bullet journals // an introduction

The catchphrase “Track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future” represents a modest journal with pages consisting of dots instead of lines. At an average price of ten dollars, these journals are cost effective and come in a variety of colors, designs, and sizes. Seen all over social media, it seems like these little notebooks have spread like wildfire. But what are they? Bullet Journals. These journals are full of opportunities for anyone-- not just the artistic.

Believe it or not, Bullet Journaling started a whopping six years ago with one man and a tiny website. Ryder Carroll, the creator of Bullet Journals, tells that “I gave myself two weeks to design and launch a website that would share something valuable with the online community,” in that same website, Bullet Journal. He launched the blog with an easy how-to article with step-by-step instructions. Carroll’s fame started soon after with getting featured on several other blogs. After the span of six years, it seems that Carroll’s method is featured at least once in every blog and carried in the arms of thousands of neat freaks across the world. In fact, the NPD Group reports in the year of 2018, “U.S. consumers have spent nearly $210 million at retail” for all kinds of notebooks because of this craze. But the question is why does this catch on, and more importantly, how can you latch onto Bullet Journaling too?

Although the concept of Bullet Journaling is awfully simple, surprisingly, there is no niche left out, from artistic layouts or simple trackers. However, there is, a common set of benefits. These may include stress relief, tracking growth, making work seem attainable, and helping you achieve your goals. These benefits are made particularly apparent as you continue to Bullet Journal. What you get out of journaling is the reason that this trend will likely stick with the times. Just taking a few minutes to Bullet Journal can help you review your work and stress load realistically and will help you handle it without panic. Habit trackers are great for breaking old customs or even starting new ones, which definitely will help with New Year’s Resolutions. I can truly see where Bullet Journaling helps me in my life, and those reasons are why I keep pushing myself to set aside time to Bullet Journal.

Obviously there’s no “right” way to go about Bullet Journaling, everyone has their own style. While I tend to do monthly spreads, a tracker for that month, and an unrelated page per month (three-four pages), Em uses her journal irregularly, and mainly uses it for to-do and packing lists. Our dad uses one to track his workouts and take notes on books or strong ethics he sees in people around him. Just as everybody’s style and hobbies are different, every Bullet Journal will be different as well.

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Now that you now why to Bullet Journal, here are my three tips to try today:

1// Do what you want

Don’t let anyone else tell you want to do. Inspiration from others is definitely helpful, but don’t let it control you. Poems, sketches, charts, songs, lists, letters, or vacation planners are all great for your Bullet Journal. For example, journals are like your second mind: full of things you love, are curious about, and strive to become. Letting yourself dictate the consistency, page layouts, and overall style guarantees that you will keep adding to your journal.

2// Don’t worry about looks

This Bullet Journal is yours, and yours only; the public doesn’t have to see your mistakes. Although perfection boosts confidence, messy or ugly pages are better than being unprepared or losing your thought. If you are starting a Bullet Journal, I would definitely recommend Megan Rutell’s article “10 Bullet Journaling Mistruths” on her blog, Page Flutter. She encourages new Bullet Journalists with these simple statistics: “using the simplest of layouts, you could easily create a future planning log in about 15 minutes, a monthly in 10 minutes, and a daily in less than 5 minutes”. Everyone has a good five minutes we could spare from staring at a screen that will help us maintain our life’s balance.

3// Keep it handy

You never know when inspiration will hit or what to-do list might rise in your mind. Quotes from friends and mentors are also a great thing to write in your handy Bullet Journal! If keeping your journal in your bag doesn’t appeal to you then make sure to set aside time dedicated to Bullet Journaling. This is crucial in the beginning and will help get you in the precise pattern of planning.

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Ultimately, Bullet Journaling is a craze that guides you to your best life. Designing and filling out simple layouts for just five minutes a day will help with the stress of work or school and will help you become more organized and prepared for the weeks ahead. Planning hand in hand with doodling will free you from the the cage of stress and worry. Authenticity is key when it comes to these dotted pages, and with such a supportive community, it’s hard to resist the call to create. And, with this advice, I do hope you start decorating, creating, and growing into the you that you were strive to be.