It all came to a flash point back in October. Deadlines were filling my inbox, my manuscript was quickly approaching its due date, and emotional meltdowns were cropping up on a seemingly hourly basis. I needed a better organization system and I needed it fast. So I started my Bullet Journal.
And I’ve never looked back.
What is a Bullet Journal?
Bullet Journaling is almost like a cult phenomenon. I first heard about it last year but I barely gave it a second thought. I was happy with my Google Calendar and didn’t see any reason to switch away. But then this fall rolled around and I was walloped with quickly-moving deadlines and various projects that needed attention every week {and some every day}. But every time I picked up my phone to glance at my calendar, I’d see a text or a missed phone call, and my productivity levels would plummet. Plus, there is something totally satisfying about taking a pen to paper. Clicking a box on a computer screen just doesn’t have the same sense of fulfillment that crossing out a checklist does!
But here’s the thing: when you first begin your Bullet Journal, it can seem overwhelming. There are dozens upon dozens of resources on the internet and almost every single one makes it seem more complicated than it needs to. In fact, I spent quite a bit of time on the main Bullet Journal website, trying to decode the mystical world of this analog system….and it confused the hell out of me. So I struck out on my own, ignoring the noise and blog posts that show you elaborately beautiful journal pages with complicated instructions on the correct symbols and placements of key phrases. And in the end, I found a Bullet Journal system that works for me. I’m here to share that with you. Let’s take a look!
This post does contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you purchase the items. As always, I appreciate your support!
The Journal
The first thing you need to purchase is a journal and I’d highly recommend you spending the money on a decent one. I bought a black Rhodia dot grid journal and it’s perfect for me. It’s about 5.5 x 8 inches which means it’s small enough for me to carry in my purse or backpack but large enough that it doesn’t feel cumbersome. The pages are thick enough that you can’t see the ink through the back. Most important, however, is the dot grid pattern. I really prefer the dot grid since it still creates the tidy and straight lines, but you don’t have to worry about drawing over existing lines like you would with graph paper.
Added bonus: it’s crazy durable. I chuck this thing around my car, in my gym bag, and from office-to-home and back again, and it holds up.
The Pens
I really didn’t think pens mattered–until I purchased a cheap set that bled all over the pages of my new journal. Lesson learned!
The Staedtler brand was highly recommended and I finally bit the bullet {haha, get it?!} and purchased the 10-pack of Staedtler fineliner pens. They don’t bleed on the pages of my Rhodia journal and they have nice fine tips which is important for writing in small spaces. Plus, you get ten different colors which has called for me to go a little crazy with the rainbows from time to time……I’m learning to reel that in!
Index
You’ve got your pens, you’ve got your notebook. Now it’s time to set up your Index! The index is the guide for the entire book, so it’s important to set it up first thing. You know how books have Table of Contents at the beginning? That is exactly what the Index is.
For me, the Index is growing gradually. I started with my Future Log {more to come}, and then simply added my October calendar since that is when I began the entire Bullet Journal. But here is the beauty of the index: anytime I added to a category, I can just flip back to the Index and add the new page number. For example, I have a category in my Index called “Manuscript.” Anytime I outlined a chapter for my book or identified photos or really anything else pertaining to the book, I would add that page number to the Index. Then, when I needed to reference something, I could just flip to my Index to find the page number.
This may not seem like a big problem when you first begin your Bullet Journal, but as the length grows, you will find yourself flipping through pages upon pages trying to find where you tucked away your “Accounts Receivable” page. Having an Index is such a time saver and a great way to keep everything organized.
Pro tip: skip the 95-colors that I decided to use. It was fun at first but now I kinda wish I didn’t have to see the entire rainbow every time I glance at my Index! But, you live and you learn– and I know my Index on my NEXT journal won’t be quite so technicolor!
Page Numbers
After setting up your Index, I think it’s easiest to go through your journal and number the pages. I like to do that in bulk, numbering at least 50 at a time. Of course, it’s super easy: I just write the number and circle it in the lower corner of each page. This is helpful when you are trying to locate page numbers for your Index. It’s kind of hard to decipher a page number if you haven’t written them in yet!
Future Log
After setting up my Index and page numbers, I went through and created a year-long calendar. For many people, this may not be necessary. Maybe you don’t book things months in advance? Then you likely don’t need this. But Will and I tend to have our calendar filled six months out and it’s important that I can glance at a single future month and know whether that date is available.
So far, I haven’t done anything super fancy with this section. I simply split each page into three rectangles, each one assigned to a future month. Anytime an event crops up, I put it in my Future Log with the corresponding date. Then, when I set up my Monthly Calendars {more below}, I can just reference the applicable month.
The Bullets
The Bullet Journal gets its name from somewhere and I suspect this is the spot! Many of us naturally create checklists in our daily life so we’re going to do the same thing here in our Bullet Journal. But first, you have to decide on the bullet system that works best for you.
