"Each bullet journal becomes another volume in the story of your life. Does it represent the life you want to live? If not, then leverage the lessons you've learned to change the narrative in the next volume."
Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
Table of Contents
Doesn't that tile sound captivating? Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future Or is it just me who stares at awe at all the perfectly aligned bullet journals online and think, "How can one be so neat?" Introducing, The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll. But let's first talk about the "why" before the "how".
How It Changed My Days
Simply explained, a bullet journal - also known as "bujo" - is a detailed agenda. It can allow you to track tasks, ideas, and meetings in a highly visual and organized format as you please. On top of that, it gives you a mental break at the beginning and/or end of each day.
For me personally, I always lost those scratch papers I'd write down ideas and "things I want to remember" throughout the day or as the week went on. I was also one of the people who would end the day sometimes not knowing where the day went. But now with my bujo, each note is neatly stored in one place and I have a clear picture of my days for easy access. I can easier plan the next day or even weeks based on what I accomplished any given day. So much easier! I am also using my journal to integrate better habits into my life and track my water intake each day. But enough on me, if you want to read more about the benefits of bullet journals, I will include some links below. Let's get to how you can get started with your own bullet journal!
The Bullet Journal Method
Keep in mind from here on out that a bullet journal is customized for its owner. What it entails can be 100% up to you. Though when you are just getting started, following a template and including the "essentials" can be helpful as well.
The Index
This is the Table of Contents for your journal. This is for any important items in your journal that you would want to refer back to one day. For example, long-term goals, a home-made recipe you finally figured out, etc.
The Key
You'll want to keep a key for all the symbols used in your bujo either at the start or end for reference. One day, these might not make sense to you, especially if you change them between volumes.
The Future Log
Here, you schedule tasks, events, etc. that either happen or have due dates in the months ahead. You'll refer to this when creating your monthly, weekly, and/or daily log(s).
The Monthly Log
This is as it sounds. A monthly view of your priorities and responsibilities. Some will right down the dates and events as they happen, since nothing is set in stone. Aim for simplicity. Sometimes, this is replaced by the weekly log if a person prefers a closer look at their schedules.
The Weekly Log
Weekly logs will have sections for each day of the week and list out the tasks, appointments, and priorities for the day. Just like the monthly log, aim for simplicity.
The Daily Log
This is where your key comes in. Your daily log holds your "to-do list" for the day, a large section for "brain-dump" (any notes throughout the day), and any other sections/collections you would want to add. Your bujo should be personalized to your needs. Each daily log's length will depend on the day itself. Therefore, it is not wise to create templates for them ahead of time. Each morning of or the night before would be better suited.
Making It Yours
Since your bullet journal is 100% yours. Start brainstorming what you want to track and focus on this year.
For example, you can create a habit tracker of sorts to help you improve or integrate new habits into your life. You can leave a space for doodles, a motivation quote, etc. in your daily log. For more inspiration, see the links below.
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