TL;DR: You’ll create a Notion database with properties (Status, Due Date, Priority) and views (Table, Board, Calendar) to turn raw tasks into a visual workflow. By the end, you’ll have a filterable, sortable task manager that updates in real time across all your devices.
Step 1: Create a New Database
Open Notion and click + New Page in the sidebar. Name it “Task Manager.” In the blank page, type /database and select Database – Inline. This creates a table with default properties (Name, Tags, etc.). Don’t worry about the default columns—you’ll replace them next.
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Step 2: Add Core Properties
Click the + icon in the top-right of the table’s header row. Add these three properties by choosing the type from the dropdown:
Status (Select type) – options: “Not Started,” “In Progress,” “Done.”
Due Date (Date type) – lets you set deadlines and reminders.
Priority (Select type) – options: “Low,” “Medium,” “High.”
Delete the default “Tags” column by clicking its header → Delete property.
Step 3: Enter Sample Tasks
Click the first empty row under “Name” and type a task, e.g., “Write project brief.” Then fill in its Status, Due Date, and Priority. Add 4–5 more tasks with varying statuses and priorities. This gives you data to filter later.
Step 4: Create a Board View
Click the + Add a view button (next to the table’s tab). Name it “Kanban Board” and choose Board as the view type. In the board’s “Group by” setting (top-left), select Status. Now tasks appear as cards in columns—drag them between columns to change status instantly.
Step 5: Build a Filtered “Today” View
Click + Add a view again, name it “Today,” and choose Table. Click the Filter button (funnel icon) in the top-right. Add a filter: Due Date → is on or before → Today. Add a second filter: Status → does not equal → Done. This shows only actionable, urgent tasks.
Step 6: Sort and Color-Code
In any view, click Sort and add: Priority → Ascending (so High comes first). Then, click the Priority property header → Customize style → choose colors (e.g., red for High, yellow for Medium, green for Low). This visual cue helps you scan quickly.
Step 7: Add a Calendar View (Bonus)
Click + Add a view → Calendar. Group by Due Date. Now drag tasks onto specific days to reschedule. Notion will automatically update the Due Date property—no manual edits needed.
Pro Tips
Use linked databases if you want the same task list in multiple pages (e.g., a dashboard). Right-click the database title → Copy link → paste it anywhere. Also, enable Reminders by clicking a Due Date cell → Add reminder
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