By now you have probably heard of bullet journaling, since it is taking over Instagram. Bullet journaling basically means taking a blank journal and making it work for you to organize your life. Think of it as a super-charged planner, customized to whatever you need it to be. Keep pages for your goals, your budget, meal planner, daily calendar, blog schedule, to-do list… I can go ON and ON. Since there are so many options, many people are intimidated to even try it out. But I am here to help you get over that, since I think bullet journaling is basically the best thing ever.
I have been a planner girl my entire life. I have planners saved from middle school. Over my adulthood, my planner needs have expanded. In addition to my daily list of to-do’s, I was having a tough time finding a planner with enough room for all the notes I needed. So I bought a bigger planner. The year after that, I got an even bigger planner.
Last year, I had a large hardcover planner and two notebooks. It fit the bill, but lugging everything to and from work was getting to be a pain. I even bought a larger purse with a middle divider just to hold it all. I knew there had to be a better way.
I had been looking into bullet journaling for awhile, stalking sites like Boho Berry and Tiny Ray of Sunshine. I was hesitant to jump in since I am not crafty or artistic, and the layouts were so beautiful… I knew I would never be able to create something like what I saw on Instagram. But I was sick of having all my notes and lists in different places. I finally decided I don’t care what my bullet journal looks like. You won’t be seeing any beautiful bujo layouts on my instagram feed. 😉
Once I got over the fear of trying a bullet journal, it was time to get the supplies. I am going to share with you what I am using, since I did a ton of research on every possible journal, pen and accessory. So I am saving you some major time here. *I am using affiliate links, which means if you use one of my links to buy something I will get a small portion of the sale, but it doesn’t change the price or cost you anything extra! 🙂
Bullet Journal Supplies:
Leuchtturm1917 Notebook: Most bujo peeps either use this journal or a moleskin. After reading a ton of comparisons, I decided to go with the Leuchtturm1917 since I wanted already numbered pages. I was going to get lined, but decided on dotted at the last minute and I am so glad I did. I really wanted the berry color and Amazon was sold out at the time, so I ordered mine from The Goulet Pen Company. This is NOT sponsored, but I did want to give them a shout out since my journal was beautifully packaged and even included a hand-written note. Pretty awesome.
I love this notebook! There is a very slight bleed-through but it is not bothersome, especially since I use marker pens. It has two ribbon bookmarks, which is handy. I also like the elastic that holds the journal shut, since I toss it in my purse.
Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set: These pens are great, but a some are too thin for me. I don’t like super fine pens, so a few of these I won’t even be using.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens: I probably could have gotten away with just getting these pens. I love the way they write and the colors are awesome.
Westcott Technical Drawing Template: This was an add-on item, so I figured why not? Now I use this handy dandy ruler thing all the time for my layouts. Mila likes to play with it, too. Double win.
Stickers: I love this sticker book, it is full of so many fun options. I am keeping my bullet journal pretty simple, but these stickers are a fun way to jazz things up. I got it at Michael’s using a 40% off coupon.
Layouts:
This was the most intimidating part. I kept reminding myself I was doing this to make my life easier, and it doesn’t matter what my bullet journal actually looks like. When it comes to layouts, do a quick google or instagram seach (#bulletjournal, #Bujo, #bujoaddict) to see what you like and would need. I jotted down pages I wanted to include and started from there.
I decided on a few starter pages: future log, yearly calendar, and a few pages related to my blog stuff. Then I created a January habit tracker page, spending page, and goals for the month. I created one week at a time, since I am still figuring out what kind of weekly layout works best for me. After the first week, I realized changes that would make it more user friendly for me. It is still a work in progress.
I also realized I needed more room for notes, so now I leave two pages between each week. (for notes, blog ideas, etc) Basically, when I find I need to change something… I do it. I haven’t figured out a monthly “set” layout or pages. I might just change it up every week, to work for what I need. That is what I LOVE about this method of planning.
Final Thoughts:
I am so happy I decided to jump in and try bullet journaling. I love having everything in need in ONE small notebook! (my purse is so much lighter!) I can’t wait to see how my planner changes and evolves as the year goes on. If you have been thinking about trying a bullet journal, DO IT! You won’t be sorry and your life will be so much more organized!
I have been waiting for this post! I actually put off buying my new planner for the year because you said you were going to write it. I think I might try this. Love it! Thanks!
You really should! I have everything all in once place now and in a way I just couldn’t have it with traditional planners that are out there. I hope you give it a try, I think you will like it 🙂
I really need to try something like this. I have been feeling very disorganized this year!
You would love this! It really helps you keep everything in one place especially if you have a ton of projects you are trying to stay on top on!
I’ve always been a planner girl too. Love all of the fun colors, markers, stickers you can use with bullet journaling to make it your own!
Yeah and even with all the fun stuff I bought, my pages are pretty boring since I mostly use black pen! ha! But I still love it!
Love this, I have kept a journal since like 11 years old.
xo,
Kris
http://www.withlovefromkris.com
Me too! But this is more like a planner, it is just called a bullet journal for some reason! ha!
I love this idea of bullet journaling. And you make it look so easy!
It is easy! And now I am way more organized!! You should try it!
I’ve been trying to bullet journal, but I’m so terrible at it. I’m going to try some of your tips so that I can get more use out of it!
I so need to start a bullet Journal. I bought a new planner for this year and I am not exactly thrilled with it. Your post came at the perfect time.
If you love paper planners, you will love this option! Once I got over the fear of making it look a certain way. 😉
I’m fascinated by bullet journaling. I keep saying I’m going to learn more and start. I need to make the time to do it.
It seems overwhelming, which is why I didnt try it myself sooner, but once you realize you really can keep it simple you will love it. I am so much more organized now!
I’ve been wanting to do a bullet journal for ages! Thanks for sharing, I’m sure this will come in handy!
Cydney x
It is really working out for me as far as planning and letting me have everything in one spot! 🙂
i just started doing this and it turned out so fun to read through so far! Great post!
What a great explanation of bullet journaling. This is a system that really helps me stay organized!
I cant believe I waited so long to give it a try!
Love this! Having a bullet journal makes you more organized and makes you rethink what should be done!
Yes! I get so much more done when I am on the ball planning-wise. 🙂
I really love the concept of the bullet journal! I’m not consistent with it – but when I do have one I feel much more organized.
I am an obsessive planner. I go through my next day plans the night before so I dont forget anything. Thanks for stopping by!
I need to get into bullet journaling! Sounds like a great habit and practice to get into xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/before-spring-flowers-bloom/
I love it, but I have always loved my paper planner too. So this is just a stepped up version for me! 🙂
I started a BuJo a while back and now I can’t find the journal I started with! 🙁
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlifeblog.com
Oh no!! Get a new one! I am loving it 🙂
Over so been wanting to give this a shot in my journal – maybe this is the encouragement I need!
I have a pretty sad looking bullet journal. 🙂 It’s functional, but I would love to make it pretty. Thanks for the resources and for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
I love this!! I have a stickerless unorganized bullet journal *womp womp* i really need some inspiration, do you create YouTube videos on this? I help people plan and create online courses and I’ve been trying to implement a journaling piece to my instruction!