Starting a Bullet Journal

Starting A Bullet Journal

What do I need to get started?

Notebook

Very little! You can buy notebooks specially designed for bullet journalling and I will look at those in more depth in another post but you can use any notebook. A lot of people like to use a dot grid as it gives more freedom whilst also giving some structure but that is totally up to you. It is possible to use this system in a regular lined notebook, or even in a diary or planner. A5 and A6 are both popular sizes as are B5 and B6. It depends if you want to carry your bullet journal everywhere with you or if it will be sat on your desk most of the time. You should experiment and find what works for you.

Equipment

To get started, you just need a pen or pencil and a ruler! It's that easy! Once you get used to the system, you may want to make your bullet journal pretty; this is when stickers, washi tape and colourful pens come in. This is also where stationery hoarding becomes addictive! You have been warned!

'You really don't need much to start bullet journaling: a notebook, a pen and a ruler.'

Under the rowan trees

What are the sections of a bullet journal?

Index

The index in your bullet journal is just like the index in a book. Simply number your pages, then add those pages along with a brief description into the first spread (two pages) of your notebook so that you can easily find what you are looking for.

Future Log

A future log is an overview where you can plan ahead and keep track of events coming up later in the year. Depending on how busy your schedule is, you can create one for six or twelve months across a double-page spread. Remember to add it to your index.

Monthly Log

Create a two-page spread for each month of the year. On the left-hand page, the dates (and days) of the week act as a calendar. I prefer just to add the first letter of each day of the week so I don't need to keep checking back. This is where you add appointments, deadlines, birthdays etc.

On the opposite page, start your first task list. This is where the bullet journaling system becomes really useful. Not only are you keeping track of when you need to go to the dentist but also of all the things you need to do in order to be productive. You can list everything you want to achieve this month whether it be a 10K race or a series on Netflix. Each task should have a simple dot bullet next to it.

Daily Log

Your daily log is where you break down those tasks into manageable chunks. On the page following your monthly log, write the date. You might be able to fit a whole week across a spread or if you are super busy, you might want a day to a page. Again, this is totally your personal preference and will depend on the size of your notebook and your handwriting!

How do I use a bullet journal?

All your entries should be short bulleted sentences to make the system quick and easy. Mark each entry with a bullet.

. Task

o Event

- Notes

Signifiers

Signifiers add extra meaning to bullets. Add a star to the left of a task to show priority or an exclamation to the left of a note to show inspiration. These stand out and make your entries easy to find. Why not come up with some of your own to make the system work for you?

Migration

At the end of the month, start a new monthly log. Migration is designed to weed out the items on your list that you are never going to do. The aim of this system is to make you more productive rather than busier.

Cross out the bullets on all completed tasks then review those left open. Is it still worth your time? If not, cross it out. If it is, turn the dot into a right arrow > and add the entry to the new monthly log.

 If a task is not due for some time, turn the dot into a left arrow < and add that event into the corresponding month in your future log.

Is a bullet journal right for me?

The beauty of this system is that you can adapt it to suit your needs. If you already have a beautiful planner or diary, throwing it away and starting from scratch makes no sense. Why not use the system to speed up the way you record entries in your diary and see how it works for you.

'The system is flexible and can be made to work for you using your favourite journal or diary.'

Under the Rowan Trees

Reviewing your lists regularly and getting rid of entries you are never going to act on or which have now become irrelevant is a great habit to get into.

I can highly recommend The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll. Once you understand the rationale behind the system it all makes so much more sense. Before you worry about making your journal pretty, focus on the basics.

Above all, it has to work of you.

I've put together a Bullet Journal Starter Kit which contains the basics you need to get started. Simply add your favourite notebook and you are ready to go!

Visit bulletjournal.com to learn more about the system and its developer and stay tuned for more blog posts focusing on specific elements of journaling and how you can adapt it to suit your needs.

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In cooperation with the international Bullet Journaling community and designer Ryder Carroll, Leuchtturm 1917 are writing the next successful chapter of the original Bullet Journal Edition 2.

The intensive exchange with the BuJo community has generated ideas for new features and details, with which Ryder Carroll’s ground-breaking method for self-organisation can be integrated into your own life even more intuitively. Enjoy more individual structure and creativity – with the new Bullet Journal® – Edition 2.

  • Specially developed low-transparency 120 g/m² paper
  • Page Dividers for smart markings on each page
  • Grid Guide for calendar overviews, diagrams and trackers
  • Sticker Set with practical monthly and weekly overviews
  • Pocket Guide with Bullet Journaling instructions
  • Cover also available now in the exclusive shade Blush

Grid Guide

Easily accessible right on the front cover, the guide will help you quickly layout your pages.

Built for BuJo

Edition 2 is packed with BuJo specific features including a Bullet Key, Index, and Future Log.

Smart Grid

Each of the 204 numbered pages features a dot-grid designed to perfectly balance various layouts with or without borders. Subtle markers help to quickly divide up the grid and display page status.

Room to breathe

The pages feature slightly larger margins to frame your content and make it pop. It also lends itself to lettering titles in either vertical or horizontal orientations.

More than meets the eye

Leuchtturm's new revolutionary sustainably sourced 120 GSM paper was specifically engineered to be the best canvas for your thoughts, no matter how you choose to express them.

Pocket Guide

Featuring lots of new information and visual examples, the pocket guide is a great resource for new and experienced Bullet Journalists alike. Bonus: it fits into the back pocket of the notebook and serves as a ruler.

Sticker Sheet

Quickly set up your Monthly Logs with the date-related stickers. Stick the metallic dots and bolts next to things you want to stay mindful of, both in and outside of your notebook.

Bullet Journal Edition 2 Features:

• 120 g/sqm paper
• Page divider for quick grouping of pages
• Detachable Bullet Journal® pocket guide in English
• Grid guide in the inside cover
• Set of stickers featuring days of the week, months and much more ...
• Ruling: Dotted
• Three page-markers
• Index, Future Log and 206 numbered pages
• Elastic enclosure band
• Gusseted pocket for small souvenirs, notepads or cards
• Thread-bound book
• Stickers for labelling and archiving
• Cover colour: Black or Blush with blind embossing "Bullet Journal"

• Format:
Medium (A5) 145 x 210 mm Hardcover

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