It is the start of a brand new year and is a clean state for your mindset. You have the ultimate chance to reevaluate what you want for your life in 2021, what do you want to achieve and what you want to focus on. 2020 was a difficult year and although there is still some uncertain times ahead, 2021 is a fresh start for you to refocus and start the year off on as positive note as you can.
There is something so motivating about a new planner or a bullet journal, fresh pages that you can start planning and setting your goals. A bullet journal is a great planner system that you can tailor to your preferences. Bullet journals can help you be organised and the most productive with your time.
If you are new to bullet journalling and 2021 is your first year, you may be a little overwhelmed or not sure the best way to start your bullet journal. I am going to share some tips to help you set up your bullet journal for 2021.
1. Plan what pages you want to include
There are so many different spreads you can use however not all may apply to you. You can have pages like future logs, a key, goal pages for 2021, a brain dump, a reflection on 2020, recommendation pages, a bills tracker, highlight reels or even a year in pixels. There are so many things you can plan and track in your bullet journal as you can see from my 2020 bullet journal or you can search on Pinterest. There is no wrong way to design pages in your bullet journal and what pages you want to use, it is your personalised planner.
2. How do you want to use your bullet journal?
Depending on what you want to use your bullet journal for may alter what pages you use in the set up of your bullet journal. Some people use a bullet journal as their planners, some use it to keep track of their side hustles like their blog or their youtube channel or even as a mental health and health journal That is the beauty of a bullet journal it is blank and you can use it for a multitude of purposes. Once you have decided how you want to use the journal will mean you can eliminate some page ideas. This year I am using my bullet journal as well as my planner and my bullet journal will be where I record blogging information, mental health trackers and weekly to do lists (to save paper!). So certain pages like future logs and keys I do not really need in this years bullet journal.
3. Decide your style and theme
When setting up your bullet journal and your monthly spreads it is important to know what you want your bullet journal to look like. Do you want a creative spread that has doodles, washi tape and a colour theme or do you want a more simple design? Both are great and both will have the same functionality but it just depends on what you prefer. You can even swap back and forth with throughout the year. When designing creative spreads it can act as stationery self care activities which can be quite relaxing.
Here is my 2021 bullet journal set up
1. 2020 reflection
The first page after the 2021 cover page is my review of 2020. This is something I didn’t include in last year’s set up but I feel after a difficult year that reflection is very much needed. Reflection is something I find beneficial for my mental health and my personal development. I decided on the prompts; highlights, what went well and what did I learn? This year has been a big year for me and I can be guilty of alway thinking about the next thing rather than being present and appreciate what I have achieved. Using a page like this allows me to evaluate my year and gives me direction for what I want my next year to look like. A reflection like this allows me to end the year knowing what I have achieved.
2. 2021 goals
Setting new years resolutions was always so much fun when I was younger however for a number of years I changed to setting goals , affirmations and what I my focus to be throughout the year. I find that having specific goals and focuses motivates me more. Setting goals in personal and work life allows me to work towards specific targets and the art of setting goals to achieve is far more motivating than new years resolutions. Throughout the year when I achieve goals, I can set mini goals for the rest of the year. With 2020 throwing everyone a curve ball and it derailed a lot of my for the year; so I am going to make sure that although I have set goals to be kind to myself if some get put on hold or pushed back.
3. Things to check out
So many times I will be scrolling through social media and see people sharing recommendations and I will take a screenshot or jot it down in a notebook and I will forget about them. Having a page in my bullet journal that I use daily will allow me to keep all the recommendations in one place and it is somewhere I can refer to when I have time to check them out. I am very guilty of sticking to the same or similar things and I want to try and broaden my taste in these areas. If you have any recommendations please leave them in the comments.
4. 2021 highlight reel
I enjoyed this page idea for 2020 so I have decided to carry it on for 2021. As I have a HP sprocket I print out one of my favourite photos from that month. It is a two page spread which at the end of the year will create a year of memories. I journal throughout the year however this is another way to reflect and shares a small snippet of my highlights from the year. This is a great way to document positive moments that make you smile. If you do not have a way to print out photographs you could write about a fond memory or even draw it.
This is a simple way to set up your bullet journal for 2021 and start levelling up your organisation and productivity skills. Are you using a bullet journal this year? I’d love to hear in the comments.
I always love the idea of bullet journals, but I’m not that good at drawing.
You don’t need to be good at drawing, as I am not ☺️
You’re better at it then me.
I have been doing it for a while so I have had a lot of practise.
