Stop Fussing with Due Dates: The EASIEST Way to Set Up True Recurring Tasks in Notion (2025 Method)
Let me guess. You've been duplicating tasks like a maniac, manually changing due dates, and watching your Notion workspace fill up with task clutter faster than your inbox on Black Friday.
Look, I get it. You downloaded Notion thinking it would solve all your task management woes, but instead, you've created a digital junk drawer of recurring to-dos that never quite... recur properly.
If you're nodding so hard right now that you might pull a neck muscle, you're in the right place.
Here's the real talk: most Notion "recurring task" methods are complete BS. They create duplicate tasks, clutter your database, and make you waste precious brain power (and clicks) managing the mess.
But what if I told you there's a better way? One that actually works like a TRUE recurring task - automatically resetting the due date when you check something off without creating duplicate entries?
Why Your Old Recurring Task Method in Notion Is Burning You Out
I've made two previous videos about recurring tasks in Notion, and while they worked... they weren't great. The first was a total workaround (let's be real). The second was better, but still just duplicated tasks over and over again.
The result? Task clutter and eventual Notion burnout.
You're overwhelmed enough without your task system adding to the chaos, amiright?
That's why this new method is a game-changer for anyone who:
Needs daily, weekly, or monthly recurring tasks (bill payments, team check-ins, reviews)
Is tired of duplicate task clutter in their databases
Wants a system that works FOR them, not one they have to work for
This isn't just another hack - it's a true recurring task system that feels like what Asana or ClickUp offers, but right in Notion where all your other work lives.
The Burnout-Proof Way to Create REAL Recurring Tasks in Notion
Alright, let's break down how to build this system, step by burnout-proof step:
1. Start With a Simple Task Database
First things first: you need a basic task database. The built-in Task Tracker template works great, or you can create your own.
Here's a simple version:
Create a new database
Add a Name property (comes by default)
Add a Checkbox property called "Done" (instead of Status - why overcomplicate?)
Add a Date property called "Due Date"
This is your foundation. Nothing fancy, just the essentials.
2. Add Your Recurring Properties
Now for the magic sauce. Add these two properties to your database:
Repeat Every (Number property): This will be the number of days between recurrences
Recurring (Checkbox property): This will flag which tasks should auto-reset
These two properties are what make this whole system possible. They tell Notion, "Hey, this task needs to come back around in X days."
3. Create a "Recurring Tasks" View
Next, make a filtered view that shows only your recurring tasks:
Create a new view
Name it "Recurring Tasks" (or whatever speaks to your soul)
Add a filter: "Recurring" is checked
This gives you a dedicated view to manage just your recurring tasks - no clutter, no confusion.
4. Set Up the Notion Automation (The Game-Changer)
Here's where the magic happens. We're going to use Notion's built-in automation to reset due dates:
Click the lightning bolt () in your database
Create a new automation
Set trigger: "When a property is updated" → select "Done" → select "checked"
Add condition: "Recurring" is "checked"
Add action: "Update properties"
Select "Due Date" property → "Custom formula"
Now for the formula (and yes, I'm sharing this so you don't have to figure it out yourself):
if(empty(prop("Due Date")), dateAdd(now(), prop("Repeat Every"), "days"), dateAdd(prop("Due Date"), prop("Repeat Every"), "days"))
This formula basically says:
If the due date was empty → use today as the base and add X days
If there was a due date → use that date as the base and add X days
Finally, add one more action to uncheck the "Done" box, so your task reappears on your to-do list.
And boom - you've got a TRUE recurring task system in Notion!
Real-World Examples (Because Theory Is Useless Without Application)
Let me show you how I actually use this in my business to stay burnout-proof:
Weekly team check-ins: Set "Repeat Every" to 7 → Every Monday, my task to check in with my team pops up
Monthly content reviews: Set "Repeat Every" to 30 → First of each month, I review my content performance
Quarterly business planning: Set "Repeat Every" to 90 → Every quarter, I review my systems and set new goals
Annual renewals: Set "Repeat Every" to 365 → Never miss a license renewal or subscription again
What I love about this system is its flexibility. Need something to happen every 3 days? No problem - just set "Repeat Every" to 3. Want a bi-weekly reminder? Set it to 14.
This is exactly the kind of system I teach in Systems School - simple, effective, and totally burnout-proof. Because your systems should be a second brain, not a second job.
Why This Matters for Burnout Prevention
Listen, I'm not just teaching you this because I'm a Notion nerd (though I definitely am). This matters because:
Mental load is real - Every task you have to remember is energy drained from your creative work
System gaps create stress - When you can't trust your system, your brain keeps spinning
True automation = true freedom - When recurring tasks just work, you can focus on what matters
As a burnout coach, I've seen too many entrepreneurs and high-achievers crash because their systems leaked energy. This tiny automation might seem simple, but it's one more way to make your business burnout-proof.
Troubleshooting (Because Let's Be Real)
If something's not working, check these common issues:
Did you enable the automation? (Click the toggle to turn it on)
Are you checking the right box? (It needs to be the "Done" checkbox)
Did you set the "Recurring" checkbox on your task? (The automation only triggers for recurring tasks)
And remember - you can always adjust the formula if you want different behavior. This is just a starting point.
Ready to Get Seriously Organized? (Without the Burnout)
Recurring tasks are just one piece of the burnout-proof business puzzle. If you're ready to build systems that don't suck - systems that actually work FOR you instead of creating more work - I've got you.
Check out my Burnout Quiz to see where else your business systems might be leaking energy and contributing to overwhelm.
Or if you're ready to go all-in on systems that serve you, Burnout-Proof Business is where it's at. We don't just talk about Notion - we create entire workflows that keep you energized and focused on what matters.
Because you didn't build this business to spend all day managing your task list. You built it to make an impact, serve clients you love, and actually enjoy your work.
What recurring tasks will you automate first? Drop me a comment below - I'm genuinely curious what you're working on!


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