You see, if you go to the Bullet Journal website, they have quite a complicated list of suggested bullets that indicate you are journaling “properly.” I tried some of those for a hot minute but realized they didn’t make sense for my life. Instead, I settled on four that agreed with my style:
Each bullet represents a type of task. For example, if I use a regular bullet next to a task {•}, it means it is something I need to accomplish. Once I complete that task, I draw an X through the bullet dot. If I don’t get that task done that day and it needs to be moved, or migrated, to the next day, I use an arrow {>} symbol. Then, when I re-record that task on the next day, I will use the reverse arrow symbol {<} indicating that it was migrated. This helps me remember that it came from the previous day so there is a good chance I should tackle it first.
If I have an event on a particular day, I use an open triangle to indicate that in my task list. I have also seen some people use open circles but for whatever reason, the triangle stuck for me! For me, this can be work meetings, phone calls, coach-in-training sessions, whatever. Once the event is completed, I fill in the triangle to indicate it’s completion. If the date gets changed, I use the migration arrows just like I described above.
Want to try a Bullet Journal? Here is an easy guide for beginners. Share on XFinally, if I have a task on my list that is super important and I want to make sure I remember that, I’ll usually float an exclamation point {!} in the margin next to the list. This is just another visual cue that helps me prioritize.
Content
The majority of my Bullet Journal is broken down into three categories: Weekly Logs, Monthly Calendars, and individual pages.
Individual Pages
I have various pages scattered throughout my journal, showcasing various lists and details I want to remember. For example, I created one page called “Blog Posts Ideas.” Anytime I think of a new post idea, I add it to the list before I forget. I also have an “Accounts Receivable” page for all of my freelance and blog invoices. I include the brand, the dollar amount, when I invoice them, and whether or not I’ve received payment. In particular, this page has been incredibly helpful in organizing my invoicing system. I actually used to do a lot of it by memory but that became challenging with vendors who pay 3-6 months out. I found myself forgetting that I was owed money {and sometimes a lot of money!} Don’t forget: anytime you create a page like this, add it to your Index! I’ve referenced my Index a zillion times because I can never remember what page my Accounts Receivable is on!
Weekly Logs
Currently, a Weekly Log is where most of the action happens in my Bullet Journal. And for me, it has been major trial-and-error to find a format and design that I like to look at while still being efficient and helpful. This is what I have settled on:
At the beginning of every week, I sit down and create this page. It takes about 10 minutes, but it’s organizationally helpful too. By the time I’ve written everything into my log, I have a good idea of what my week looks like! Personally, I like to include the To-Do list on the side also. This is for stuff that I know I need to get done this week {i.e. invoice a client} but doesn’t need to be done on a particular day. For example, I’ve been setting up OR Show appointments for January. It doesn’t matter when I get that done this week; it just needs to be done.
I’ve also decided to include a small Workout Log at the bottom corner. Usually this isn’t something I would track like this {or track at all!} but my fitness took a beating while writing my manuscript and I’ve been gradually rebuilding. It’s important to get my 5-6 workouts in every week, and recording them in my Bullet Journal has made me more accountable.
Does your Weekly Log have to look like this? Absolutely not. Mine has gone through many iterations. In fact, when I’m super busy, I have to further dissect my Weekly Log and create individual pages for a single day. I did this the entire month of October and it was helpful in accomplishing everything I needed to do. But now, my manuscript is turned in and our company has closed for the winter, so my task list is more manageable. As a result, I don’t need a daily list right now.
Monthly Calendar
I create a Monthly Calendar at the beginning of every month. Again, yours doesn’t have to look like this; find what works for you! On months that are looking busy, I’ll sometimes expand the calendar to include the entire page to account for multiple events in a single day. But currently, this format works great for me!
Does the setup take some time? Sure does. I spend about 30 minutes at the beginning of every month, going through my Future Log and making sure I’ve transferred everything important to my Monthly Calendar. After all, this calendar is what I then reference for my Weekly Logs. Just like the above, I prefer to have “To-Do” list section along with my calendar. This helps me track tasks I need to accomplish that month but aren’t tied to a specific date.
Artistic Flair
If you google “Bullet Journal” online, you’re going to see some of the most beautiful pages you’ve ever imagined in a journal! In fact, check out this page on Pinterest. Do you see that artwork?!
That’s the thing with a Bullet Journal: if you immediately try to compare your journal to what others are doing, you’re going to fall flat. Some people thrive with art and can create complex and visually stunning pages without even trying. Others will be intimidated by that and discard the journal entirely if forced to get creative. I fall somewhere the middle. I originally thought I would go with a basic approach but soon found I enjoy creating these pages. Are they as fancy as some of those Pinterest pages? Absolutely not. Will I ever buy stamps or Washi tape to decorate my journal pages? Probably not. For me, that would be stressful because I’m just not that artistic. That said, I do enjoy putting a little flair on the pages as you can see from my arrows and whatnot. The only accessory I use for my journal is a small ruler like this one. I tuck it in my journal when I’m not using it, but it helps me create straight lines when creating the pages.
Bottom line: find what works for you. {And then reference Pinterest for some neat ideas on how to format your pages!}
Now go forth, my friends. Journal til your heart is content. And check back and let me know how it’s going!
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