My Notion Setup + Designing the Year Ahead

When my life is organized, I feel more in control and I get more done. To keep me on track and focused, I use Notion and this year, my annual review exposed a few things I needed to change to better organize my time to be less reactive. If you’re trying to accomplish more this year but not one to necessarily set goals, I'll show you my method and my Notion setup can help you get organized.
➕ Download my Notion template here: thirtybyforty.com/notion
▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬
➕ Digital drawing templates: thirtybyforty.com/digital-dra...
➕ Specification + Schedule templates: thirtybyforty.com/spec
➕ Architect's Toolkit (incl. shop drawing stamp): thirtybyforty.com/toolkit
➕ Architect + Entrepreneur Course: thirtybyforty.com/a-e-course
▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 Intro
01:11 Weekly Schedule
02:28 Home Dashboard
03:19 Office Dashboard
04:16 My Annual Review Process
05:42 Tracking Business Revenues
09:48 Personal Reflections
12:20 Skill Building + Learnings
12:51 What Went Well, What Didn't
13:23 Professional Objectives for the New Year
15:13 The 12 Week Year
18:50 Financial Targets
19:40 Gross Income Performance Bands
21:35 Personal Objectives
21:42 Fixing the Problem with my Schedule
24:05 Designing and living a wealthy life
25:40 A container for ideas
▬▬▬▬▬ MUSIC I USE (free 30-day trial) ▬▬▬▬▬
thirtybyforty.com/epidemic
▬▬▬▬▬ GEAR I USE ▬▬▬▬▬
thirtybyforty.com/kit
#notionsetup #architectentrepreneur #annualreview

[@30by40]

Download my updated Notion template here: thirtybyforty.com/blog/looking-back-at-2021-designing-2022

[@leandroamorim5641]

Eric, congratulations on the content of your channel! Every time a new video is released, I run to follow all the news. I used your old Notion templates and I confess that with this new update things are much better! Once again, congratulations on the channel and the content of this video. I will use it as a basis for my future organizations. Cheers!

👍👍👍

[@blairparkinson3593]

I’m in a slump. 17 years post uni. 8 years at a big architecture firm. Some fantastic city defining projects under the belt and some great career jumps but I’m cooked. Passion is gone. Watching your videos reinvigorates me. Got into notion because of you and it is great. Now I might need to rewatch that video of yours about going out on your own….. Thanks for being that voice in the ear that Is needed

[@isitsustainable820]

Not an architect & I don’t use Notion. But I always learn from Eric’s thought process & the respect he has for his craft is so energizing!

[@30by40]

Cheers, appreciate the kind words + support!

[@markstrain8989]

Agreed !!! I learn a lot from him.

[@tomomi.tsumayu]

Same here!

[@asherif03]

Same here , I am an electric engineering , my wife was an architect but stopped working to take care of the kids , we literally watch the videos together ☺️

[@10e999]

same here

[@milanvuki]

Your channel has been a massive inspiration for me over the years Eric. So much so that I finally got myself out there and uploaded my first KZbin video this week on 'how to survive architecture school'. Looking forward to seeing whats you have in store for 2022!

[@valentinsohet4877]

Love your way you explain things and how you organize yourself ! Please continue doing these videos there are so inspiring!!

[@anthonyisensee]

This is exactly what I've been looking for for multiple years now. Downloaded it on my phone and computer and will be setting it up today! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@johnnyah-ching866]

Happy and Blessed New Years to you and the family Eric. Thank you for yet another useful video & tool. I have definately been in need of something like Notion for many years now. Thank you & God Bless.

[@30by40]

Happy new year! Appreciate the kind words + support.

[@pauloslife]

You are inspiring, not only as an architect (even tho I work as a customs broker, my first dream profession was to become an architect), but also as a man, father and a human being. Thank you for all your effort. You trully deserve everything you have achieved so far and I hope there's more to come. Keep up with the channel.

