With the new year comes a tide of resolutions and people looking to start the new year off right. Many people resolve to lose weight, and a large number of people want to get organized. Jumping on a bandwagon, the Bullet Journal concept has been spreading like wildfire. But bullet journal groups quickly overwhelm newbies with extensive spreads, handlettering, book and pen reccomendations and reviews. It is all very overwhelming for someone who wants to make their life simpler. Insert: the bullet Journal dilemma.
What is a Bullet Journal?
A bullet journal takes us back to pen and paper, when we are lost in a land of cell phones and social media. Instead of scheduling our appointments on our Google Calendar, we use an old fashioned planners. It simples life, and quite literally put your life right in your pocket for easy access.
The system is simple: Topics at the top of the page, bullets break down tasks, events, and notes, and a key (or index) defines the symbols.
Of course, bullet journaling can dive deeper once the person adds modules. The index helps the person find their lists (basically a table of contents). The future log and monthly log replaces a traditional calendar. And the daily log is a glorified to-do list.
It’s actually very simple, once you get the hang of it, and means to be quick and effective at organizing your life. Curious? Start here.
What do you need?
Point blank, a bullet journal is a simple notebook, and a pen or pencil is a standard tool for writing. That is all you need!
But of course, you might choose a notebook based on size, line width or lack of lines, or some people prefer grids, dots, or blank pages. Some people enjoy crisp lines and want to use a straight edge or rules. Some people, myself included, prefer to color code events, notes, and talks. Some pens glide smoother than others.
Suddenly a pen and notebook isn’t so simple.
The Dilemma
There is no right or wrong way to bullet journal, and so many people have taken the lack of guidelines and freedom to customize as an opportunity to create an limitless outlet for extensive spreads, countless trackers, themed months, artistic expression. These journalists are intense. The creativity and originality is pure art. It’s stunning.
And to a true beginner, who wants to grab life by the reigns and control their week, month, and year, these spreads are simply overwhelming.
The Solution
Start with a simple list. Choose a “dump list” where everything goes, then migrate the tasks into a weekly or daily to do list. From there, add some daily trackers; perhaps items you do each day (like fitness, hygiene, cleaning) can get a weekly chart to keep you accountable.
Don’t care about your moods, the weather, or how many episodes of Game of Thrones you’ve watched? Can’t draw even if you’re tracing the coloring sheet below? Don’t worry about it. These things do not add to your productivity, and are simply an outlet for artistic expression.
As time goes on, and as you are habitually using and referring to your journal, you will naturally crave new spreads. Your creativity might develop. You will realized you aren’t using certain pages, and choose to neglect them. This is normal. This is your development as a bullet journaller.
Are you going to be the next Van Gogh of notebook organization? Probably not. But if you are able to check off a few more boxes on your To Do List, I would consider that a win.
Keep the simple, simple. That is all. List on my friends! Show me your spreads in the comments below.