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Original poster

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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aLeafFalls · 07/02/2016 20:39

HemanorShera - exactly, my brain feels cluttered trying to keep it all in there. I do my lists but they're not organised in one place.

When I meditate, every morning, I've noticed that's where my thoughts wander. "Make appointment with solicitor, clean out drains, list expenses accrued doing probate, walk dog".......

On and on. This is such a relief!

aLeafFalls · 07/02/2016 20:54

merciful It can get overwhelming keeping up with divorce matters, probate matters, maintaining 2 properties, 1 of which has been a bit neglected and staying sane.

I feel inspired and relieved bu BuJo though. Huzzah!

Original poster
mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 20:58

I came across another idea for a BuJo page on an unrelated website I like, called zenhabits.net .It suggested doing a monthly review - a kind of 'What went well, what did I achieve? What didn't go so well?' sort of thing. I thought I might try doing one of those when I finish my February daily journal.

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whoreandpeace · 07/02/2016 21:06

merciful, Boho Berry on You Tube has a 'Memories' page at the end of each month (eg February Memories) to review the highlights of that month (eg lost 2 lbs, great to catch up with Linda, got job interview, booked holiday, etc) so that you have a way or recording what happened rather than what you did iyswim. It's a nice idea I thought.

NumptyMum · 07/02/2016 21:47

At home I use a spreadsheet for the year which already has columns for daily 'events' (things to remember for school, appointments etc) and meal planning, but I'm going to add in a worksheet for birthdays and one for 'remember ahead' type things like when the car insurance is due, to help with budgeting. Spreadsheets can be shared (eg on googledocs), though given my DH is organisationally better at being instructed, I generally let him know what needs to be done! Each morning I check the list and if new things need to get added (school events/letters/emails) I update it in the evening. Has helped me no end so far...

Original poster
mercifulTehlu · 07/02/2016 22:28

Some washi tape in my BuJo!

Bullet Journal
Bullet Journal
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whoreandpeace · 07/02/2016 22:52

Thank you merciful. I have just finished drinking the 1.5l water I want to train myself to do. Can now tick off another thing on my daily habit tracker saddo that I am

Soooosie · 07/02/2016 23:00

Thankyou for all your index photos and explanations. I'm inspired. Am going to start mine this week.

What's level 10 life by the way. I've seen it written down twice this week.

FeliciaJollygoodfellow · 07/02/2016 23:29

I totally jumped on the bandwagon and bought myself a notebook and pen from Paperchase today. I went for squared paper and a plain black pen as although I like the pretty one, I'm terrible for procrastination and colours would just be a distraction!

I'm not too far in, I've started the index and left pages blank for the Future Log and Diary pages - but I have sorted the freezer and added in a Freezer list page. Maybe now I will use up the two bags of peas rather than just buying another one Blush

I admit I'm a bit confused about the diary pages though - on the video the dude was writing stuff in for a few days, but I'm guessing this is more for show than what actually happens? I was going to try and do it with DH so all the household tasks get written in the night before, then I can leave the book at home. I want to use it for work as well though....I should totally have got another one for work. Oh well.

HemanOrSheRa · 07/02/2016 23:32

Yep aLeaf same here with properties and probate. Awful, awful things to go through when you least feel like it. As well as all the other 'stuff'. I wish you strength to get through this time Flowers.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 08/02/2016 00:11

Sorry, haven't RTFT, but a question. Do you have to carry them about everywhere? That would be a showstopper for me, we are entirely electronic for calendars now and I use my phone for todo lists etc but am still not totally organised, so this appeals but I guess you need it on you all the time when you are out?

ICJump · 08/02/2016 04:00

It depends. I take mine. It's a5, it's in my small handbag.

Today we had an impromptu soft play session so I was able to do some planning, checked emails and added things to my "study" collection, party and holiday planning.

Eggsandketchup · 08/02/2016 06:10

I have not RTFT but this bullet journal thing looks great and just what I need to keep organised (self employed, two busy kids, brain like a seive). Placemarking Smile

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 08/02/2016 07:09

Would it work if you left the diary aspect out of it is the crux of the matter to me? There is no way we would go back to a paper diary but I do use an A5 notebook for menu planning/main shopping lists and expanding on that appeals. I use my electronic diary out and about all the time but a book format wouldn't work as it would make my bag too heavy (bad back).

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 08/02/2016 07:10

Also I share the electronic diary with DH and often refer to it when I'm out with just phone and keys.

Original poster
mercifulTehlu · 08/02/2016 07:50

Whoknows - well, I guess you could do that. I can see that it would still be useful to have all your lists etc in one place, even if you didn't want to fully embrace the journal aspect of the BuJo.

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JasperDamerel · 08/02/2016 08:26

I carry mine with me and use it as a diary, but I always carry a notebook anyway because I'm a writing things down person. I think that's the crux of it, really - if you are a writing things down person, then a BuJo is a million times more efficient than any fabulously synched electronic system because it works. If the other stuff works, then a BuJo is quite possibly inefficient and cumbersome. I know that when I saw the video, it seemed absurdly simple and intuitive in a way that no other organising system ever had, so o suspect that if it doesn't feel like that, it won't be the amazing revelation that it is to people who find it a reflection of the way their minds work naturally.

aLeafFalls · 08/02/2016 08:36

I feel energised by this. A way of keeping this massive number of tasks under control and look after my own well being via Habit Tracker page.

Heman... thanks for the strength sent. Sadly abusive bs don't stop being abusive bs so that has added an extra layer of stress to life.

I'm going to start my work BuJo today. I woke up full of ideas and optimism today, about pages, list and getting things done. Makes a welcome change from my usual thoughts on waking.

ICJump · 08/02/2016 08:38

Yes I suspect your right jasper. I too just thought oh yes it works. I didn't even buy anything started with an exercise book I had already used.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es · 08/02/2016 08:40

I carry a tiny notebook with me just in case, but I can't remember the last time I used it, my phone has taken it's place by and large. I do like writing (use a fountain pen all the time etc) and making lists but they only really work for me if the book is to hand, which normally means on the kitchen table. As I leave my bag by the front door which is nowhere near the kitchen I don't think I'd remember to keep moving journal from bag to kitchen and back, which was always a problem with paper diaries in the past. I'll carry on lurking, but it doesn't sound as though this is for me though, thank you.

halfaglassofouzodestructo · 08/02/2016 10:49

This thread has inspired me! Back to work after maternity leave on Thursday and had already been feeling overwhelmed by the constant 'to do's' going round and round in my head. I'm hoping this will help me get in control of everything! I'm just getting started today but not sure whether I should be adding my daily log pages to the index - what have others done?

Original poster
mercifulTehlu · 08/02/2016 12:26

I think you're right too Jasper - some people look at the BuJo explanation or video and just go "Oh of course! That's brilliant and simple - why didn't I think of doing that? !" Others are Confused "It's just a notebook - what's so good about it? Apps are much better! "

I can see the appeal of apps, but they just don't work for me. And I've tried lots!

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MyVisionsComeFromSoup · 08/02/2016 12:40

Ooh ooh ooh!! Postman brought me my leather and cord this morning, look at my fauxdori Grin. It's so smooth and lovely, and cost me just over £8 including the moleskine notebooks. Happy happy happy Grin

Bullet Journal
Original poster
mercifulTehlu · 08/02/2016 12:45

Lovely, MyVisions!

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BendydickCuminsnatch · 08/02/2016 13:52

Ooh that does look lovely! I'm finding my Moleskine paper too thin, I think I'll try a Leuchtturn next time as everyone seems to love them.

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