[@30by40]

That's very generous of you to say, I'm humbled. Thank you!

[@emmanouildanezis]

Catching up on Eric’s video about Notion. Outside of the demonstration of the use cases of this application, i am always inspired by Eric’s well rounded thought process!

[@derekashby2233]

G’day Eric, Thank you again for another fantastic video. Really appreciate your perspective and knowledge that you share. I would be interested in future videos on your Notion set up regarding the 12 Week Year. Thanks again for all your videos and courses. Cheers

[@jakubstrejc8848]

Thank you! Notion changed my life and I have found there exactly what I was looking for years. 💥

[@simon_harrington]

Feeling inspired to experiment with a 12 week year. The "Study Hall" addition is great - much needed for carving out time for play & curiosity! On that note I'd recommend a book to add to your 2022 Reading List: Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. Enjoy Deep Work - I found it to be a game changer! Cheers, Simon

[@caheviana]

Really useful video! In the first minutes I already have many insights. It's great to see a yearly review/planning made by someone more mature and experienced.

[@ericayaddow3906]

Very helpful. I've been in a slump as I get closer to finishing a BA in Design because the work/school/life balance seems impossible. I appreciate that Notion was demonstrated incorporating most aspects of life, not just the career side.

[@DjohenBoelen]

Thanks for this great 2 feet on the ground video Eric! Since your first Notion video I use it daily! I like your thoughts and idea’s..Keep on the good work!

[@30by40]

Nice...I wish more people would share their Notion setups...so much to learn! Cheers...

[@enricoengelbrecht1351]

Satisfyingly organized notion planning. I enjoy your professional filmmaking skills, it is engaging and great to watch - Thanks Eric

[@30by40]

Really appreciate the kind words + support...cheers!

[@chrisnovelli-n3architecture]

Thanks for sharing Eric, it is always interesting to see how other sole-practitioners organize their time and information. Your thoughts on time are spot on and the freedom to spend more time with kids and doing other things I find fulfilling is the primary reason I started my practice. Hope you have a great 2022.

[@30by40]

Appreciate your thoughts as always, Chris. Couldn't agree more on the motivation to start a creative practice of one's own making. Time freedom is priceless! All the best to you in 2022.

[@hamiltonchristie6992]

Thank you for the some organizational tips. Still trying to wrap my head around Notion. Love my sketchbook and pen & pencil set. Waiting patiently for Trace to restock. Didn’t know about the podcast but I’ll check it out. Would love to see any content you produce regarding photography as I’ve been adapting your business and design sense into my photo side hustle. Thank again 🙌🏾

[@hitanshujain7013]

Lets go Eric, Happy New Year🎉

[@phillipmills264]

Truely inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

[@HippieP629]

I use notion daily for everything as a second brain to get things done and track it all, visually. I’d be running quickly through a forest with a blindfold assuming I’m going in the correct direction without it. The daily, weekly, monthly, 12wkyr (not quarterly) and annual reviews are vital for my growth. Then connecting it to other software platforms has been a game changer as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Eric.

[@KidIndia]

Happy new year Eric . Your channel is inspirational and it’s great following your journey 👍by the way I love Notion and I absolutely recommend it myself as well

[@30by40]

Happy New Year, my friend...

[@arquitecturabenito]

This will be a good year for architecture !

[@juliesmith7993]

This was fantastic! You are an asset to my firm, and I appreciate your time and honesty.

[@30by40]

Cheers...appreciate the kind words + support!

[@jolaloye]

Thanks for providing this. You saved me hours of pain!!!

[@donyaikiser9754]

I a so excited you posted Eric Happy New Year!!!!

[@30by40]

Happy New Year...!

[@laramckendrick4596]

Hey Eric, so glad you are back working on 30x40 content. You were missed! Thank you for 30x40

[@zeeq7331]

That's a whole lot of value in terms of organisation and thought processes to meticulous planning with actual datas - all in just one video. Definitely saving this somewhere. Thank you, sir.

