Bullet Journals can be really intimidating from the outside looking in; there are so many ways to use them and manipulate them that knowing where to start is a whole other world. This is where I come in - offering advice based on my experiences in the planning world.
It's easy to scroll through Pinterest or Instagram and find a million different ways in which someone has utilized a Bullet Journal (often called a BuJo). At the same time, it's important to know why you're starting one and what the purpose of it will be. This will be your starting point.
Focus on your intentions and you're halfway there.
What is a BuJo?
A BuJo is essentially a blank notebook that gives you the opportunity to create the pages in whatever creative way you wish to. In typical fashion, it's in the form of a dot grid book. The grids often help align whatever goes on the page and gives freedom in setting it up in whatever you see necessary.
Every page then becomes dedicated to whatever you want - it provides freedom in design and layouts.
With most planners, everything is pre-set; we choose the layouts that the planners come with. That is the choice that is made with most planners. BuJos offer something entirely different - an empty canvas that stares you down until you put ink to paper. Every section and page is fully and completely in your hands.
Scheduling time to design and utilize your BuJo
Starting a Bullet Journal can be intimidating; starting with a list of all the pages you want to record in your journal is the best first step. Every layout and grouping that comes from that list is entirely based on what you think and your needs. It can be general at first or you can dive in fully without hesitation.
BuJos take time and effort - that is the con of a Bullet Journal when the best pro is ultimate freedom.
The artistry and creativity comes from the level of dedication and time you have to put into the Bullet Journal. From simple lists to watercolored and stamped layouts, Bullet Journals are designed to the level that you put into it. There is no right or wrong answer - if it works for you, then it's a beautiful Journal. Remember, Bullet Journals can also just be a simple monthly calendar and then a to-do list for each day. Minimalism is beautiful in its own way! And, if that's your preference, that's great!
It is very important to put focus and schedule time to set up the spreads to whatever degree you feel necessary; it can vary from a layout set up party with Netflix at the end of the month to a weekly coffee date with your stickers, tapes and journal.
Just remember that Bullet Journals can get exhausting at times, and it isn't for everyone.
Don't let others define your BuJo
The biggest thing to remember with Bullet Journals is, though, is that it is for you. While the options and styles and inspirations are endless on the internet, it is important to know that what works for them might not work for you.
Don't let the intimidation of what others do or don't do in their journals define what you do with yours.
Often, I feel intimidated to return back to the Bullet Journal method because my artistic talent doesn't nearly come close to some of those who I follow. The watercoloring, the painting, the stamping and stickers - the sheer creativity and then simplicity that follows. People make it look effortless. But, at the same time, that time and energy spent for me to recreate those layouts I'm in awe of means giving up something else in my life that I cannot do.
I need to remind myself that their time and their journals are curated to them; what I would need and what I'm willing to spend time on isn't the same level. Therefore, my journal needs to be mine. I also get nervous posting mine thinking it's not as good as theirs -- it is just as good because it is mine.
The journal is meant to keep you from chaos and if it's bringing you stress and chaos to design, then it's not for you.
Trust yourself and whatever you create will be your kind of beautiful.
What are your thoughts on the Bullet Journal? What are your pros and cons? Have you thought of trying one but never did for specific reasons? I would love to hear!
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