The Bullet Journal method, also known as "Bujo," is a customizable productivity system that was created by Ryder Carroll. It is a paper-based system that combines to-do lists, note-taking, and journaling in one place, using a system of bullet points and symbols to organize tasks and ideas.
Like a lot of people I have tried a lot of productivity systems note takings frameworks. All of them promised the world. The one common denominator of course was always me. Bullet journaling has been the only system that has helped me become more organized and improved my ability to stay focused on what is important. The other thing that has set this method apart for me is that it is the only system I have been able to stick with for over three years. With all other productivity systems lasting never lasting one year.
To start a Bullet Journal, you will need a blank notebook and a pen. You can also use stencils, stickers, and other decorative items to personalize your journal.
The core structure of a Bullet Journal consists of four main components:
- The Index: This is a list of all the pages in your journal, organized by topic or project. The Index helps you quickly find what you're looking for in your journal.
- The Future Log: This is a calendar where you can keep track of long-term goals and events. You can use it to plan out your month, quarter, or year.
- The Monthly Log: This is a calendar that covers one month at a time. You can use it to plan out your monthly tasks and appointments.
- The Daily Log: This is a page for each day, where you can record your daily tasks, appointments, and notes.
I think part of the reason I have been able to stay consistent with #BUJO is that the system is so forgiving. Even if I fail to crack open my Bullet Journal on a particular day, I can pick it up the next day and rather that have to back fill to make up for the missed day, I simply carry on as if it didn't happen. For me this has proven to be a game changer.
In addition to these core components, you can also include other pages and sections in your Bullet Journal, such as a habit tracker, a gratitude log, a brainstorming page, or a project planning page.
To use the Bullet Journal method, you start by listing out all the tasks and ideas you want to track in your journal. You then organize these tasks and ideas using bullet points and symbols. For example, a bullet point with a dot (•) indicates a task, while a bullet point with an "X" (✔) indicates a completed task. You can also use other symbols, such as a dash (-) for notes, an exclamation point (!) for important items, or a right arrow (>) for tasks that you want to migrate to a future date.
The Bullet Journal method is flexible and adaptable, and you can customize it to fit your specific needs and goals. It can help you stay organized, stay on top of your tasks and appointments, and capture your thoughts and ideas in one place.
If you do a web or social media search for Bullet Journaling or #BUJO you may become very confused very fast. There are lots of flowery artistic tutorials for decorating your pages. This is not the system of bullet journaling and so can give you a misunderstanding of what the system is. This is great of course and fun, but it is not the system which has helped me organize my life.
Most often this is folks who are adding creativity to their #bulletjournal collections or habit trackers, a element within Bullet Journaling which is not at the core of its functionality. Therefore whenever I am recommending Bullet Journaling to a friend I always send them the video link above. It is all you need to get started. You do not need fancy pens, washi tape or even an official bullet journal notebook. Any notebook or even a stack of paper would work. Once you have understood the system, if you still want to washi tape your book, well... you do you.
Finally there are Collections. Collections allow for topical sections such as a larger project or goal.