[@zeeq7331]

"Age exponentially increases the value of time."

[@30by40]

Of course, glad you enjoyed...

[@abstraktprojekts7555]

Thanks for the great content and your template.

[@timothy-holt]

Hey Eric. A lot to think about in that video. I really appreciated your advice with regards to kids as I have a three year old and a ten month old. Being engaged and present is something I'm always thinking about and it's nice to hear your perspective. Time is our most precious resource. Happy New Year. Cheers, Tim

[@30by40]

Happy New Year, Tim...with a three-year-old and 10 month-old you're right in the thick of it then, those are some long days! They definitely won't let you forget they're the most important thing in your life right now. Keep them close and enjoy the ride, it goes way too quick! Peace...

[@helgaarevalo1857]

love this video, makes me wanna put my life together :)

[@aedifex_]

our team is discussing to use your notion (kinda modify it to fit our workflow) to our firm! Glad for this video

[@victoriagonzalez7968]

Hi Eric, thanks for sharing your passion and art! I'm in my third year at The North Coast College in Lakewood, Ohio pursuing my B.F.A. in Interior Design where I discovered my passion for Architecture Designs. You make it seem so easy to follow and learn from.

[@30by40]

thank you!

[@DaveLopezMixing]

Excellent video, Eric. I organize my life similarly, but I use three apps to do it. After scoffing at Notion for a few years, your videos opened my eyes to its flexibility. I look forward to learning more from your future posts. Thanks!

[@30by40]

Cheers...Notion is effectively my second brain!

[@d.l.claxton9421]

A friend in my course, Architectural Technology, recommended you. Definitely worth the watch!

[@Kepointekniksipil]

happy new year Eric. your channel is inspirational .

[@30by40]

I appreciate that!

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

And this is why you're successful, Eric. So organized!! I live and die by post it notes and my sketchy memory, so I am likely doomed to a hand to mouth existence!

[@Justdoanne]

🤣

[@mattfroese]

You've unlocked a side of me I never knew I needed to exist.

[@elenekvezereli8229]

you are an idol for me! I want to become an organized professional architect like you

[@ErinnWenrich]

My daughter will be 12 in April. Anymore I don't say I can't believe she is 11 or 12. I now say I can't believe I only have 6 more years with her. Cue the tears. Thank you for introducing me to Notion! I'm not yet using it to its full potential but I can say it has made my time more purposeful over the past year, and with time flying by so quickly it makes a big difference.

[@imenehamd8555]

I love your channel thank u so much for sharing ❤❤

[@conspicuousART]

Hi Eric, Thank you for another great upload. As a fellow Architect, I too love to be organized as it removes the headaches that can occur with the profession. I wonder what your management of stress is like; what do you do for mental health and physical health on a daily or weekly basis? Best!

Excelente y muchas gracias. me esta ayudando mucho. Exitos.

[@abdxfilms]

Inspired as always

[@AtelierArts]

Happy New Year Eric! Been waiting for another upload 😁! I use Notion sometimes and it works great for me, it's better for me to write my schedule digitally so then I can just send it to clients or just save it to my computer 🖥

[@30by40]

Happy new year! Do you use the 'share to web' feature to do this in Notion? I like that for sharing pages, for example: 30by40.notion.site/Reading-f2b81658f3bb4da58b122da1e11d6d9b

[@EngineerLUK]

Thanks Eric, incredible inspirations………👍🙏

[@30by40]

Cheers, thank you for watching...!

[@bp8572]

I have been using notion for a bit but i have also just started using the theme system journal form cortex and it has been honestly so helpful especially using it in connection with notion

[@30by40]

interesting...thanks for sharing!

