Bullet Journaling, explained
You can listen to this post on my podcast: Bullet Journal Review on Journal with Jenny
What is bullet journaling?
Recently, a friend asked me if I had triaed Bullet Journaling. I had to think for a bit, and then I remembered I had tried it a few years back. I recalled it was something I felt excited about doing, but I quickly gave up before I even got started because I didn’t feel I was “doing it right”. Clearly, this is something I have been working on: “Am I doing it right?”
If your wondering what a Bullet Journal is, it’s a planner system designed by Ryder Carrol to track the past, make the most of the present, and plan for the future. I think the first time I tried Bullet Journaling I thought I had to include every aspect of it, but I’ve given it another shot in 2020, and like most things, I’ve bent the rules a bit to make it my own.
Order Moleskin Bullet Journal on Amazon
What will you need?
A dotted notebook.
I personally am in love with any kind of journal from Moleskine.
These pens are the bomb.com...I’m obsessed with them! They even erase! Thanks to my friend, Quana, for this awesome Christmas gift!
I’ve also seen people use watercolors in their Bullet Journal. I’d like to try it sometime, too.
What’s in a Bullet Journal?
The first thing a Bullet Journal is supposed to have is an index. Quite honestly, I totally forgot about this and just started, so instead of an index, I tab special pages with Post-It flags.
You’re also supposed to have a future log for the year and a monthly spread as well as a daily spread, but I prefer to have my schedule on my iCalendar that is connected to all of my devices. Plus, I have come to rely on the alerts, so writing it in a journal doesn’t work for me. The first time I tried Bullet Journaling I think this is what had me freeze up and quit. If I did not follow the rules precisely, the perfectionist in me thought I shouldn’t even try.
Have you ever tried journaling and thought you weren’t doing it right? Did you stick with it or quit shortly after trying?
Let me know in the comments.
Another thing I’ve done differently than the first time I (almost) tried Bullet Journaling is the weekly spread. It is another thing most Bullet Journal users write out. I do not use the weekly spread to look at my plan for the week, but instead I use it to evaluate how I’m connecting with my values. (See Blog Post: Said Values Vs. Lived Values: https://tinyurl.com/vpkhrpt ) I make a list of my Values each week, and I write anything I’m taking action on in relation to those values.
Several Bullet Journal writers create habit trackers; I use the habit tracker for journaling and movement/exercise. I make a calendar for the month and mark off or write in what I did for the day. There is something very satisfying when I’m able to tick off the box each time I journal or workout. Other people use the Bullet Journal to track weight loss, travel, or mood, for example.
When exploring online what kinds of collections people create in their Bullet Journal, I have seen meal plans, recipes, memories, and goals. I decided to collect information I have gathered over the years about myself from various tests I’ve taken like Gallup Strengths Finder, Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies, and many more. So my Bullet Journal includes my strengths along with information about my personality and how I work best. I also started collecting what I am grateful for in addition to my daily affirmations.
Even though MY Bullet Journal is not exactly how it’s supposed to be...it works for me. And I think that’s the most important thing to take away from this. Several people have told me they don’t know how to journal or where to start or that they feel they are doing it wrong, but if you ask me, just do it. Make it your own. There are different types of journals I keep, and my Bullet Journal is like a sweet friend who makes me smile. It brings out my creative side - the little kid who loves to use cool pens and make things look colorful. The little kid who loves to dream and play while journaling.
My main tip is to try Bullet Journaling. Experiment and practice with what works best for you. There are loads of tips and images online. Don’t be intimidated by them, instead let them inspire you! And have fun with it!
Have you tried Bullet Journaling? What do you include in your Bullet Journal? If not, has this inspired you to give it a go? Please comment below! I love hearing from you!
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