Bullet Journal Tips

Bullet Journal Tips

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Bullet journaling helps track different aspects of life in a single space. I started a 2019 bullet journal to practice self-expression and personal accountability in a tangible, non-digital format. For me, it’s the perfect intersection of planning, doodling, creating, and documenting. I also incorporate travel plans, expenses, and itineraries into my journal! I’m not an expert bullet journal-er by any means, but here are some tips to inspire you to start your own.

Every week gets a little crazy, but having everything in one place is effective for my brain.

Bullet Journal Tips

Invest in supplies: If you want your journal to look a certain way, you should invest in some decent supplies to meet that goal. The supplies don’t have to be expensive brand-name products; just find something that works for you. You can always upgrade!

Start simple: When pouring over archives of bullet journal videos on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram, it’s difficult to know where to begin. Simple is best, so start somewhere you’re comfortable. The more familiar you become with your preferences and capabilities, the more you can experiment. Until then, keep it simple.

Don’t compare: Piggybacking on number two, try your hardest not to compare your journal to those you see online. As a perfectionist, it’s terribly challenging to not compare my stuff to what’s out there. This journal is for you, not for others. However, garnering inspiration from the inter-webs can be a wonderful creative source to bring your journal to the next level. (One of my personal favorite planning artists is Amanda Rachel Lee!)

Practice makes perfect: The more you doodle, design, and plan, the better you’ll get. Handlettering, spacial balance, color coordination, and detailing takes practice, which means practicing patience within your personal process is as important as practicing in general. You will improve if you stick with it, I promise!

Do you & have fun: Most importantly, a bullet journal shouldn’t be a source of stress. Rather, it should help relieve some stress. Do what makes you happy and have fun with journaling.

Basic Bullet Journal Supplies

As a beginner, I had to purchase materials to get my journal hobby going. I would consider this list pretty basic, and some of these items may be in your home already. Most of these items can be easily found on Amazon, office supply stores, or even dollar stores. Personally, I love the Japanese dollar store, Daiso, and often buy supplies there.

  • Moleskine grid dot notebook (8×14 inches) – $20
  • Black pens, felt-tip marker – $10
  • Pencil, pencil lead, & eraser – $5
  • Highlighters – $1
  • Crayola Super Tip Markers (50 pack) – $10
  • Ruler – Found in my desk
  • Whiteout/ correction tape – $1
A medium-sized Moleskine notebook is perfect for bullet journaling.

Bullet Journal Inspiration

Below are several pages out of my 2019 bullet journal. I hope they inspire you to start your own!

Tracking my travels with a map and dots. Each point on the map is color-coded based on the month I visited the city.
I start each month’s section with a simple month page.
Two full pages are used for the monthly calendar spread.
Weekly pages start on Monday and end with the weekend.
I track habits and my mood. The mood page is designed and used differently depending on the month’s theme.
I love having access to my travel itineraries and budgets!
I create monthly “highlights” pages using select Fujifilm Instax photos and collected mementos.
I leave space for doodles, random notes, and reflections at the end of each month’s spread.

At first, I thought bullet journaling was too structured for me and it would create stress in my life. I’ve discovered that bullet journaling is what you make it; how you design and create yours is all up to you! Every month, I feel I’m improving and liking my spreads more and more. I can’t wait to see the year’s end-product.

Peace & happy planning,

Tay

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