From Quick Notes to Detailed Tracking: Why I’m Supplementing Google Keep with Notion

Breaking News: A growing number of users, even dedicated Google Keep fans, are finding the app’s limitations when managing complex data, leading to a surge in adoption of more robust note-taking tools like Notion. This trend highlights a shift towards needing more than just simple list-making in personal association.

For a long time, I’ve been a staunch advocate for Google Keep. Its minimalist interface and ease of use are incredibly appealing, especially when so many productivity apps feel bloated and overwhelming. However, I’ve reached a point where Keep’s simplicity isn’t enough – and I’m not alone. As my needs evolved beyond quick reminders and brainstorming, I began to realize the limitations of its “sticky-note” format.

The turning point for me came with managing my health information. I’ve been navigating treatments for fibromyalgia and chronic migraines, conditions affecting an estimated 2-4% of the US population according to the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, and 39 million Americans suffer from migraines, as reported by the American Migraine Foundation. Keeping track of medication dosages, reasons for discontinuing treatments, and a comprehensive history became increasingly difficult within Keep’s structure.

To address this, I developed a custom template in Notion, a popular all-in-one workspace. This template allows for detailed notes on each medication – both current and past – with clear indicators of whether I’m still taking it. Crucially, I added a column to track treatment effectiveness and any experienced side effects. This level of detail simply wasn’t feasible in Keep. I specifically designed the template with a database structure, allowing for filtering and sorting by medication name, date started, and effectiveness rating.

This isn’t an isolated case. I’m now applying the same principle to managing veterinary records for my cats,Luna and Jasper. I typically use Keep to jot down questions for the vet at Northwood Animal Hospital in[CityState-[CityState-replace with actual location]and to note any observed issues. However, these notes quickly become disorganized. My plan is to create a dedicated Notion dashboard to consolidate this information, enabling more detailed records organized by date and individual cat. This will allow me to easily reference past visits and track any recurring health concerns.

While Google Keep’s recent improvements to text formatting are welcome – as detailed in Android Authority’s coverage – they still fall short of the advanced capabilities offered by Notion’s databases and templates.Keep remains excellent for rapid capture of thoughts, but it lacks the structural power for long-term, detailed tracking.

The Future of My Note-Taking System

Despite these changes, Google Keep remains my go-to app for quick notes and brainstorming.It’s the perfect place for capturing article ideas,like this one,on the fly,whether I’m commuting,working,or relaxing. Though, I’m now employing a more deliberate approach to Keep, regularly deleting and archiving old notes, utilizing labels for better organization, and recognizing when a note demands the more advanced features of Notion.

This isn’t about abandoning Google Keep; it’s about strategically leveraging the strengths of both apps. Keep handles the immediate capture, while Notion provides the long-term organization and detailed tracking needed for complex information. This hybrid approach allows me to maintain the simplicity I value while gaining the power to manage increasingly complex aspects of my life.