Today, we have the privilege of exploring the story of one such luminary – Isti. Hailing from the beautiful landscapes of Indonesia, Isti’s tale is not just about one software or a technique, but it’s a heartfelt narration about discovery, balance, and the pursuit of meaningful productivity.

Through the corridors of Notion and the echoing halls of her own life experiences, Isti gives us an intimate look into her life – both as a devoted educator of young minds and as a Notion creator. She may walk the line between nature and technology, but what’s striking is her effortless blend of the two.

And as you delve into this conversation, you’ll discover the magic that ensues when passion meets purpose, and how one can find harmony amidst the cacophony of life’s demands. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this enlightening journey with Isti, uncovering the layers and intricacies of her world, one answer at a time.

Q: Isti, what was that ‘aha’ moment when you first stumbled upon Notion?

A: The digital epiphany came one ordinary day, courtesy of an Instagram post by the dazzling duo – Easlo and Zahid Ibrahim, the latter being a renowned YouTuber from Indonesia. I became interested in Notion because it allows me to create various types of workspaces, and its beautiful design can be integrated with other tools. This makes my learning journey enjoyable.

Q: So, how has Notion, as a platform, played a role in your quest for balance and productivity?

A: Imagine having a personal assistant in the form of a tool – that’s Notion for me. It’s where I pour in my daily musings, design my workspace to suit my aesthetic, and revel in the joy of ticking off goals. From tracking books to setting life goals, Notion serves as my digital compass.

Q: Your inspiration for diving into template creation must have a face or two behind it. Care to share?

A: Absolutely! The name ‘Easlo’ stands out – a young prodigy who not only amasses a fortune but also empowers others through Notion. And then there’s Smoul, whose captivating style on Medium is like a siren’s call for me. Their journeys and unique styles spurred my own creator aspirations.

Q: Give us a peek into your life on a typical day.

A: Far from the digital wizardry, I am rooted in reality as a teacher in a boarding school. Amidst lesson plans and classroom antics, I’m also juggling to find that perfect job role – one that lets me lead the school while advancing my own academic pursuits.

Q: Balance and productivity – it’s a tightrope walk. How do you keep from tipping over?

A: Simplicity is my mantra. I don’t set unrealistic expectations. It’s about pacing, resting, and reviving. It’s essential to take mental breaks, ensuring you return even more invigorated and ready to seize the day.

Q: Your ‘Book Journey’ template is creating waves. What’s the story behind its inception, and how can avid readers benefit from it?

A: Reading is a passion I wanted to cultivate. The ‘Book Journey’ template was born out of my desire to track my reading adventures. It’s not just a tracker; it’s a chronicle – of money invested in books, genres explored, and authors savored. For students, it’s a guided map to their literary explorations.

Q: From ideation to launch – can you unveil the process behind your template creations?

A: Sure! It begins with brainstorming, often drawing inspiration from other creators. I then immerse myself in using and refining the idea. The design phase is next, where I weave in my branding magic. The final steps? A grand reveal on social media followed by a marketplace launch.

Q: Students often feel overwhelmed with tasks, deadlines, and life pressures. How do you personally overcome these feelings, and how do your templates assist in this?

A: Prioritization. Break tasks down and handle them bit by bit. My templates can help separate tasks that are more important and urgent. Besides that, they can also track our progress toward achieving our goals.

Q: For students or anyone seeking balance, what’s one piece of advice or insight you’d love for them to take away from our conversation today?

A: Don’t force yourself too hard; just maximize what you can. Health is number one, and don’t stop learning every day.

Q: What’s your favorite way to relax or destress?

A: My favorite way is to go into nature, like taking a simple walk around. I also like to visit my sister’s house to catch up, hahaha!

A good laugh, some family tales, and I’m recharged!

Q: Any upcoming digital wonders we should be on the lookout for?

A: Oh, absolutely! This month, I want to launch two templates and every month, I want to have conversations or interviews with Notion creators on Zoom meetings!

As we wrap up our journey with Isti, one thing is abundantly clear: the fusion of heart and technology can birth wonders.

From the lush landscapes of Indonesia to the intricate hallways of Notion, Isti’s story is a testament to the infinite ways our passions can manifest. She may chuckle at the serendipity of her transformation — from someone wary of children to their cherished educator — but it’s evident that her core is centered around growth, evolution, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge.