Ok, I admit it.
I’m a stationery geek.
I love the way a new journal feels in my hands. I love the way a new pen, flows over crisp, white pages. I love the promise of organization and goal setting.
Every year, if I am not gifted a beautiful, custom and expensive journal at Christmas, I run out to an exclusive stationery store and buy one. It sets me back quite a few bucks, I tell ya. Once I get it home, I eagerly fill in the first few weeks. Then I try to adapt the other sections for my needs. I take it everywhere with me…in the beginning. But inevitably, by the end of January, my new journal is on a shelf somewhere collecting dust.
Are you like that too?
It’s really disappointing, isn’t it? You feel like you failed the journal, sitting all lonely and unused under some magazine in your office. But in reality, that journal has failed you.
A journal should be a tool to help you stay organized in your tasks and your thoughts. It should adapt to your needs and make your life better, simpler. If it can’t do that, it deserves to be forgotten.
And that is why I am absolutely in love with this new craze called bullet journaling, developed by Ryder Carroll. This simple organizational system is for those that never seem to be able to find a journal that fits their needs. It can be simple, see the video by Carroll, or it can help release all of your pent up creative juices, as you will see demonstrated in some of the bullet journal layouts below.
A bullet journal will help you set, plan and achieve your goals as well as get you super organized for 2021, if you use it.
I am going to warn you right now if you are new to the bullet journal phenomenon, there is a learning curve. And it will get messy in the beginning. It won’t be perfect, trust me. And I suggest you start out real simple, like the developer intended. Don’t get all frou frou and fancy till you have the organization part down. Because just like a regular journal, it’s useless if it is not functional for you and your life.
Related Post: 10 Bullet Journal Hacks For Non-Creatives
Honestly, you can use any blank notebook and pen to get started. I highly suggest that you just visit your nearest dollar store for supplies. Don’t go out and spend money before you decide if this system is for you.
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Here comes the fun part! Look through all of these bullet journal layouts and decide which ones are for you. Don’t forget to check out Instagram and Pinterest for more.
25+ Incredibly Helpful Bullet Journal Layouts To Plan & Track Your Life in 2023
LIFE & ORGANIZATION
Important Dates Tracker
Appointment Tracker
Goal Tracker
Chore Tracker
Meal Planner
Recipe Tracker
Book Tracker
Movie Tracker
TV Series Tracker
Milestone Tracker
Travel Packing List
Travel Tracker
Write a book, one chapter at a time.
FINANCES
Bill Tracker
Savings Tracker
Debt Tracker
Grocery List Tracker
HEALTH
Gratitude Tracker
Fitness Tracker
Weight Tracker
Sleep Tracker
Weight Loss Tracker
Habit Tracker
Water Tracker
Step Tracker
Jennifer
Sunday 7th of January 2018
I think you've inspired me to try more spreads. I carry a Moleskine with me wherever I go and I use it daily and even tag spots that I want to go back, I was not ever faithful to the bujo way. And that's because I am not an artist. The spreads were so beautiful, I couldn't compete....but NOW, there are templates? I'm so all over this (in a good way!)
Elena Peters
Sunday 7th of January 2018
I am not creative at all which is why I picked up those stencils from Amazon. Now I can add little icons and really nice headers. All I have to do is colour!
Denise
Friday 5th of January 2018
Some great ideas. And yes, I do find my journal collecting dust. Hopefully this time it will be different.
Elena Peters
Friday 5th of January 2018
I have had my journal for one whole year. I must confess, I only used it last year for about 3 spreads. I think that is a great start till you get the hang of it. Don't be over ambitious and remember that it is supposed to make your life easier, not stressful at the thought of using it. Good luck!