What is a bullet journal?
A bullet journal is a system for organization created by Ryder Carroll. It is a simple way to organize all the things in your life that you have to do all in one place without making too many to-do lists or having different calendars/notebooks for different aspects of your life. There is nothing wrong with that but if you’re always confused and need something more efficient, then you should try bullet journaling. The key mantra behind the bullet journal method is “track the past, order the present, design the future” so as long as you do that, you should be good.
How does it work?
The short answer is that bullet journaling works in a way that is best for you. If you’ve always found traditional planners too restricting, a bullet journal is great because you can plan your own way. You can create as many spreads as you want in any layout that works best for you. However, the main spreads in a bullet journal are:
1. Future log
The future log is basically a yearly overview of all the important things and key dates you need to remember in advance. For example, if you have a trip planned for August and it’s January, you can put that down in your future log.
2. Monthly log
The monthly log is an overall look at the key things you have to do for the month. It can be as fancy or as simple as you want. You can choose to create a traditional calendar spread or a more minimal list spread. 3. Weekly spread
The weekly spread is a more detailed look at the things you have to do for the week. There are many ways to organize your weekly spread depending on how busy or relaxed your week is. You can also make it into a daily spread if that works better for you.
What else can I do with my bullet journal?
Now that we have the basics, there are many other ways you can use your bullet journal. You can create create categories to track multiple aspects of your life. I personally like to use my bullet journal for school work so I made the spreads below:
An assignment planner
(Picture)
A spread to remind me of due dates
(Picture)
A study schedule
(Picture)
A course schedule
(Picture)
Inspiration for your own journal
You’ve made your future, monthly and weekly spread, now what? Below are some examples of the hundreds of things you can do with bullet journal.
Art
(Picture – Instagram)
Trackers
(picture – Instagram)
A final note
A common thing that happens with bullet journals is that people start out excited about it, but don’t have time to keep up with it, because they try to make it look pretty/ “insta worthy”. A simple way not to fall into this is to follow the classic K. I.S.S rule (Keep It Stupid Simple). If you’re starting bullet journal for the first time, keep it as simple as possible then as you advance and find what works for you. You can add art and other embellishments— or you can choose not to, if you’re very good at art. Start with just a book and a pen and see how far that takes you.