Bullet journalling has opened me up to a huge world of trackers, weekly spreads and fun creative page ideas. I was surprised at the size of the bullet journalling community when I first started journalling in 2017 and its even bigger now. There is even Youtubers who are sharing content all about bullet journalling.
I know bullet journalling is different for everyone, but the idea is for your journal to be a resourceful planning tool. I enjoy scrolling through online and seeing other peoples’ creations.
I am in my third year of bullet journalling and with each bullet journal I have developed. My lettering, the style of my layouts and the method in which I utilise the journal has changed. If you are new to bullet journalling, I have posts sharing bullet journalling essentials as well as the pros and cons to a bullet journalling planner system.
I am sharing 5 things that bullet journalling has taught me, see if you can relate to any of these:
1. I work best when I have tasks written down in the form of a list to check off
I like writing a list of all my daily tasks, being able to visualise means I can methodically work down the list, checking them off as I complete them. Being able to see the tasks I have achieved each day makes me feel productive and that I have had a successful day. It doesn’t work for everyone, it is important you find what works for you to be the most effective and productive.
2. Trackers motivate me
Having a habit tracker with the daily habits I want to commit to, helps motivate me to check off each one. Allowing me to be the most productive with my time, but I can also refer to them for example when did I last go to the gym, do a deep clean or post to Instagram. The great thing about habit trackers is you can tailor them to suit your lifestyle.
3. Writing down my goals keep me motivated and focused on achieving them
In my bullet journal I always write down my goals, as I use my bullet journal daily it keeps them on my mind continuously. Being able to plan all my tasks to achieve the goals I want to focus on.
4. It is therapeutic
Even when I designing simplistic spreads or creative colourful designs, I find it so relaxing and calming. When I am feeling anxious being creative helps to centre my feelings and I feel more myself. Who doesn’t like getting creative with coloured pens and washi tapes?
5. They are great for reminders
Sometimes I am so rubbish with remembering tasks or appointments, so having them written down is so helpful. As I use my bullet journal daily I will continuously see them and not forget. Also writing things down, means you can refer back or reflect on memories.
Bullet journalling can teach you a variety of different things, but you can even learn about yourself through it also.
Hey Lauren, your journal is too good. I don’t do bullet journaling. But tried once and that experience was so great. It makes you more productive day by day. Your post gave me some inspiration to start it again. I hope I will do that and will continue it.
Thank you,
Prashasti Patel.
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I don’t bullet journal but I can relate to a lot of these, particularly the goals and the lists! I love the idea of a habit tracker though – I can imagine is helps massively in helping you stay on track! x
It definitely keeps me on track and motivates me! Thank you for reading and commenting Jenny xx
I used a bullet journal format for a few years (2016-2018). Reading your post is inspiring me to start again!
That’s awesome!
Lovely post. I don’t know much about the world of bullet journals but they seem to be very popular at the moment and I can see why!
Kate | thelittlecrunch.co.uk
I have been doing it since 2017! It’s helpful, thank tou
My BuJo is sadly nowhere near as comprehensive as yours but I do love it for keeping track of my blog schedule and monthly stats. For my freelance work I tend to use a desk planner, so I guess we are the same in that we both prefer to write things down and tick them off! xx
Definitely writing things down is a great way to plan! Thank you for reading and commenting Lisa xx
These are really great points! Bullet journal has made my life so organized as well 😊
Thank you for reading and commenting
I totally agree, all of these are pretty much the reason why I have a bujo. Lovely post btw 💛
I don’t do bujo but I keep a ton of journals and diaries, even one on my phone. It sure gives me inspiration when I get to read my written progress!
–Athena Christy
https://athenachristy.wordpress.com/
That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing
I started a bullet journal this year after putting it off for ages. The layouts a bit rusty but it’s good to keep track of my mood and important dates plus it’ll be great to look back on stuff at the end of the year.
Yeah mine always starts off weak and ends strong (well I think so anyway haha) yeah it’s great to look back. Thank you for sharing x
You are so right! I find bullet journaling so therapeutic! While I don’t use my bullet journal every single day, I love it! I don’t actually find habit trackers to be very helpful for me, which I learned around the second bullet journal I had. I also love making lists! Something I started added to the end of last year’s bullet journals are journal like entries whenever I’m feeling stressed. I actually have a journal, but I like the idea of having both together. It’s cool to see what I was working on while seeing what was on my mind and my thoughts at the time. Great post xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
I have been including journal entries in this years bullet journal. Thank you for sharing Melina xx
I really agree that trackers really help with motivation because for me seeing the numbers in front of me makes me want to work harder. I also really like see my day to day tasks in writing as it makes me work harder x
Kayleigh Zara 🌟 http://www.kayleighzaraa.com
Definitely! Thank you for reading and commenting! Xx
Great points. I love my bullet journal. Writing down tasks really does help with motivation and the satisfaction of checking it off
Definitely! Thank you for reading and commenting x
I need to give bullet journaling a go! Do you find it takes quite a lot of your time up, or are you able to fit it in nicely on a daily basis?
