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What is a bullet journal? -

Bullet journaling was invented by product designer Ryder Carroll. He says that the method is meant "to help you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future." It basically keeps track of everything, in a coherent way.

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Why is it worth it? -

You do not want to end up like the guy in this image. By having an efficient journal, you can stop wasting time and be in charge of your own life.

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What do you need to start? -

First, you need the mindset that you want to change your life for the better. Try writing down what your motivations and goals are.

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Tools -

Secondly, you need the right tools. For example, some notebooks are better than others for bullet journaling.

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Moleskin -

These luxurious notebooks are high quality and also come in many colors. Many bullet journalists opt for them.

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Micron -

It's easy to use and its fine black nib helps to make your journal look neat and tidy.

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Four concepts -

There are four key concepts to bullet journaling: the index, collections, bullets, and signifiers. Don't worry–we'll go through all of them.

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The index -

You will number every page of your bullet journal. At the beginning of the journal, you will fill in the index as you fill in the pages.

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Collections -

Every entry in the bullet journal is called a collection, no matter what it is. They can be anything, but there are three necessary parts.

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1.The future log -

In the future log, you put all the months of the year. This is the place to put vague tasks and events such as "get a puppy" or "redecorate bathroom."

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The monthly log -

This sections looks like a calendar page where you can mark events such as birthdays and deadlines. It's usually made of two pages, one with all the days of the month and the other with a list of tasks.

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The daily log -

Every day you will go to your daily log where, beneath the date, you can put everything for that day including any notes, lists, or ideas you may have.

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Anything -

But remember that a collection is just an entry, so it can be anything. You can randomly doodle on a page if you want. That's the beauty of the bullet journal– you design it, but the method curates the chaos.

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Weight log -

If you have a weight loss goal, you could create a log where you put your exercise times, meals, and weigh-ins.

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Sleep log -

If you're a busy bee, you might not be getting enough sleep. A sleep log is a good way of keeping tabs on your sleep cycle.

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Finances -

You could keep track of your finances in your bullet journal as well.

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Rapid logging -

To put entries in the bullet journal, Carroll introduced the system of rapid logging.

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Bullets -

Bullets are actually just different types of bullet points you use for recording things.

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Task -

If you have a task, you put it in your journal starting with a bullet point • When you have competed the task, mark it with X. If you did not complete a task, migrate it over to another collection and mark it with >. Tasks that are scheduled for the far future are marked with <.

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Event -

Events are recorded with an open circle O. For example, O Jenna's birthday party.

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Notes -

Notes begin with a dash - and can be anything you want to jot down.

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Signifiers -

The second part of rapid logging is signifiers. They add context to the bullets. Some examples are * for priority, ! for inspiration, and $ for buy.

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Migration -

The fourth concept is migration. Every month you look at the tasks you have not completed and decide whether they are worth carrying onto the next month. You can also book things far in advance. It is a way of constantly reviewing your progress.

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How to put it all together -

Now that you have the basics of how to keep a bullet diary, here are some tips on how to get the most out of it.

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Decorate! -

If you put time and care into making something look nice, then you're more likely to stick to it. Bullet journaling allows you to use tape, paint, glitter–anything you want!

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Collections recording -

Whenever you start a new collection, do not forget to record it in the index. It will make it easier to find what you are looking for in the future.

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Migration -

Migration is one of the most important aspects of the bullet journal, so really spend some time reflecting on what tasks are important to you at least once a month.

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Bingo! -

All of a sudden, everything you need to keep track of is in one little book, completely suited to your lifestyle. You will be more organized than ever before.

Sources: (Tiny Ray of Sunshine)

See also: Practical ideas for organizing your home office

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