Perfect for planners, artists, creatives, goal-setter, and more, bullet journaling is a powerful journaling tool that offers multiple advantages. As a technique, bullet journaling combines mindfulness with planning, tracking, organization, note-taking, reflection, self-expression, and more. No wonder so many people have caught onto the craze!
Whether you want to transform your life, organize your work, or just have somewhere special to express and capture your creative ideas, bullet journaling can work for you.
And in our chaotic, unpredictable world, not only can your BuJo help you stay on top of all of life’s expectations and responsibilities, it can help you to manage stress and anxiety too because your BuJo is an easy and effective way to find clarity, which naturally helps you to feel more composed and in control.
To kick-start your new journaling habit, try these 5 quick-fire BuJo practices to try today…
1. Use a key
Creatives love bullet journaling because every page is a blank canvas that can become ANYTHING you desire. Unlike a templated journal, [like the Self Journal], bullet journals are blank meaning they offer ultimate flexibility. You’re free to track, plot, reflect, and capture anything you like - in whatever way you like.
Keys are a useful way to help you navigate your unique bullet journaling style. Your key is like a series of shortcut keys - each symbol indicating a different item. For example, a dot could mean an appointment or a circle could mean a task. You can draw your key, color your key, or even use stickers - as with everything bullet journaling, the only limitation is your imagination [and what works best for you, your style, and your life].
2. Make regular entries
While anything goes in your bullet journal, it pays to identify some recurring spreads that you want to keep. If you aren’t used to journaling, it’s easy to forget to keep your journal updated. This is where something like a weekly spread or a habit tracker comes into play. Take daily action, and you’ll soon find it’s a habit that becomes second nature and the true benefits of a BuJo will soon be apparent!
In terms of what spreads to keep, there are so many ideas to try. From date night ideas to financial tracking to mood boards, with a bullet journal, you can monitor, track, and reflect on anything that’s important to you.
3. Think big
The flexible nature of bullet journaling means it can be tricky to know how or where to start. Rather than focusing on daily tasks, start by jotting down monthly or fortnightly entries. Often, we deem things which occur less frequently as more important, so you’ll feel a sense of relief by writing them down. In addition to this, monthly or fortnightly tasks often give us daily or weekly tasks we need to complete in anticipation. Once you start recording monthly events, for example, you’ll find your daily and weekly schedule begins to fill up too.
4. Treat yourself to accessories
Bullet journaling is a stationery lover’s dream! If you want a good excuse to stock up on some more supplies, your BuJo is your permission slip.
Armed with colored pens, markers, pencils, stickers, or washi tape, you can add authenticity and personality to your journal and make it as unique as you are.
If you want to get into lettering and create spreads that are ‘Instagrammable’, you’ll even find templates that can help you write beautifully.
Bullet journaling is a fun way to express your creativity and wake up your inner artist.
So get yourself stocked up - and see what magic you can create.
5. Choose progress over perfection
A pristine, new journal is undoubtedly a sight to behold but it shouldn’t stay that way for long. If you’re spending time trying to ensure your bullet journal looks perfect, you probably aren’t getting much use out of it. Make your journal your own by doodling, scribbling or enhancing it any way you choose!
After all, perfectionism is just another form of procrastination!
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to approach your bullet journal. No spread is better than another. As long as you are getting out of your practice what you want out of your practice, you’re onto a winner.
Get Started with Bullet Journaling
Ready to get started with a BuJo practice? If so, here are some resources to get you going.
- The Scribe notebook is perfect for bullet journaling. You’ll love to create on the premium, dot-grid, fountain-pen friendly paper.
- Bullet journaling templates. A selection of over 20 templates to either trace over or stick in. An easier way to enhance your BuJo practice without the stress of the blank page.
- Bullet journal spread ideas. Split over 12 categories, this list of bullet journaling ideas will keep you busy for many journals to come!