[@allthingstoallmen8912]

I absolutely love Notion, it actually makes me want to go to work😂

[@thenullco]

Searching for Sugar Man is a great film. 👌

[@amolinari9]

Thank you so much for this insightful and helpful video, Eric! How did you guys like Boone? Love that part of the country. The Appalachian mountain ranges where NC, TN, and GA meet is amazing. A lot of beautiful scenery, towns and fun activities - great place to be!

[@RSArchDesigns]

nice video sir, very inspirational

[@stampederealty]

Going to start The 12 Week Year, with the 1 week a scheduled vacation IF I hit the goals. Starting to truly unlock the power of Notion finally

[@sterling.hopkins]

Awesome💪🏿

[@emmadanks1346]

Thanks so much for many years of fantastic content. Always inspiring!

[@30by40]

Appreciate that...thanks so much for returning to watch!

[@sadarbhandari9405]

Being an Architect from Nepal, feels great to see that you have 14 peaks on your movie list 👍

[@30by40]

Cheers, my friend...have you seen The Alpinist...?

[@arielvaldes766]

Happy new year, thank you for the amazing and inspiration! How we create a contacts list to be tagged on different tables, task, etc? Thks again

[@30by40]

Type the @ sign in any field and anyone you share a workspace or page with will show up.

[@jeboccuzzi10]

Hey Eric. Best to you in 2022

[@30by40]

Cheers, John...you as well!

[@eminayduran3510]

You are obsessive, awesome and unique👏

[@30by40]

Thanks (I think)...!

[@zacheich]

You should add the Two Sides of Fi to your related channels. It is great content and a lot of your viewers would probably find it really helpful, just like this video. I just found it from your mention here and subscribed and have my weekend binge watch plan ;).

[@fpwi]

Thanks for the reminder that 80% of time that I will spend with my kids is before they leave home! This thought also makes me hesitant to spend too much time applying technology where it is not necessarily needed. Always have a pile of note books for these list, personal goes on my table by my bed and work stays on my desk…I sometimes go camping with the work ones and update them off the grid to keep track of any ideas that pop up! I wonder if I would just get lost in the infinite possibilities of Notions links etc?

[@30by40]

Totally respect the analog approach as well (I still keep sketchbooks). For me, Notion complements the analog making it 'searchable' and 'shareable'.

[@DesignedForTomorrow]

Time is gold to me, what you earn financially is definitely a measure of what we do as good designers imo. Money and time are definitely not even in the same ballpark

[@30by40]

Agree...the older I get, the more this becomes clear!

[@Jimbo-qd5zz]

Hi Eric, thanks for another inspirational video! I'm interested in how you manage your email traffic, for example, how do you manage incoming email tasks?

[@30by40]

It's just me here so handling email is pretty simple. If something comes in that I need to address, there's a task table on the Weekly page, I can enter it there and tag it with the project which shows up on the project dashboard. It can be as simple as maintaining a tick box list on the project page though. Hopefully that makes sense!

[@arielvaldes4357]

Eric I have a question, What's the difference of the task on the Task + priorities and the Task Table, please advise I am already using the templates, thks in advance and congratulations for all your work, keep rocking

[@matrosaxy]

What is your opinion on Icon’s latest 3D printed house in Austin?

[@stonethrower796]

hello Eric, great video. I am using Notion but for very limited information. Do you have any security concern about providing such an in-depth portion of your business on cloud based service that you can not back up and/or prevent from being hacked beyond a very good password? Thank you and I appreciate and learn much from all of your posts.

[@MrWanted000]

Do you upload and store all your files/attachments on notion directly? Does Notion have a limit size for uploads

[@kiwandesign]

Hello 30x40 I have a question. I think your channel is one of a kind, and has helped me as a textbook when ever i needed it. I am currently working as an architectural technician and would like to soon become a freelance architect. And i am in the process of getting my masters and soon after my arch license. My question is.. How many years of experience do i need till i can start working on my own?

