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Bullet Journal

967 replies

mercifulTehlu · 23/01/2016 21:18

I've just found out about this fab way of organising your life, thanks to a kind poster on the 'people who are efficient ' thread. I was wondering if any other MNers are Bullet Journalers? here is the website if anyone's interested.

It's only a couple of days since I started my journal, but I can already see that it's going to revolutionise my ability to be organised. I've tried loads of apps, lists etc in the past, but have never really hit on a system that worked for me. I have very high hopes of this one though (plus it involves pretty stationery Smile )!

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jobrum · 07/02/2016 12:39

I'm off into town in a bit to buy a new notebook! I'm going to give this a try as I'm struggling to juggle work and dd and everything else and this could be a good way to make me feel like I'm, well, not giving up!

I do like a list but all of mine are written in scraps of paper at work and end up in the bottom of my bag

JasperDamerel · 07/02/2016 13:42

For anyone off to buy stationery, I got an own-brand Moleskine copy and a set of 12 mini Stabilo coloured fine liners for £6.99 in total in Rymans because there was a buy one get one free offer on both.

tuilamum · 07/02/2016 13:54

I just bought a notebook in Wilkos for £3... It has lined paper in the front half and squared in the back so I thought it was perfect Grin now I just have to decide how I want to pay it out....
(Also for those wondering about coloured pens, fineliners saved my arse in sixth form, I just got some own brand ones but I recommend Staedlers (sp?) which are a tad expensive but good quality)

tuilamum · 07/02/2016 13:57

*set not pay... God knows what my phone was doing there

tuilamum · 07/02/2016 14:33

This is my first month, I've done next week and tomorrow separately but they're quite empty (at the moment)

Bullet Journal
kateandme · 07/02/2016 14:38

I hate to admit this,I've followed this thread,become more embarrassed because I really wanted to do it.watched all the vids,and on you howvto s and I cnt understand how to do it.I got to crying because I feel stupid now such a thick a##whole wen its meant to be simple

ThisiswhatIwant · 07/02/2016 15:30

It really doesn't have to be anywhere near as complex as they make it look on the vids
You can start with an empty notebook and a black biro.
In fact that's better, because until you've developed your own way of doing it (rather than try to copy one that works for someone else but might not work for you) it's better to play around/cross things out in a cheaper one.
You can just leave a few pages for an index at the front, write a to do list for 'tomorrow' last thing in each night on the next pages, and have a list at the back for stuff that you need to remember for the future (by month if you like)
And then later on you could add things, if you want. Or not if you don't want. Just remember to index everything that goes in - that way, all you need to do, is open the book at the front to find the thing you need, for example 'all the things I need to take in a bag when I go to the gym' or 'ingredients to buy when I'm going to make Spag Bol' or 'list of things I've bought this month'.

I was doing something similar already, but came across this thread 2 days ago and the index etc just helped me tweak what I was doing. I was trying to use my Mac and apps - Evernote, Wunderlist etc and I'll still keep them and my Mac notes for some things (a recipes log for example), but 'need' something I can write into too.

I have 2 books as follows:

1 that could be called the BuJo:

  • plain paper, 100 pages from IKEA, pastel pink cover (I adore plain paper notebooks, having a completely blank canvas and no restrictions - and good ones are so hard to find!!)
  • cheap black biro
It's set up in this way: inside front cover - the 'key' e.g. from the original website next few pages - left blank for the index, which has begun next 2-page spread - on the left, this month's calendar and on the right, tasks for this month not yet scheduled next pages - the daily log for Feb has begun, with the bulleted list per day.I lose track easily so yes it has things like laundry in, but I use recurring task initials for these (more on these in a sec) Then it is empty.. because I then started filling it up from the back The last few pages - are my future log, it makes sense to me to have it right at the back, 2 months per page Before the future log - my recurring task shorthand list e.g. PG for playgroup or whatever Before this - my collections e.g. house tasks,good ideas for activities to do with DC And that's it, so far. It's a work in progress

2 is a larger, A4 size book, again plain paper, lilac pastel colour - the books come in a set of 2 from the IKEA stationery section. I', using it as a 'Highlight of the Day' bulleted list per day. I began this because I've not been in a good way and need tocreate a log of positive memories. My first day was 3 pages long, I could find so many things that were actually enjoyable in my day, and I think/hope this will help a lot. i wouldn't want to fill up my standard BuJo with long journal style entries like this, or necessarily take the Highlights book (which is more personal) out of the house.

