Of all the journaling methods around, the bullet journal is the probably easiest but has the most confusion surrounding it. You may have seen a bullet journal before and loved how they can be customized into your own perfect personalized journal. You may have also seen one of these journal styles and thought “What the heck? It looks like graphing paper.” They do allow you to create a journal perfect for you in every way but the operative word is “create”. They do require you to get the creative juices flowing and make something that works for you. But once you do, you will fall in love.
Once you know how to make your own bullet journal, and how to use it properly, you can create an effective way to organize your life…every detail small and large, if you want to. Here are some simple steps to making and using a bullet journal effectively.
The Set-Up of a Bullet Journal
A bullet journal is different than most types of journals. The initial set-up is to determine what symbols you will use in the journal. A bullet, for example, may simply be to mark something that you need to do. You may then want to use an asterisk to mark something that is a long-term goal. This will go on until you have a symbol for each thing you want to track such as your daily to-do list, long-term goals, short-term goals, fitness goals, and even financial goals. You will need to put these symbols in an index to keep track of what you are doing. What other journal can track as many goals and projects as you can dream up?
Feel free to make your journal a reflection of you by using various colors, fonts, doodles, stickers, stamps, washi tape, etc. If you create something you love to use, you will only set your self up for success.
When to Use a Bullet Journal
You should be using your bullet journal on a daily basis just as you would an agenda book or planner. When you make your index and you start the journal, make sure you have a date at the top of the page. Mark off what you have accomplished each day. At the end of the day, start the new day by moving the uncompleted tasks over to the next day. Having to do this keeps you accountable and it serves as a daily reminder of your goals.
How the Bullet Journal Helps You
The bullet journal is primarily there to help you with organizing your tasks and making it fun to do so. It is for the person who procrastinates or who has far too much on their plate to keep up with. It helps you organize your goals, keep them in line, and keep on top of them in order to make sure they reach their goals. You will also find that it helps you declutter your mind and your life as you get used to having the journal that works best for you.
Photo Credits: María Garrido, flakyredhead