[@go70North]

Scientist here. For about two years I have split up my day in a similar way: morning to early afternoon is (if possible ;-)) reserved for creative and brain work such as project design, data analysis, writing, making figures or maps; afternoon I prefer to deal with emails and other correspondence and not so urgent meetings. However, it is a challenge to stick to such structure but once, similar to you, I have accepted my job is dynamic and fluid, it's mostly fine. Thanks for the templates; I downloaded them and will check them out. P.S. If I wouldn't be a scientist I most likely would be an architect.

[@30by40]

Thanks for sharing...I've tried for years to onboard my wife (a geneticist) to the maker's schedule, manager's schedule and she contends it's not possible for her. Glad to know it works for another like-minded professional.

[@go70North]

@@30by40 She is a geneticist? I work in wildlife genetics. Specifically in DNA-based monitoring and conservation and population genetics/genomics of large carnivores.

[@ThaKingsBishop2]

Would love to see you in St. John, USVI. I live on St. Thomas!

[@30by40]

How lucky you are! Counting down the days until my next visit...in the meantime, back to shoveling snow.

[@ThaKingsBishop2]

@@30by40 I do not envy you. I remember college days in New England!

[@glenyoung8227]

Have you considered putting study hall before your managing tasks. Might be a good transition to the management stuff from the making stuff.

[@30by40]

That's when I exercise (I forgot to mention that)...it is a good transition though!

[@shiniko9536]

hey what's your myers brigg?

[@roguepredator2307]

Much love from Ukraine❤

[@alex-grover]

What's the title of your Maker/Manager schedule video? I can't find it via the link.

[@30by40]

Linked on the second card: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5iTZpapnNeAiKs

[@kubskoutzforlife]

When will you re-stock the Blank sketchbook notebook

[@30by40]

Should be available tomorrow (Thursday) or Friday. They are being checked-in and weighed for sale currently...thanks for your patience!

[@DavidNiedbala]

New to owning my my time. Is it common to start trying to do everything in my head? Like all my to do list, projects, etc. I guess I'm just not seeing the value in devoting hours to doing this. But when I watch this, I need to make a transition. Thank you for sharing this.

[@30by40]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't have nearly enough bandwidth or mental capacity to manage all the tasks in my head! I will say that you don't have to tackle it all at once. Pick the most important or pressing issue of the moment (perhaps it's project related) and start by implementing an organized system for that. I've found that once the framework is setup (use my template to get you most of the way there) none of this takes hours. For me, it's just a highly organized operating system that actually saves me time and, because it's on my desktop, my phone and my ipad it's everywhere I am. Good luck!

[@DavidNiedbala]

@@30by40 Thank you, I guess this is a bad habit I've had since High School and College. Thank you for making this template available. I'm looking at your courses now too.

[@barrystott1561]

Did i just get a initial name check as BSB!!! I'm still rocking Trello but i think i really need to give this a go. keep making these videos they keep me focused and moving forward to be a better Architect.

[@MattHeintz57]

How do you find time to learn new skills (video editing, software, etc?) I feel as if I am constantly learning something and it seems gets in the way of doing or producing.

[@30by40]

I have to schedule it to make sure it happens. This is why I've added it to my daily schedule in Notion!

[@jameslittlewood]

Where are the icons from? Looks great!

[@30by40]

Thanks, you'll find the attribution and links included with the template.

[@RAH-Andrew]

Hi Eric, Navigating through your templates, in the home and office dashboards, you mention "For any of these tables to function properly, please replace all 'Task Tables' with your own duplicate. Take note of the applied filters below and use them on your own new tables." Can you explain this section a little bit more? Do you mean duplicate each and then reinsert and then delete the original? Thank you in advance

[@30by40]

You're on the right path. Notion is always updating things so it may be fixed by now, but in my experience if I try to use tables that are relational (i.e. connected to other pages in templates I don't own the editing rights to) I wasn't able to update and modify without making a new one. You can try copying and then hit 'dismiss', if that doesn't work, just create a new one (it only takes a few minutes). Hope that helps!

