People Say The Bullet Journal Is KonMari for Your Mind
If you’re looking for a way to get organized that is both flexible and customizable, a Bullet Journal may be perfect for you. Learn more about what a Bullet Journal is, how it can benefit you, and how to get started creating your own.
Maybe you know someone else who ditched the basic planner years ago for the Bullet Journal. Some people see it as a book filled with confusing symbols and shorthand, but in reality, it’s a mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity tool. Bullet Journal creator Ryder Carroll said the method will make your life productive and meaningful for a lifetime.
The purpose of a Bullet Journal (BuJo)
The BuJo can be used for anything from keeping track of to-do lists and goals to documenting your thoughts and musings. The key to making it work for you is to tailor it to fit your own unique needs and preferences using the Bullet Journal method. If you need some extra time to focus on your life, use a BuJo. Consider it an advanced journal for writing but also drawing. The journal does not require any templates. Instead, you buy blank or dots grid journals which you develop it based on your own needs.Four Main Components of a Bullet Journal:
- The Index: This is where you keep track of the different collections and pages in your journal.
- The Future Log: This is where you can record events and tasks that are scheduled for future dates.
- The Monthly Log: This is where you can track goals, to-do lists, and other important information
- The Daily Log: Basically an ongoing journal of your day’s tasks, events, ideas, and inspirations.
The Benefits
Journaling can be a helpful tool for anyone who wants to get organized and creatively achieve their goals. Some of the benefits include:- Helping you to focus on what is important.
- Allowing you to track your progress over time.
- A flexible system that can be customized to fit your needs.
- A great way to stay motivated and on track.
How Do I Start Bullet Journaling?
All you need is a notebook and a pen. Once you have those, you can start by creating an index, future log, and monthly log. Then, you can begin adding entries to your journal. Here are some tips to help you get started:- Start with the basics. Don’t try to make your Bullet Journal too complicated or perfect. Just start with the basics and add on as you go.
- Make it your own. Tailor your Bullet Journal to fit your own needs and preferences.
- Experiment. Try different things and see what works for you.
- Be consistent. The more you use your Bullet Journal, the more benefit
Essential supplies
If you aren’t ready to buy things you can start with just about any empty notebook you already own. You can even use a pen! Use a good pen. Using an inexpensive pen works, but you may have trouble with bleed-through or the ink not drying fast enough. Here are a few products and supplies to get creative with:The Bullet Journal (Customized Leuchtturm1917)
This is the BuJo with the outline of the Bullet Journal Method, key legend, and basic instructions. It is printed by Leuchtturm with the specific Bullet Journal toolkit.Leuchtturm1917
The hardcover version contains blank lined squares or dot grids. In my Bullet Journaling I usually select dots first / squares second. I don’t use lined pages. Leuchtturm1917 is made with one pocket, two bookmarks, prenumbered papers, and a blank index.Zebra Mildliner Highlighters
They seemed like standard highlighters. This pen is dual tip and creamy when writing and is unique and impressive in color. You should use them for their awesomeness.Pilot G2 Pens
This pen is of great value and is sturdy. They can be bought almost anywhere and they have a few different colors.Sharpie S-Gel Pens
“Permanent” comes to mind when you think of the “Sharpie” brand. That is true of these fine-tipped gel pens as well. I have switched to these for my black ink gel pen needs in my Bullet Journal.Foldable 6′′ Ruler
I always take a ruler with me in case I need to measure anything as well as for drawing straight lines. The Bullet Journal and the Leuchtturm1917 have a pocket that this little baby fits inside the back cover.Think About Your Purpose
A Bullet Journal is essentially a life-management tool disguised as a calendar, a task list, a task-spotter, and a diary. It is designed to keep up with your constantly expanding task list.Gather Everything You Need
No need to buy expensive things. The first step to making your first journal requires only 2 tools. Look for journals that contain lay-flat spines and quality sheets. Compared to traditional pen types, two tip pencils are versatile. You can still use the journal as a creative tool. Bring along your colored gel pen and watercolors.Can I Start Bullet Journaling in the Middle of the Year?
Yes! It is customizable so you can begin it right now, tomorrow, or three months later. Just update future logs with the correct time frame.
Terms to know
There are some phrases when one starts looking into Bullet Journals. Here’s some important terminology.Migration
The fundamental principle behind this method is the ability to move a task to a page. If you find the task has not been finished or you want the task to stay on your to-do lists, move it to a daily page for your daily tasks.Collections
Collections are category pages within a bulletin journal that address specialized topics or issues. This can be tracked, logged, or simply lists. Collections help you organize your bullet journal more efficiently.Spreads
Spreadsheets often describe pages of a bullet journal. Most people use two sheets side by side for spreads. Monthlies are sometimes called spreads because they span two sheets.Rapid Logging
Rapid logging is a term used to describe an activity to capture information quickly in a bullet list. The idea is to record items quickly and efficiently. There is a basic list of Rapid Logging code as well as the ability to create your own.Customizing Your Journal to Fit Your Needs
One of the great things about the BuJo is that it can be customized to fit your specific needs. Here are some ways you can customize your journal:- Choose a layout that works for you. There are many different layouts you can use for your Bullet Journal. Find one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
- Add stickers or other embellishments. Make your Bullet Journal your own by adding stickers, washi tape, or other embellishments.
- Keep it simple. You don’t need to make your Bullet Journal complicated. Start with the basics and add on as you go.
Tips For Using Your Journal Effectively
- Plan ahead. Use your Bullet Journal to plan and stay on top of your schedule.
- Be consistent. The more you use your Bullet Journal, the more benefit you will get from it. Make it a habit to write in your journal every day.
- Get creative. Use your Bullet Journal as a way to express your creativity. Use stencils, stickers, tape, and other embellishments to make it your own.Make it a habit. The more you use your Bullet Journal, the more benefit you will get from it.
- Make it a habit to write in your journal every day.
- Find productivity ideas about your inbox, look here.
