There are many ways to become more organized, but one method recently caught our attention: bullet journaling. What is bullet journaling, you ask? Well, In a nutshell, it’s a creative and mindful way to keep track of your to-do lists, weekly or monthly calendars, notes, and goals – both short-term and long-term.
The original Bullet Journal Method was created by Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer diagnosed with learning disabilities at a young age. He found he needed to seek alternative ways to stay focused and be productive. Now, he focuses on teaching individuals about his method and how it can help them go from “passenger to pilot” of their own lives.
Want to try bullet journaling? Here’s how to get started.
Tools for Bullet Journaling
While you can purchase the original Bullet Journal ($25.95, shop here), any type of notebook can work. You’ll also need a small ruler and, preferably, a bullet-tip pen. For a creative spin, you can purchase multiple colors of bullet tip pens, gel pens, calligraphy pens, stickers, washi tape, and other fun stationery products. Here are some of our favorite sites to buy creative bullet journaling supplies:
The Bullet Journal Methodology
Once you have your tools, start by creating an index on the first page of your notebook. This will help you keep track of your pages and easily reference them when needed. Following the index page, set up sections such as a future log, a monthly log, a monthly task list, a daily log, and a rapid log. In your future log, you can list tasks you need or want to complete by a future date. On your task lists, you can include grocery lists, books you want to read, or lists of who you’ve bought holiday gifts for and who is still pending. At the end of each month, cross out finished tasks and note ones that still need to be completed.
It’s All About Mindfulness
It may take some trial and error, but in the end, bullet journaling is about being mindful. Don’t allow yourself to feel like there is only one way to journal or become frustrated because yours isn’t perfect. There is no right way to bullet journal; it is merely a place to organize your thoughts and keep track of things. How you do your bullet journal will evolve until it works for you. Enjoy the process of focusing on yourself and your time, and make it your own.
Have you tried bullet journaling? Share your experience with us in the comments below!