A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BULLET JOURNALING

Bullet journaling has become a popular method for organizing your life, tracking goals, and expressing your creativity all in one place. This flexible system allows you to customize and create your journal to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your bullet journaling skills, this guide will provide step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to help you get started and maximize your bullet journaling experience.

Before diving into bullet journaling, gathering the right supplies is essential. Start with a high-quality notebook with a dot grid or grid paper. You can get a book-bound, spiral-bound, or even a disc-bound notebook for bullet journaling. Disc-bound notebooks are great for bullet journaling as they allow you to remove individual pages, so the binding won’t be in your way as you journal.

Plum Paper offers a great selection of Custom Classic Notebooks that are great for bullet journaling. Check out our dot or grid-paged spiral, and disc punch Classic Notebooks as well as our dotted and grid-paged Personalized Journals.

As you select your notebook, consider what type of writing utensils you will use when creating your journal pages and layouts. If you plan to use markers, fountain pens, or anything very inky, get paper 70lb or above so your pens don’t bleed through. Gather pens, markers, washi tape, and other decorative elements that resonate with your style. Experiment with different writing utensils, stickers, scrapbook papers, and more. The possibilities are endless when it comes to bullet journal supplies.

Begin by numbering the pages of your journal, leaving a few pages for an index at the front. The index will serve as a roadmap to help you quickly find specific collections or pages in the future. Next, create a key or legend representing various bullet journaling symbols such as tasks, events, and notes. This will help you categorize and track different types of entries. Consider using different colors or symbols to differentiate between tasks, events, and completed items.

After these steps, you can create any type of page you want in your bullet journal. This type of free-range creativity can feel daunting at first, but the fun can begin once you have ideas and a plan for your journal. Design pages and spreads to your liking. You can use color coding, illustrations, scrapbook materials, and more to make them visually appealing and motivating. Below are some ideas for pages to add to your bullet journal.

• Monthly Calendars

• Weekly and/or Daily Layouts

• Habit Trackers

• Mood Trackers

• Cleaning Schedule

• Daily Gratitude Pages

• Budget & Saving Pages

• Daily Journaling

• Goal Tracker

• To Read Lists

• Media Log

Look at our ‘Planner Goals’ Pinterest Board, that’s filled with a ton of planner inspiration, including bullet journal ideas.

We recommend adding monthly, weekly, or daily spreads to plan effectively in your bullet journal. Having these pages in your journal will also help ensure you stay consistent with your bullet journaling. Monthly calendars allow you to see your month at a glance. These pages can be purely visual, or you can use them to keep track of important events and dates. A weekly spread typically includes an overview of the week, allowing you to schedule appointments, set priorities, and plan your to-do list. Experiment with different layouts to find one that suits your needs. Daily spreads focus on individual days, allowing you to record tasks, events, and notes. Consider incorporating time-blocking techniques to manage your time effectively.

Bullet journaling is not only about planning and organizing; it's also a tool for reflection and self-improvement. Regularly review your completed tasks, reflect on your progress towards your goals, and evaluate what worked and needs improvement. Use your bullet journal to jot down thoughts, insights, and lessons learned. Consider incorporating a quarterly review section to track your overall progress and make adjustments as needed.

Bullet journaling is a versatile and customizable method for staying organized, focused, and inspired. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating the provided tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a bullet journal that suits your unique needs and helps you achieve your goals. Remember, the key to successful bullet journaling is to find joy in the process and make it your own. So grab your journal and let your creativity flow as you embark on this fulfilling journey of self-expression and organization.