Great post x
No, see it can be as simple or complex as you want. I block out time on Sunday afternoon or evening and plan the week ahead. Then Sunday before the end of the month will set up the next month xx
I use a Happy Planner but I’ve started using blank sheets for mood tracking and other things inside it. I don’t think I could go to a full bullet journal though.
I have to have things written down and listed out otherwise I’ll forget things. Too much going through my head at once. Love doing a brain dump page every now and then.
Great post!
That’s great you found a system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting! X
I’ve been bullet journalling for almost three years and I completely agree with you – it’s so therapeutic! But also like you I’m someone who works better seeing my tasks written down in front of me. Though in 2020 I want to start utilising mood trackers and habit trackers more to!
They definitely motivate me. The trackers are so handy! Thank you for reading and commenting x
I’ve always wanted to try and start bullet journaling, however I would probably end up forgetting to use it after the first week. I rely on my phone more to keep me on track since it has almost everything in there. Maybe one day I’ll just go for it!
Jordan | Myflourishingretrospect.blogspot.com
You have to do what works best for you. You should try and see it though! Thank you for reading and commenting
Bullet Journaling is great. It keeps me on track and organized. I feel like I am so productive. I love the satisfaction of crossing things after I do them too 😉.
Yeah it’s a great isn’t it, crossing them off and being productive
I completely agree with you on every point you raised! Using trackers and to-do lists are life-changing!! I’ve tried digital trackers but they are not as powerful as physical trackers.
Also, I agree that bullet journaling is therapeutic. I love taking the time to just focus on my journal and the artistic flourishes that I add or the plans that I am working on.
Definitely, I could be designing in my bullet journal for hours 😂🙈 thank you for sharing and commenting x
It is amazing that you have been bullet journaling for three years. I am the same way when it comes to tasks!! I am such a list-oriented person. I can cross them off and go to the next thing. It is great that your bujo is a two-in-one where you also feel good writing in it. Hope you will continue to find joy in bullet journaling!
Nancy ♥
Thank you so much Nancy!! ❤️
Have never tried bullet Journaling but it sounds so exciting
It is fun!
I totally agree with all your points! I still have to sep up my goals for this year but I love checking off my to-do lists, it’s so motivating. 🙂
xoxo Simone | https://beautymone.com
I hope you manage to achieve your goals 🙂
I want to start one of these
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I used to bullet journal a few years back and I LOVED how on track I was and how I could also be so creative! I really wanna start again but I have no time to plan and draw pages (even tho I LOVE IT) – but the whole “having lists keeps motivates me” is soooo true! I wouldn’t get anything done w/o lists! great post x
Yeah I wouldn’t either and I would forget so much otherwise x
I’ve read from a number of bloggers that bullet journaling is great. I decided I was going to give it a go for myself in 2020 but I haven’t done anything about it yet. Thank you for highlighting the many benefits – your designs are so pretty! xxx
That’s awesome! Pinterest is great for ideas and tips too. Thank you xxx
I’d kill to be creative enough to start a bullet journal, but I’m SO bad at anything creative & artsy when it comes to drawing and writing haha. 🙁 I’ve just started a gratitude journal though so maybe I’ll get a little better 🙂 x
Soph – https://girlvsworldblog.com <3
You definitely don’t have to be creative or artsy. You can have it however you want. I am not artsy, but I am trying to become better at it. A gratitude journal sounds great! X
Thinking about this, I am struck by how much writing does for me that is similar to what bullet journaling does for you! I love to pour out my feelings onto an empty page, and there is certainly something about a checklist to motivate me!
There is so much emotion in your writing, it is beautiful. Thank you for reading x
I’ve dipped in and out of bullet journaling a few times, but tend to stick to more of a diary/journal these days.
That’s great you have found something that works for you
Bullet journaling seems to work great for you. I tried it once, but struggled to keep up with it. This post makes me want to try again.
Why not? It might work this time 😊
Mine aren’t great but practise makes perfect, right? 😂🙈 thank you for reading and commenting x
That’s great! I hope it works for you!
I find it super helpful! Thank you for reading and commenting!
That’s awesome!
I have always wanted to start a bullet journal. I am always looking at others and liking them, the spreads and creativity that goes into them.
They can be so easy to use too x
I’m fairly new to the BUJO community(about a year old) and I have instantly found a home in it. Especially because it allows me to wind down and out from life’s stress while keeping me in check. It’s such a great tool.
That’s great it works for you!
It is a great form. Thank you for reading and commenting.