Curious about what this whole bullet journaling thing is, and whether it’s really worth your time? Then you’ve come to the right place!
This is a growing collection of everything you need to know about this mindfulness-meets-productivity system.
Bullet journaling is perfect for busy people who want to make space to (re)connect with their creativity; in fact, it was my foundational first step in rediscovering and nurturing my own creativity while avoiding being consumed by corporate culture.
In this series, we’ll get started with a minimalist approach to the basics as we gently encourage your creativity while mindfully organizing your life.
📖 Start here: a simple bullet journal setup
Completely new to bullet journaling? There’s an overwhelming amount of info out there, so let’s tune out the noise and start simply:
How to Start a Bullet Journal (Simple Guide + Rapid Logging Explained)
This guide will walk you through the basics step-by-step so you can get started now (without overthinking it).
Where are you at in your bullet journey?
Jump through the guide based on what you’re navigating:
🌱 Just getting started
If you’re just getting started with bullet journaling, good news: the system is far simpler than it seems. The key is to start with the very basics and then build upon them over time (if you want).
What’s a Bullet Journal? (And What You Actually Need to Get Started)
How to Start a Bullet Journal (Simple Guide + Rapid Logging Explained)
⚙️ Learning the system
These posts explore different aspects of how the system works practically.
Beyond Basic Bullets: Customizing Your Rapid Logging System with Signifiers
Beyond Basic Bullets: Exploring Bullet States
How to Use Threading, Migration, and Scheduling in a Bullet Journal
⌛ Trying to stay consistent
Bullet journaling shouldn’t feel like another thing to keep up with — it’s meant to support your daily life.
To help with that, you can start here:
A Simple Bullet Journal Routine That Works (For Busy People)
Eight Tips to Help You Stick With a New Hobby (Once the Novelty Fades)
Is Bullet Journaling Just Not For Me? Why It’s Not Working (And How to Reconnect)
How to Stay Consistent With Your Bullet Journal By Reimagining Your Routine
For a more guided reset, we walk through the Hobbyist’s Story Arc from spark to identity in this 5-part email series to help you stick with your favourite hobby:
How to Stick With a Hobby When Motivation Fades | A 5-Part Email Series
🔎 Not sure if it fits my life
Will bullet journaling work for me? How can I make it fit my life? Your answers:
Bullet Journal vs Planner: Which One Works Better for You?
Why I Always Recommend Bullet Journaling for Busy Creatives
Bullet Journaling for Busy People: Digital, Analog, or Hybrid?
Want to practice some rapid logging? If you haven’t already, join my monthly newsletter and pick up the free 5 Minute Reset, a grounding one-page practice that lets rapid logging shine by decluttering the mind. This is great for mornings, between activities, or any time you need a little reset.
💻 Exploring digital bullet journals
Digital bullet journaling can be a practical, secure way to use the system — especially when your life is largely digital already. Find your solution:
Digital Bullet Journaling for Busy People: Simple Ways to Start
How I Used a Digital Bullet Journal to Manage Overwhelm at Work
How to Use Excel as a Simple Digital Bullet Journaling System
If you’re familiar with the bullet journaling system and want to try using it digitally, you might enjoy this spreadsheet version → The Excel Digital Bullet Journal That Kept Me Sane at Work
Let’s get started!
What is bullet journaling?
Bullet journaling is “a system that combines elements of mindfulness, productivity, and self-discovery”, and requires only two things: a blank notebook and a pen.
Within its pages, you develop your own planning and tracking system – one that works specifically for your mind. You build it as you go, and it grows with you as you use it.
Get started: What’s a Bullet Journal? (And What You Actually Need to Get Started)
Why use a bullet journal when planners are ready-made for you?
This was a great point of confusion for me before I started, having spent many years using planners. (Anyone remember those school agendas?) But I found my planners lacked a certain flexibility and synergy between past, present and future.
This is where bullet journals shine!
Bullet journals became my greatest creative companions, and the methodology translated impeccably into my arguably chaotic work life.
If you’re curious about whether switching to a bullet journal is worth it, you might want to read: Bullet Journal vs. Planner: Which One Works Better for You?
How to set up a bullet journal that works for you
Bullet journaling starts with a few fundamental spreads and a basic system to use them all together. The system works best if you let it develop with you over time by:
- Learning the basic system and set-up
- Feeling out what’s working well, and what’s lacking or where you want to expand
- Drop anything that doesn’t work for you
- Add anything that’s inspired you
Kick off this process and learn about monthly logs, future planning, and collections, plus how to use them in a way that feels manageable: How to Start a Bullet Journal (Simple Guide + Rapid Logging Explained)
Why I recommend bullet journaling to busy creatives
We tend to ignore our creative pursuits in favour of the hustle when things get busy, but honestly? This has a huge impact on our creative souls! Bullet journaling can help us stay grounded and connected to our creativity, and on top of our busy lives.
All in one convenient little notebook!
I mentioned above that bullet journaling was a key part of my own creative reclamation. If you’re curious to know more about why I recommend it to everyone, I wrote a short post about it here: Why I Always Recommend Bullet Journaling for Busy Creatives
(More to come as I build up the guide!)
Parting words
Whether you’re brand new to bullet journaling or you’re already a bujo-enthusiast, I’m excited that you’re here! I hope the series meets you where you’re at and supports you in your busy day-to-day life and your creative journey.
Bookmark this page so that you can come back when new posts go live!
If you have any questions, or wish to share your tips and insights from your time in a bullet journal, you know I’d love to hear from you.
Happy journaling!