[@RAH-Andrew]

@@30by40 I understand, okay that makes sense. Thank you Eric!

[@scott7695]

Did anyone else get anxiety just thinking about tracking each one of those areas both professional and personal? It just seems like this is a massive assignment by itself. I’d be constantly thinking, “Have I update EVERY area of my life in notion? Did my wife complete her tasks? Did I meaningfully reach out to my kids? And then did I come back here to notion and check that box off?”

[@30by40]

Spending one hour, once a year to set goals makes you anxious?

[@scott7695]

No. Definitely not that. It just felt as though this was something you use on a daily basis not just one hour at the beginning of the year. It seemed to me that this was more like an hour everyday to check off items I put in notion, updating notion with new items etc... Maybe I’m not understanding the program or the intent? I will watch the video again.

[@chadholland6523]

Where did you get that super clean weather widget?

[@30by40]

Details in the template: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/courses

[@chadholland6523]

@@30by40 Thank you so much for what you do.

[@lluvia3thkpsp]

👏

[@mrmuffin5046]

Do you not feel overwhelmed writing out every detail? everytime i try to write out everything, keeping it up to date feels extremely daunting.

[@reviewsicle8295]

Please bring the kixstand back in stock

[@raymundopescadero9769]

Do you have a PayPal for secure payment?

[@theosart_]

F A B !!!

[@EspenHeimdal]

Just curious, why the focus on 'what did not went well?' ? I been thinking the same path in the past, but got an eye-opner after changing this question mentally to 'What could be done better?' It is seemingly pretty much the same question, but still a quite different one.

[@30by40]

I use the, "What didn't go well?" rubric to help me uncover things that bring negative energy to the studio. Then, I can actively work to make less room for those things moving forward. I certainly respect that different questions might work for others!

[@EspenHeimdal]

​@@30by40 Just curious, and I'm fascinated by different way of thinking. Without diversity, there will be a total loss of creativity and tension (positive!) in our world - in my mind. I totally get why you're doing this, and I'm doing sort of the same. Maybe I'm too indoctrinated by Lean, 5s plus/delta way of thinking. Time feeling productive and time actually productive to a set goal is sometimes hard to differentiate. Do you any exercises on what the cause of these negatives are, and if there are any commons in this matter? Anyway, seems like you have your rutines and process well structured and sorted out! Keep up! Even more curious on your new project 'hytte' - Regards from a Norwegian Architect.. ,-)

[@maratshevchenko]

This video made me sad about time and all the wasted opportunities :-)

[@Hakeem.tube1]

Architecture vs architectural engineering?

[@Hakeem.tube1]

architecture vs architect?

[@psychomeerkat9151]

Hey There 30X40! I'm currently a highschool student currently studying Design and Technology. I am currently working on a project designing a portable light pad/sketching workspace to reduce the amount of constant clutter and difficulty with transport. Given your great passion for design and architecture, I am greatly interested in getting a specialist's opinion what a project like my own could do to further support your lifestyle and the designing community as a whole! Anyone in the comments who may also have an opinion, feel free to share your thoughts!

[@archboolan3035]

Hi I liked you how to expl...

[@samuelcraig3386]

Could u do more vids on procreate

[@30by40]

Planning to, what - specifically - are you looking for?

[@samuelcraig3386]

@@30by40 thanks for the reply, I feel like a video diving into how u can use it for all aspects of architectural design an over view of each stage or a series of videos about stages of planning via using the app

[@husseinmohammed5615]

اتمنى لو كان مترجم😭😭😭💔

[@rh9152]

Why is there no Arabic translation?😔

[@Hakeem.tube1]

Architect vs architectural engineering

[@denisharitonov8491]

ОБМАН , чтобы получить электронный адрес!!!!!!

[@markpolak8622]

I just cant trust a cloud based solution