If I had a work one, I'd keep it separate because I've had trouble in the past conflating work/life thoughts and prefer to have a divider, separate spaces in my mind for these now.

rootsradicals · 07/02/2016 16:29

I'm in! I've ordered myself a squared notebook from Amazon Prime and can't wait for it to arrive so I can get going. People had actually put in the reviews that they use theirs as bullet journals- it's like getting a new car and suddenly seeing your make and model everywhere!
I'm intending to have my lists at the back and turn the journal upside down so it kind of reads back the right way if that makes sense. One thing I really want to put in mine is foods that I've foraged, where I've found them and the month I found them in. Also would like to add what grows when and a few pointers about what to look out for, for things I would like to find.

CoperCabana · 07/02/2016 16:37

I am a bit like other posters, as in I feel a bit thick and don't really get it. But I think this might be something for me, as I am a list maker, and if I don't write things down, they don't get done. I also fancy logging my exercise which I think will motivate me as I am on a mission to get fit. I have a stationery obsession so trying to be cautious and I worry that I won't get started because I might spoil a page. But I have spent a fair amount of time googling Bullet Journal since I saw this thread!

whoreandpeace · 07/02/2016 17:31

I saw OP's post yesterday, read the first page only, went straight out to Paperchase and bought a blank notebook and got started. This is what I have been looking for! I have used every app going but nothing works for everything so my info is everywhere. I love how you can make this your own. The instructions are a guide so whatever works for you is fine. I've set up a daily habit tracker and even included that the DCs must do some reading each day. It will remind me to remind them. I have also set up a housework tracker so that I ensure everything gets done including "random" jobs like fridge cleaning which I don't have a set time for. I have achieved so much today. And I think that is the point, isn't it? I can now see what I have achieved whereas on an app I can't as an app is always looking forwards. Sometimes it is good to be able to review what you have done. With Bujo that is easy. Btw I am using a Pilot G-2 07 pen. It is like a fine liner but you can click it on and off like a biro. I found it in a pot at home so have no idea where it came from.

mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 17:41

Those of you who are feeling a bit thick and don't get it - maybe you are just thinking there's more to it than there really is! Flowers It's just a notebook with an index in the front, a 6 month overview page, then for each month you do a calendar page, a 'tasks to get done' list and then keep a daily diary for the month. At the end of your month, do the same for the next month. And in amongst all of this, add in any random pages you fancy - other lists, work stuff, meal planning ideas etc.

There's really not much to get! But here is a step-by-step guide to getting started... Don't be intimidated by how long it is (I'm a teacher - I like to waffle on Blush). Just take one step at a time!

  1. Write the title 'Index' on your first double page.
  2. Number all the remaining pages of your notebook!
  3. Title pages 1-2 'Future Log' and divide them into 6 boxes, one each for the next 6 months, so Feb, March, April, May, June, July. In your Index, write 'Future Log pp.1-2'.
  4. Title page 3 'February Calendar and write all the dates and days down the left hand side. Write any events and appointments next to the correct dates. Write 'January calendar p.4' in your index
  1. Title page 4 'February Tasks'. Write a list of stuff you have to get done in February. Write 'February task list p.4' in your index.
  1. On p. 5-6 start your February daily journal. This is your daily diary entry (today's events and tasks). Write any events in from your calendar, plus anything else you have to do (walk dog, phone mum, wash school uniform, whatever).

Do not be tempted to lay out your whole month of daily journal pages in advance! You don't know how much space you'll need.
Your month's daily journal will take up a lot of pages but they don't have to be all together. You'll probably be using other pages for all sorts of things (to do lists, meal planning, wish lists, whatever). These are allowed to 'interrupt' your month's daily journal sequence, but make sure every new page you fill is listed in your index!

So you might have in your index Feb Daily Journal pp.5-8, 11-12, 15-18 because you made other pages of stuff between your chunks of daily journal.

CoperCabana - exercise is a great thing to include! You could do a separate bunch of pages for it or you could include it as a habit tracker on your monthly calendar.

OP posts:
BYOSnowman · 07/02/2016 17:41

You can do a mix of mediums though

I do my meal plan in the journal but any shopping I put straight on to my ocado app and then use that as my shopping list if out. If I think of something I need to buy I would put it in the journal only if my phone wasn't to hand.

I still do my food on MFP but again, if phone not to hand I will jot it in the journal day log and fill in on phone later

mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 17:42

Whoreandpeace Smile - lovely to keep seeing people's enthusiasm for this! Makes me really glad I started the thread!

