Focal Life OS / Notion Template
A system for focus. Inside of Notion.
Stop being busy and start being purposeful. Bring clarity to digital chaos with Focal.
Does this sound familiar?
- You're not clear on your priorities
- You don't have a system for goal setting
- You're bad at tracking progress
- You're struggling to find motivation
- You feel like you're just 'winging it'
- You never do weekly or monthly reviews
- You're struggling to keep on top of your Notion workspace
- You're overwhelmed with the options and functionality of Notion
- You don't have time to set up a Notion dashboard
- You don't have a clear system and you don't know where to start
- You're busy but you're not making any progress
Did any of the above resonate with you? They definitely represent a large portion of my previous experience with Notion! That's why I built Focal.
Focal is the supporting architecture your Notion workspace demands.
If you're anything like me, you've probably tried (and failed) to keep on top of your productivity with to-do lists, planners and other methods only to find yourself in the same position a few weeks later.
Focal helps you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture by asking you the right questions to set goals that are aligned with your identity and breaking these goals down into manageable tasks that you can complete each day.
Focal offers a methodical way of setting goals, reflecting on progress and adjusting as needed by using a system of Spheres and Arcs to categorise your life.
Focal helps you to:
✔️ Simplify and declutter your Notion workspace using a system of Spheres and Arcs. Focal helps you to focus on what matters by breaking down your life into Spheres. Each Sphere has a number of Arcs that correspond to different areas of your life.
✔️ Break down big goals into manageable tasks by laddering up daily tasks to sequential weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly goals. Stay focused and motivated by only showcasing small daily and micro tasks to complete.
✔️ Set, track and stay accountable to your goals using the reflection templates across the weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly timelines. Finally, start doing those weekly reflections on a consistent basis!
How does Focal work?
How does Focal work?
- You set up your structure (Spheres and Arcs)
- You set identity goals (the person you want to be)
- You set sequential goals (e.g. yearly, quarterly, monthly etc. working to close the gap between who you are and who you want to be)
- You set daily tasks (micro-actions that help you achieve your weekly, monthly, quarterly etc goals)
- You set habits (repetitive actions such as drinking water, journaling, going for a walk)
- You reflect on your progress (on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly basis)
Focal is a system for focus. By clarifying your identity goals (the person you want to be), you can better set and achieve sequential goals (yearly, monthly, quarterly, weekly) which in turn, help you to complete daily tasks that bridge the gap between who you are and who you want to be. With Focal, you can better reflect on and course-correct your progress by utilising weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly reflection pages.
Set goals and reflect on progress.
What is included in Focal?
Arcs included in Focal.
Included in Focal is a range of pre-built spheres and arcs. You are encouraged to add to these with your existing Notion workspace!
The following spheres and arcs are included in Focal:
Health (sphere)
- Meal planner (arc)
- Save recipes, track ingredients and plan your meals for the week ahead
Learning (sphere)
- Digital Bookshelf (arc)
- Save and reflect on books, articles, podcasts, videos and more
- Spaced Repetition (arc)
- Store notes and review through automatic prompts
Personal (sphere)
- Goals & Reflections (arc)
- Set goals and track progress across built-in templates for the year, quarter, month and week
- Habits (arc)
- Receive automatic prompts for habits each day and track progress
- Morning Journal (arc)
- 5+ built-in templates for morning journal reflections
Business (sphere)
- Lean Canvas (arc)
- Lean canvas prompt questions to help you kickstart your next side project
The above spheres and arcs are just intended to serve as a foundation to get you started in Focal. You are highly encouraged to customise it to suit your needs!
FAQ
Does this work with a free Notion account?
Sure does! Just hit duplicate and you're good to go!
What if I already have Notion pages set up?
You can merge these with Focal! Focal will not replace your existing Notion workspace but rather provide it with a structured and efficient house to live in. There will be guidance in the onboarding guide on how to do this.
What if I’m new to Notion?
Focal includes 2 versions!
- Focal is for those who are new to Notion and do not make use of any advanced features (like databases etc).
- Focal + is for those more familiar with Notion and utilises some of the more powerful features (like databases and sync blocks).
You have the option to onboard onto either version and can always change your mind!
Are free updates included?
Yes! All updates are free and included!
How will I know how to use the template?
There is a dedicated onboarding guide to help you set up your Sphere, Arc, and goals and give you a rundown of the best way to maximise Notion.
Hey! Let's connect.
Hey!
I'm a Notion ambassador and obsessed with optimising Notion spaces!
You can check out my other templates here.
Want to get in touch or have any feedback? Please send me a message on Twitter.
Happy to answer any questions you have!
Focal Life OS