mastery
Watch this: Matthias Frank's Deep Dive Read this: Formula Reference
And practice a lot to master Notion formulas.
Step Two: Teamspace & Docs
If you’re working with others or in a team, learn how to scale what you’ve built.
Watch: Thomas Frank’s Team Guide
Build:
Shared team dashboards
Process docs
Collaborative planning systems
Final Words
You can learn everything here for free. You don’t need a course.
You just need the roadmap. The clarity. The order.
Start small. Build one thing. Break it. Fix it. Then build something better.
That’s how you master Notion.
And if you want to skip the building and get straight into using or you just want some inspiration?
Check out my templates they might save you weeks of work -> Click here
Thank you for Reading.
— Osama aka Ols
