This year I started bullet journaling! Prior to 2018 I had never stayed consistent with using a paper planner, although I had tried — I would start the year organized and ready to go with the best of intentions but by April or May all the momentum would be gone. That was until I got my Passion Planner in 2018 and actually used it the whole year! Now, I don’t think I’ll ever go back!
So, from 2018-2020 I used the Passion Planner and in 2021 I thought it was time for the start of something new *HSM song break; if you know, you know.* There were things about the Passion Planner I didn’t like and after hearing about bullet journaling over the years I decided to give it a go!
What I’ve enjoyed most about bullet journaling is that it gives you the flexibility and freedom to create your own layout and only use what you find most helpful! Using a paper planner has helped me be a better steward of my time, prioritize tasks, stay organized, track and start new habits, and be more aware of how I spend my time.
On insta I took a poll and asked if people were interested in learning more and I got a lot of “yes-es” so I figured I would share more about it here — what has worked for me and the resources that have helped me!
SO . . . Here’s what I’ve learned since starting my bullet journal!!
First, let’s get into what supplies I’m loving!
— SUPPLIES —
• a journal – I’m using the 6×8 inch dot journal – I found it at Barnes & Noble and love the compact size! You also can find similar journals at Michaels for around $6.99!
• pens – my favorite pens right now are the ZEBRA gel pens; they literally write sssoooo smooth and effortlessly. MICRON pens sizes 05 and 08 are also great for writing headings and bolder fonts.
• a ruler – for keepin’ those lines straight!
• white out / correction tape – this one is my favorite
Secondly, before I started my journal, I watched a lot of videos on other’s bullet journal set ups which helped give me an idea for what is possible, what I wanted, and what I didn’t want. I’ve linked those videos at the bottom of this post.
Now, here’s a look inside my bullet journal and the spreads I’m currently using!
— Key & Grid Spacing Pages —
In the picture above you can see my key and the symbols I’ve incorporated in my bullet journal. What makes the method of bullet journaling unique is how it uses symbols to identify, organize, and move tasks and events. The “key” is where you identify what each symbol stands for. You can find all the details about the bullet journaling method HERE.
With that, let me preface by saying that I do not follow the “official rules” of bullet journaling. I’ve simply chosen the symbols that work best for me that are easiest to incorporate in my day-to-day planning.
I suggest finding what works for you and don’t feel overwhelmed! Just keep it simple and utilize what will benefit you most!
— Year Spread —
The picture above shows my year spread where I can see all the months at a glance. It is great for referencing and is where I add holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or events that will happen in the future.
On the pages after this I have 3 spreads *not shown* called: “Places I want to Travel,” “Books I want to Read,” and “Goals I Have this Year” . . . I’ve also seen people divide their “year goals” into subcategories like Health, Growth/Relationships, Financial, and Business/Work, which I think is a great idea!
Another layout that is VERY helpful to have is a grid-spacing spread which makes it easy to divide your page into half, thirds, and fourths without having to count the spaces each time. This video explains grid-spacing better than I ever could . . . 🙂
— Monthly Spread —
Next, let’s look at the month spread, pictured above! This spread is a great way to get an overview of the month ahead. Below are the categories that I have found most helpful to have each month:
• goals for the month (I like to look back at my goals for the year and break them into smaller, more realistic/attainable goals. That way, each month I am working towards my big “year goals.”)
• book to read (my goal is to read 1 book a month, so I put the title of the book I’m reading here)
• habits to track (examples – water intake, movement/exercise, taking vitamins, reading, practicing guitar, journaling, etc – really just anything you want to be more consistent at and track your progress!)
• savings & budgeting (where I track financial goals for saving & budgeting)
• birthdays (birthdays occurring that month!)
• notes (here I add any additional miscellaneous notes like errands I’ll need to run, bills I’ll need to pay, or things like car maintenance, etc)
Like I said, I’m a beginner so this is likely to change, but that’s what I’ve found most useful so far!
— Weekly Spread —
Finally, here is the weekly spread! This is the spread I utilize and reference most during the week. Each day and date is labeled and I use the top half of the page to write my tasks for the day. This is also where I use the “key” to identify each task. Whether it’s personal, work related, errands, a birthday, a holiday, or simply something I don’t want to forget, I write that on top.
Then, on the bottom half of the page, I have 14 lines labeled from 8am to 9pm. This is where I schedule appointments, meetings, and commitments that have a specific time associated with them.
Below is an example of what my week may look like at the end, when it’s filled out (they’ve been made blurry on purpose).
— VIDEOS —
Lastly, there are so many videos on the numerous ways you can bullet journal and different spreads you can use. It’s fun finding what will work best for you and having the flexibility to change as you go!
Here are a couple videos of others sharing about their bullet journals that I’ve found helpful:
• simple & minimal style bullet journal – Pick Up Limes *she inspired the way I do my weekly layout*
• Bullet journal planner – AmandaRachLee
• Minimalist Bullet Journal Planner set up – Ashlynne Eaton
One of the biggest things to remind yourself, especially when starting, is that SIMPLE is best! Don’t feel like you have to implement everything. Start small and grow from there.
I hope you found this post helpful no matter where you are in the process!
Happy journaling!
“A man’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord directs his steps.”
– Proverbs 16:9
