How to Bullet Journal
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Starting a bullet journal doesn’t require fancy tools. All you need is a blank notebook and a pen. The beauty of the original method lies in its simplicity. Opt for a notebook with a dot grid for flexibility, but a lined or blank notebook works just as well. The goal is to create a system that works for you, without the pressure of making it look perfect.
Step 2: Set Up Your Key
The key is an essential part of the bullet journal, helping you quickly identify different types of entries. Carroll’s method uses simple symbols:
- Tasks: Represented by a dot (•)
- Events: Represented by an open circle (o)
- Notes: Represented by a dash (-)
- Completed Tasks: Marked with an X
- Migrated Tasks: Marked with a right arrow (>)
Feel free to customize these symbols to suit your needs, but keeping them simple ensures you can use them consistently and effectively.
Step 3. Create an Index
The index is one of the most critical components of the Bullet Journal Method. It allows you to easily locate information within your journal. Leave the first few pages of your notebook blank for your index. As you add entries to your journal, jot down the page numbers and titles in the index. This way, you can quickly find your daily logs, monthly spreads, and any collections you create without flipping through the entire journal.
Step 4: Monthly and Weekly Logs
Each month, set up a monthly log. Write the month at the top of the page, then list the dates down the side, leaving space to note events and tasks next to each date. This provides a quick overview of the month ahead.
For weekly logs, simply decide on either a one page or two page layout depending on your need. I typically need at least half a page per week, but have also structured my weekly spreads differently based on what I want to track or what time of year it is (during school or over the summer). That’s the beauty of the system, it is flexible to meet your individual needs!
Step 5. Add Collections
Collections are a fantastic way to group related information together. They can be anything from a list of books you want to read, to meal planning, to fitness goals. Think about what areas of your life could benefit from focused attention and create collections for them. Label each collection clearly and add it to your index for easy reference. Collections help you track progress and maintain focus on specific areas of interest or concern.
Step 6. Reflect and Adapt
The final step is to regularly review and adapt your bullet journal. Set aside time each week or month to reflect on your entries. Assess what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your system accordingly. The flexibility of the Bullet Journal Method allows it to evolve with your needs. By consistently reflecting on your process, you’ll find ways to make your journal even more effective and personalized.
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll is a straightforward, adaptable system that is so freeing! No more wasted planner systems that you have to conform to in order to find them useful. By starting simple and customizing as you go, you’ll create a powerful tool that supports all of the messy middle challenges and changes that you face before evolving into your new adulthood. I really believe you’ll soon find that bullet journaling is not only helpful, but the process itself is therapeutic and authentically YOU.