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whoreandpeace · 07/02/2016 19:10

Merciful, you will be forever remembered in my gratitude log!

mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 19:13

Awww! Thanks whoreandpeace.

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Viviennemary · 07/02/2016 19:28

I had a quick look at the website. Hope I got the right one. I'd rather have everything pre-printed as I'm not really organised to make up this type of thing myself. How can you have a yearly diary and everything in one blank notebook.

aLeafFalls · 07/02/2016 19:51

Only half way through the thread not this is so what I need. I have a collection of notebooks, bought over the years, just waiting for this.
My life has been hideously stressful, left an abusive marriage, parent died, started 2 new jobs, so I've had so much to juggle. I have divorce stuff, probate stuff, running a home single handed stuff, work stuff.
BuJo is ideal because it's so flexible so I can customise it. I chose my favourite hoarded notebook today, picked up some coloured pens, a ruler and tabs in Paperchase and now I'm reading this thread and links for ideas to start me off.
I've had a series of little notebooks I carry around in my bag, for years, for quickly noting down ideas. Then another legal pad with random lists and then notes in my phone. This brings it all together. I'll keep the big notebook at home and use the little one for quick scribbles and shopping lists etc.
I had been feeling overwhelmed with having so much to sort out. This is going to be a stressful year but I think I will handle it all so much better if I am better organised with all the big and little things.
Also planning a work BuJo, to keep at work. 2 different jobs in the same work place also involves a lot of juggling.
Thanks so much for this, I think it will help keep me sane.

CoperCabana · 07/02/2016 19:58

Thanks merciful! That is really helpful!

What stresses me out is - where would I put the exercise log? And meal planner? And going away packing list? At the beginning? The end! In between months (which is already setting my teeth on edge!)?

nattyknitter · 07/02/2016 20:04

Coper, put them on your next blank page and then index what page number they are on. When that page is full, go to the next blank page and then index this as exercise log 2 or whatever you are calling it. As long as your index at the front tells you where it is then you can't lose it. Or you can put it in a box or section of your daily section as you do it.

I also use coloured paperclips as bookmarks, so I can find well used pages quickly.

You will soon find what works best for you.

CoperCabana · 07/02/2016 20:06

Thanks! Now trying to work out when I can go stationery shopping!

CoperCabana · 07/02/2016 20:08

Feeling really excited about it now! Have long thought about doing a list for each weekend day to maximise productivity and get a sense of achievement when ticked off!

HemanOrSheRa · 07/02/2016 20:10

You sound in a kind of similar situation to me aLeaf. I'm on day 3 of my BuJo and it's really helped to get things in order. Even long term stuff that was cluttering up my head has been written down in my BuJo and it's a relief that I don't have to hold it in my head. It's a weird week for me next week. It's school half term here, I'm off work and have a HEAP of probate stuff to go through. I'm actually sort of looking forward to doing my weekly pages later just to get it out of my head and down on paper.

Coper That is where the index comes in. You just keep going through the book, numbering the pages and note it in the index. Or you could number all the pages and then put those things in working from the back. But still note the page numbers in the index.

HemanOrSheRa · 07/02/2016 20:11

Cross post with natty!

whoreandpeace · 07/02/2016 20:13

Earlier on this thread I read about Washi Tape. I had no idea what that was so I searched for it on Amazon: basically very pretty sticky tape. What do you use it for in a Bullet Journal? To make pages look pretty? To mark off certain things?
Also, I would love to join the Facebook fan club that was mentioned earlier, but can only find the main bulletjournal.com one. Can someone please tell me how to find the one for obsessives? thank you Grin

mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 20:30

ALeafFalls - sounds like you've had a really rough time Flowers. Hopefully BuJo will not only help you get your life under control, but will also provide a fantastic way of looking back on how you've achieved that.

CoperCabana - yy to what other people have said. The answer to pretty much any "Where do I put this in my BuJo?" is "Just turn to the next free page and get on with it!" Don't worry about leaving space for unfinished topics - you can pick them up again after the stuff you did in-between. As long as it all gets logged in your index, it doesn't matter where stuff is. I think this is the hardest aspect of BuJo to get your head around actually.

whoreandpeace - I've just sent a joining request to the FB group. It's called Bullet Journal Junkies! Oh and I haven't used my washi tape yet, but yes, I think you can use it as a kind of border or to mark a division between entries.

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