That’s amazing! I guess I give up too easily.
Maybe try it again soon ☺️
This looks so pretty! Every year I say I’m going to do a bullet journal and every year I just don’t because I have no idea where to start!
Well hopefully this post has helped you work out what pages you would need. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them ☺️
I like how simple your bullet journal looks rather than complicated and difficult to create.
It is super simple to set up.
Your spreads are always so pretty. I wish I was talented like you!!
It’s just practise, I am still not great, but I just keep practising. You could do this!!
Thanks! I am actually happy to stick to minimalist styles . With work and blog I don’t have much time 🙂
That’s fair enough ☺️
This looks really cool. Great effort on journaling! 😊😊
Thank you very much.
Love these! I tried to do one last year but I can’t draw. Looks good for artsy people!
It definitely isn’t just for artsy people. I did a spread last year June and July that was simple and how Ryder Carroll the founder of the bullet journal system designed. You can do it ☺️
I’ve seen so much about bullet journals and love all these tips! I’ve got a goal journal this year and really want to make sure I keep up with it xx
http://www.dellalovesnutella.co.uk/
Thank you! Good luck with keeping up with your goal journal.
Happy healthy New Year to you 😊
Thank you and to you☺️
Happy New Year! I love how you set up the first pages! You make me miss having a bullet journal! Thanks for sharing x
Definitely give it another go! Happy new year to you as well ☺️
I loved that you included pictures of your journal! I always say I am going to start a bullet journal, but never know where to start in terms of design
I hope this has helped you. If you are stuck with design ideas you should do the basic pages and then add your own design. Can you link your blog so I can read?
I love bullet journals and journaling in general. What a lovely idea for setting one up for this year. I can’t wait to get started and see how much I can accomplish this year. It’s going to be great!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
What a beautiful journal! I have wanted to do a bullet journal for years, and have never started because of how busy I am with work. This is so inspiring to finally get on board 🙂
Happy 2021!
Lindifique
I hope you manage to set one up this year, it is a great organising tool. Happy new year!
Happy New Year!! I love the different bullet journal spreads you have! So important to have the right setup to support your goals and give you a safe space to jot your thoughts down. Love that you have a section to reflect on 2020. Your washi tape is so cute too!! One of these years, I will set up a bullet journal :).
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
Thank you for reading and commenting. Keep your eyes peaked as I will be releasing my own already designed bullet journal for people to use.
In all my writing, I have to have a brain dump section. I often need pages to put random notes, lines from unfinished poems, things to do, places to submit writing to . . . I would love to see more ‘brain dump’ pages shared; in all those little thoughts and bursts there are jewels.
Thank you for sharing this!
Definitely brain dumps are useful. Thank you for reading and commenting Jaya!
It is always a joy!
I love the galaxy theme
Thank you very much.
Your journal is so pretty! I love the idea of a bullet journal, but drawing is so intimidating for me. Nothing ever turns out how I want it to.
Thank you. Well keep your eyes peeled as I am planning to release my own one soon for everyone.
I’ve been looking into many different ideas for this. I first came across them through reading your blog and this really helps me figure out how to start one and for what purpose. Thanks!
That’s great, I am so glad it has helped you. I have a blog post coming tomorrow that shows you how to set up for January. Can you link your blog so I can have a look?
Your journal looks lovely. I love your font. It looks like you typed it. The letters are so easy on the eyes lol
This year, I bought the same Posh Deluxe Organizer as last year. Different design but same layout. It’s a habit tracking planner and works for me. I cannot draw at all!
Thank you. I practise a lot. I am glad you have found something that works for you. I am releasing my own bullet journal soon for people to use.
I’ve never tried bullet journaling before but your post has intrigued me! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Maybe give it a go, it is fun but also a great way to personalise a planner
I really like the ‘things to check out’ page – I might add that to mine! xx
Definitely, it is a great place to jot them down when you see or hear about something that might interest you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Beautiful! I’m hoping to finish setting up my layouts this weekend, and then I can finally start my January weekly spreads! x
Sophie | https://www.loveandliterature.co.uk
I really wish I had the time to keep up with a bullet journal! Yours looks gorgeous!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Thank you!
I love.journalling and aim to do a lot more this year. Your pages look lush! 💜
Thank you! I hope you manage to find time to journal more this year. Can you link your blog?
https://lifeofacrazymum.com 💜💜 It’s started, and I’m determined to do it more regularly this year 🤞🤞
Good luck with the blogging this year.
