Bullet Journaling

Have your heard of Bullet Journaling? It’s a revolutionary system–allowing you to create a planner that encourages, customizes and motivates you to stay organized.

An Overview of Bullet Journaling

The creator is a guy names Ryder Carroll. If you have a chance, and want to learn more information about what it is and how to set it up, his overview YouTube video is awesome. 

Get Your Supplies

You can use any journal to create a bullet journal. But, think about function. Mine has to be small enough that I can take it places with me. My original one was a dot journal, which I got from Michaels for $5. You can create a bunch of drawings, boxes and flatlays with the dot journals. But, I was gifted this beautiful journal last year that’s lightly lined. It’s from Shinola, monogrammed with my initials. I’m pretty excited about it, and it’s really great quality if you’re looking for something special.

I also make sure to have calendar, phone and my old bullet journal close by for reference. Extras? A small ruler comes in really handy–it can be stored right inside your BuJo. Mine is similar to this one. Choose a pen you love. My favorites always tend to be Uniball rollerball pens, and you can even get them in fun colors. Stickers are optional, but as a former scrapbooker, they make the process fun. The ones I used are from Michaels.

More Than a Planner

You’d be surprised at how many things people use bullet journaling for. It’s really a great way to plan out what you want to accomplish, schedule it, and then tick off tasks on the way to accomplishing it. As for planning, I do love the “planner” side of it. I tend to work month-to-month for my job, and one month’s time span is just long enough for me to really get things done. Plus, it allows you to notate items and move things around.

My Favorite Unique Spread?

With my last bullet journal, I wanted to create a list of home projects that Scott and I still have to do. The great thing about bullet journaling is that it’s a work in progress. Might as well shoot for the stars, right? Worst case scenario–you don’t get something done.

As you go, you document what you’ve accomplished, what you don’t need anymore, and what you may want to use in your next month’s planning. 

My BuJo Setup…

Everyone’s bullet journal is going to be different. And, while I said I love the way Ryder Carroll explains the process and initial setup, I do mine a little different. For one thing, there is information I need right at the beginning. Think of it like a phone book. Remember phone books? I need a special section at the front with vital info I use on the regular. 

Then, comes the doctor page. My kids see a lot of doctors and specialists. And, the last thing I want to do while I’m on the phone with one specialist– trying to give info about another specialist–is to open up my contacts list in my phone. I use these page ALL THE TIME.

I keep their first and last name, specialty, phone number and address all together. This is also a very helpful resource for the spouse who doesn’t always deal with the doctor side of things.

Have You Tried It?

I had heard of bullet journaling years ago, and I finally jumped in after a friend recommended it. I love it. It really helps me stay organized, and it’s such an innovative way to keep track of my to do lists! Have you tried it? What’s your favorite unique section? I’d love to hear all about it.