Before starting to discuss using a bullet journal, let us go over some basics. This can be helpful if you are starting your very first bullet journal, but also a good refresher course even if you have a little experience.
What is a Bullet Journal?
Think of a bullet journal as having a planner, calendar, list of goals and things to do, and all the other aspects of your day in one book. While called a “journal,” it is not written in long paragraphs with all text like a traditional journal would be.
Instead, the bullet journal has different sections that are laid out in the front “Index” page, and most text in the journal uses symbols called “signifiers.”
These allow you to quickly add information to your bullet journal without needing the time and energy for writing long paragraphs, which often takes up too much space in this type of journal.
For example, a signifier relating to money coming in or paying a bill might be the $ sign, while you might have a simple checkmark symbol for completing a task. You may use a smiley face if you had a good day or a frowning face for a not-so-good day.
This is just a short summary of what a bullet journal is or can be. For more information on a bullet journal, read the article, “What is Bullet Journaling?”
A Bullet Journal is Completely Customizable
One thing to keep in mind about a bullet journal is that they are customizable. You should look at other journal pages to get inspiration and new ideas for layouts, but you do not need to copy every page.
The bullet journal is most beneficial when you adapt your own personality, whether that means the types of pages or collections you include, how they look, the overall layout, or just the colors and design aspects you use.
It is okay to start simple, then begin customizing it more as you get accustomed to creating new pages.
A Bullet Journal is Versatile
There are so many things you can do with a bullet journal and it has many uses. You can use many different types of pages or just one kind. The neat thing about this is it is completely up to you.
It is almost impossible to list all the possible pages you can have in your bullet journal, though there are some that most people will end up always using.
A bullet journal is so versatile.
Bullet Journal Pages
Here is a look at some of the first pages to start with, but many more are available for later.
Calendar Pages
No matter what else you have in your bullet journal, you at least want to have calendar pages. These are what makes a bullet journal a “planner” and are also the very first pages you fill out in the bullet journal.
You will have a variety of calendar pages for each month, including the main monthly calendar, weekly calendar pages with more room for text, and possibly some daily pages if you want to write a longer text. The daily pages usually have spots for different information, such as tasks to complete that day, events, appointments, meal planning, and lots more.
The calendar pages are going to be your main pages as these will hold important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, and other important events.
Tasks and To-Do Lists
After the calendar pages are filled out, you will then move on to your tasks and to-do lists. You will want to refer to your calendar pages when planning your tasks and to-do-lists so as not to overbook yourself. These pages help you breakdown your weekly or daily chores, or other things that become important in your busy day-to-day.
When you have completed a task or a to-do-list you can decide what “signifier” you would like to use to show what you have accomplished. It may be something as simple as a checkmark. There are many things you can add to your bullet journal collection to make it more enjoyable too, such as colored pens or pencils, stickers, or other things.
Trackers
Tracker pages, such as mood trackers, are great when you are working toward a goal. Maybe you are trying to track your mood to figure out what causes anxiety or panic attacks, or you are tracking the number of days you have followed with a new routine you started. Or you decide to use these pages with your weight loss or other goals, and you want to track how you were feeling each day. You can have a lot of fun with these pages.
For ideas on goals, you can set using your journal, see “Ideas for Goals to Set Using Your Journal.”
Collection Pages
The last type of page you may want to use is the collection page. These pages are essentially different types of lists for things you want to do, see, or accomplish. Maybe you would like to refer to these pages as your “bucket list” pages.
The collection pages are completely customizable and might include anything from a list of things to do for your business, places you want to travel to, movies you want to see, or a wish list of books you would like to read.
The collection pages can also become your doodling pages to express what you are thinking about on any given day. So go get your colored pencils or stickers and have fun!
Miscellaneous Pages
Lastly, when you are starting your first bullet journal, you should know that you can always add more pages to it later. Therefore, you may choose to use a binder-style journal where you can easily add and remove pages as needed.
There is a combination of store-bought and printable pages that will allow you to personalize them for your own needs.
Think about your life and the things that help you stay organized or keep up with all the thoughts you have in your head daily. All these things can also be included in a bullet journal. That way you will have everything at your fingertips when you need it. The bullet journal can be used for many things instead of having multiple journals.
Happy Journaling!
Pamela