I want to start a bullet journal this year – thanks for the article!
Good luck with creating your bullet journal. I have a post coming out tomorrow about how to set up January in your journal.
Happy new year! I love journals and one of my goals is stepping my journal planner game up. Definitely intrigued by the bullet journal. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
This is perfect! I have a new planner with dot pages in the back. I had no idea what I was going to do with it, but after reading this post I am overflowing with ideas. Thanks so much for sharing!!
That’s great you feel like you can now utilise those pages. Thank you for reading and commenting.
This looks nice. I’m not using journals but looking at this, makes me want to start using them.
Maybe give it a go this year?
Your journal is lovely! I’ve been using a planner but sticking to a more cut and dry approach. This is a great idea, thanks.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a fabulous 2021!
I don’t know if it’s just me being super nosey but I love getting a sneak peak into other people’s bujo! Yours is so pretty – I love the black and white lunar/space theme! And your washi tape! 😍
Thank you very much!
That’s great, I am glad this is helpful. I also have a post about setting up a gratitude journal which might be a great idea for your notebook too ☺️
Your journal designs look so minimalistic and pretty! I’m going to copy your concept if you don’t mind! Happy new year Lauren!
Not at all, tag me on Twitter or Instagram so I can see yours ☺️ Can you link your blog so I can read?
This is so creative, you’re so talented! I love the ideas and tips you’ve included here — thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great Post!! I’ve never done a bullet journal but they have always intrigued me. You’ve given some great ideas!!
Thank you lovely. Can you link your blog so I can have a read?
Wow these pages are gorgeous! You are definitely more artistic than I am — my bullet journal is buried under some stuff, but is far more plainer!
That’s is fine, I sometimes strip it back to bare minimum. It depends how busy I am that month. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are some really helpful tips and suggestions. I love the idea of a highlights reel.
I love the idea of printing out a photograph every month and including it in a journal. It’s so nice to be able to look back on. I have a HP sprocket myself so I’ll have to do this!
Definitely give it a go, it is great when you are flicking through at the end of the year.
Thank you for reading and commenting. Why not give it a go!
That’s great! I have just read your flip through post and you are very organised for your year ahead. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I only use my bullet journal for my blog planning purposes but I do keep a gratitude journal on an ad hoc basis. I love the idea of a highlight reel, Lauren, that’s such a good idea, I’ll have to incorporate one too! x
Thank you for reading and commenting Lisa. It is definitely a great one to look back on at the end of the year x
Amazing post! Thank you for these tips and inspiration! I’m going to make a bullet journal for this year soon so this is very useful! I love the design of your pages!
Good luck when you set it up, tomorrow at 8am I have a blog post showing how to set up January in your journal, so look out for that. Have fun with it and any questions send them to me and if I can answer them I will. Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Thank you! I’ll check that out!
Happy New Year! I love how you’ve set this up. This one is actually the first one I’ve seen that has 2020 reflection and I think reflecting on the previous year is so important! Of course, a lot of us feel like 2020 was a waste but it was still a whole year of life! I usually just journal thoughts, affirmations and goals but mine nowhere as pretty as yours haha! xo
Thank you for your kind comments. Can you link your blog so I can have a read?
Your journal looks so pretty! I really want to get into doing a bullet journal. It looks like such a fun and relaxing thing to do, and I like the idea of being able to look back on it. I’ve been collecting/buying a few things to include in it for decoration, I just haven’t got around to doing it. Maybe this year I’ll start one! These all sound like lovely ideas as well for what to include x
Definitely should give it a go! Sounds like you are ready to go! Tomorrow I have a January set up that you might find helpful. X
I completely fell in love with this journal when I saw it on your insta! I really like the tips you’ve given in this post!
Aww thank you so much!
I love just having the plain black ink. I have created bullet journals in the past, but I switched to a basic planner once i realized that I wasn’t really using it as a journal as much as merely a scheduler. But I love seeing what other people do with theirs, and it gives me ideas on ways to keep track of certain things that my planner can’t. Thanks for sharing!
I use my bullet journal alongside my planner. I am glad you have ideas from this post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Bullet journals are so pretty! This is a really good guide, though I’m one of those disorganised messy people when it comes to journalling.. Maybe, I’ll try this out this year.
Thank you very much. Depending on your job and your area, you may have more time on your hands to give it a go? Any questions I am happy to answer about journalling.
This spread looks great! I love the idea of a monthly highlight reel, it will be lovely to look back on the positives of the year.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk