Wondering what’s the point or if it’s worth it? Maybe you’re feeling left behind or not accomplishing as much as you’d like. You seem to have a journal for everything – gratitude, daily reflection, lists, to-do’s but still fall short of your goals. Talk about unorganized, bullet journaling is for you!
Like your smartphone, it offers you customization and is a dependable tool. Say goodbye to unused inserts taking up space and uninspiring prompts. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into bullet journaling, what it is, and how it can benefit you!
First, What Even Is a Bullet Journal?
It’s a notebook or journal with black and white interior pages, including dots or a grid layout. Bullet journaling is a highly personalized system that allows you to plan, script, and get organized all in one place! Bullet journaling is where you keep track of your day-to-day using a system of layouts, bullets, and symbols. It’s an easy way to track your month/week, habits or goals, scripting, and diary entries.
This system was created by Ryder Carroll, a digital product designer, in 2013. His concept was to design a system that would help increase productivity after being diagnosed and struggling with ADHD. It also allows for mindful and therapeutic practices.
Okay, Is Bullet Journaling Actually Helpful?
Of course – unless you like using a separate journal for everything! You may currently use a separate journal for all your different needs. One for thoughts and emotions (diary), one for gratitude and thankfulness (gratitude journal), one for events and plans (planner), and the list just continues!
Wouldn’t it be great to have a journal that stores everything and has the exact layout you love? Something that:
- Allows you to take control!
- To decide the layout and all the different ways to use it.
- Has no more unused inserts or tiresome prompts!
- Holds many of your interests, ideas, and the many things you track – fitness, mood, plans, water intake, etc.
- Eliminates the difficulty to find the perfect journal to house all this great info.
So yes, bullet journals are helpful and worth it! They allow you to be fully in control and fully creative. Being able to put everything you need and practice in one space allows you to easily reflect and ensures no idea or note gets lost.
How to Easily Start a Beautiful Bullet Journal
Starting a bullet journal is fun and easy. All you need is a notebook, a pen, and some creativity!
Customization is at the center of bullet journaling, so it’s essential to choose a notebook that suits your interests and style. Blank pages, dotted pages, or squared papers are common options.
You then create a Table of Contents and an Index to easily locate your entries. Write the date at the top of a page, then create your categories or headings such as “Scripting,” “July,” or “Business Ideas”.
Add your tasks as bullets, and assign symbols to indicate their status, such as a dot to represent a task to accomplish, and an “X” to represent a task completed. This is where your creativity takes over, play with layouts and symbol choices.
Valuable Journaling Tips to Keep You Confident
Bullet journaling can be overwhelming in the beginning, but it’s normal to take some time to adjust and find your rhythm. Here are some tips to keep things easy:
- Start simple – Choose one or two categories or topics first before adding more later.
- Create a weekly log and daily log for a more thorough view of your tasks.
- Use colors, stickers, stencils, and designs to enhance creativity and make your journal more enjoyable to look at.
- Make sure to review and move unfinished tasks to the next day, week, or month.
- Incorporate self-care activities such as scripting, diary reflections, and gratitude lists to personalize and uplift your mood every now and then.
The Truth About the Benefits of Bullet Journals
Truth is, it’s become popular because of the significant benefits it provides. Bullet journaling can help you:
- Increase productivity and focus by keeping track of your schedule in one place.
- Reduce stress and anxiety by organizing your thoughts and tasks.
- Develop mindfulness and self-awareness by reflecting on your goals and emotions.
- Cultivate creativity by using colors and designs and exploring different layouts.
- Stay accountable by tracking your habits and progress.
- Manifest your desires by creating plans and looking inward for answers.
- Limit the use of multiple journals/planners.
They can be started at any time, you don’t have to wait for January! Start one today and try it out, reduce how many journals you use, or to simply get more organized.
Aren’t You Tired of Being Helplessly Unorganized?
Over using multiple journals, losing important ideas, or the un-organization? Then this is a fantastic tool for you. Become more tidy while keeping everything in one place. It’s easy to start, highly personalized, and beneficial for your overall well-being.
No more unused or undesired layouts and inserts. Incorporating bullet journaling into your daily routine, helps you get more done, feel more fulfilled, and ultimately, more successful in life. Just do it – start your journey and make the most out of your time!
References:
- Ryder Carroll. (n.d.). https://www.rydercarroll.com/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, August 9). What is ADHD?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html