GET ORGANIZED | BULLET JOURNAL

In the previous article, we went over what a bullet journal actually is and how it can be beneficial to begin organizing your life (you could click here to read the last article). Some people get very intricate and have a system that is riddled with jargon, but here’s the good news - you don’t need much to get started. In fact, you only need a pen and a notebook.

The notebook that you use doesn’t have to be new, fancy, or pretty. It might also be a good idea to use a half-used journal you might have lying around. If you do want to buy a new notebook for the sole purpose of bullet journaling, many people recommend the Leuchtturm1917  or a Moleskin  notebook. These notebooks can be quite pricey; a few good cheaper alternatives like  Note For  can be found on TaoBao. 

THE BASIC

1. Index
An index is the backbone of the bullet journal. Generally, people would number their pages so it can be listed out on the index page so that in case you need to find something that you have already written, all you need to do is refer to the index to find it.

2. The Key

First thing you want to get sorted out is your bullet journal key; it is a set of symbols that you will be using throughout the journal. Make sure to remain consistent so that you don’t confuse yourself in the future!

3. Monthly Spreads
Similar to calendars, monthly spreads serves as a list of things you will, or need, or are planning to do in one month. This is a good page to view when you need to see the big picture before planning out details for your events. You can jazz it up with doodles, stickers, or any kind of keepsakes on this page. You don’t need to go all out, but it might be a fun way to keep the stray pieces of memories in one place.

4. Weekly/Daily Spreads

Here is where you would start writing down the details of your plans, notes, to-do lists, task-managing, etc. Depending on how you like to list out these things, you can have it in a weekly or daily form. Weekly or daily entries are the basics of bullet journaling. There are millions of ways to set up your entries, so it’s a matter of trial and error! You can start with daily entries and work your way up to weekly spreads, or if you only like either one, it will work just as fine.

5. Extras

Now for the fun part - extra pages! On these pages you’ve got the freedom to create whatever you want. Some use it as a personal tracker, whether it is mental health, habit, or goal tracker. A lot of other options can be used on these free pages such as birthday lists, books to read, list of goals, or bucket lists - all kinds of lists according to your needs.

Pro-Tip 

Most journal-based lifestyle gurus provide free printables for your bullet journaling needs. They offer monthly, weekly, daily spreads and other layouts to download and print if you need a simpler set up experience.

Start Your Bullet Journal Today

The system can be a lifesaver - bullet journal is a very versatile system to get your life together from a cluttered mess. Starting a bullet journal can help your way to working towards your goals with productivity and purpose. 

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