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The ultimate Bullet Journal Guide

Editor‘s Letter

Moleskine black calendar A5. For the last six years this was my holy grail. I started using it in the 11th grade, it helped me through four years of studying, serving as a diary, a daily and long-term planner in one. Every note and sketch was so personal and important to me that no one was ever allowed to scroll through its pages. What I always hated about my Moleskine was the restrictive lined layout with the time at the edge of the page, that and the fact that there was no weekly overview and that the space for one day was limited to one page. In August 2016 I stumbled upon the Bullet Journal system online and was immediately hooked. Whereas in the past nobody was allowed a glimpse of what I‘d written in my calendar, now I am pretty much writing my Bullet Journal in public. To date I‘ve posted more than 450 photos of my Bullet Journal on instagram, made videos and shared my inspiration on 2

Pinterest.

Editor‘s Letter

The most popular questions I‘ve been asked so far are, ,How did you get started?‘ and ,How did you learn to organize yourself with the help of a Bullet Journal?‘ The answer is not a secret: I am still in the process of learning how to structure my Bullet Journal in the best way possible, in order to be more productive and find the perfect daily routine. It’s a constant learning process that I’m refining all the time. I am writing this guide to offer you some start-up support during your Bullet Journal journey. When I first began to use a Bullet Journal I spent days gathering all the necessary information about how the system works. This guide puts everything I have learned into one place and will make it easier for you to get started and find your own way. Over the following 55 pages you‘ll learn step-by-step how to use a Bullet Journal, how to boost your efficiency, how to utilise the platform to 3

change your habits and reach your goals. Some of you might ask yourselves ,why use an analogue calendar when almost every part of our life is happening online?‘ I can only answer this question for myself by stating three points. 1. I felt confined in the structure of my daily routine because no tool ever united all the features I was looking for. 2. Digital to do‘s can easily be moved to another day and no one will ever notice.

previous productivity systems. In short - it simplified my life. This guide should not restrict you or give you the impression that my way is the only way to do it - it absolutely is not! This guide should serve as a source of inspiration and give you ideas for modifying your Bullet Journal so that it fits your OWN personal needs. Happy journaling everyone!

3. I find I am working more consciously when I write down and strike and check off every single task by hand. The Bullet Journal system was presented to me at precisely the right time and solved all the problems I had with 4

Table of Contents

What does productivity really mean?

4

What‘s a Bullet Journal?

10

How to set up your first Bullet Journal

13

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

22

My personal Bullet Journal Tips

36

How do others use their Bullet Journals?

39

The best Bullet Journal Essentials

55

5

What does productivity really mean?

Productivity is on the minds of many but the term ,productivity‘ is not specific enough and leaves one question unanswered: How can I personally break the productivity problem down so that I know how to apply it to my everyday life? As I am still learning more and more about productivity myself - and I have by no means found one perfect way to be the most productive - I‘d like to dive with you a bit deeper into this topic. For this I don‘t want to bore you with theoretic stuff. I don‘t want you to only read this but to understand it. I want you to become active.

Therefore, I‘d like to start with a small exercise. Think of one specific project First I‘d like you to think of one current project you continue to procrastinate over. This can be a business project but also a private one e.g. moving house, renovating the new flat, making your home cosier or even making more time to spend with your loved ones. Which ideas and words are coming into your mind when you think about this project? Add every idea to your mindmap and remember there‘s no right or wrong. 6

What does productivity really mean?

Start with a mindmap I will use this guide as an example for this exercise. It has been on my list for several months already but getting started is always the biggest barrier to productivity. Starting with a mindmap is the best way to avoid getting lost in your idea by splitting your idea up into concrete tasks and working out an order to undertake them in.

7

What does productivity really mean?

Cluster your ideas You‘ve already learned that productivity is about splitting one goal up into smaller manageable tasks. That‘s why I want you to cluster your ideas and find three to five overall topics for all keywords in your mindmap.

Concept Personal Tips: What makes the Bullet Journal special to me? How to boost productivity with a Bujo? How do others use their Bujos? How to start? 8

What does productivity really mean?

Define concrete tasks After thinking from large to small, I want you to split your three to five overall topics up into concrete tasks and define the next steps. Having a to do list you can work with everyday, makes the starting process easier.

Concept Thinking about the structure of the Bullet Journal Guide. Personal Tips: What makes the Bullet Journal special to me? Writing a list with my personal Bullet Journal Tips. How to boost productivity with a Bujo? Select time management and productivtiy models. How do others use their Bujos? Select inspirational Bullet Journal accounts and ask them for an interview. How to start? Write a chapter about the system and set up of a Bullet Journal. 9

What does productivity really mean?

Split up into smaller bites Most important is that you understand that productivity is not about forcing yourself to stare at one task for hours without having the brain power to receive, understand and evaluate what you are actually doing. In reality, productivity is about working towards one main goal by splitting this one goal up into smaller bites, to work intensely by avoiding multitasking and doing one task after another. At best, you‘ll get more done in less time.

Set achievable goals If you are wondering why I am telling you this in a guide about Bullet Journaling, the answer is that the process of splitting bigger tasks up into smaller bites lays the foundation for a more productive life. Bullet Journaling is about setting achievable practical goals and crossing off one task after another. If you keep that principle in mind and follow my stepby-step instruction on the next pages, there‘ll be nothing else standing in the way of a more efficient and structured everyday life. 10

What‘s a Bullet Journal?

A customizable planning system The system of the Bullet Journal was first introduced by Ryder Carrol, a digital product designer living in New York. After years of looking for the perfect tool or calendar to organize himself, he finally developed his own customizable productivity system which can be used for daily planning, long-term planning, sketches, notes and brainstorming. The Bullet Journal was born.

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What‘s a Bullet Journal?

Three different types of bullets As the name already suggests, the main characteristic of a Bullet Journal you need to know is the bullet. In order to classify your daily to do‘s and make your list more clear and concise, there are three different types of bullets.

The classic bullet point is used for tasks. After you‘ve completed a bulleted task, you can change the bullet point into an x. For the case you‘ve completed your task already the day before you change the bullet point into . Meetings, events or appointments are characterized by a circle. Dashes are used for personal notes.

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What‘s a Bullet Journal?

Modify the Bullet Journal system It‘s very important that your bulleted items are only entered as short descriptive sentences. No wild or excessive writing at this point – you want to keep everything as an overview and spend time being more productive, so keep focused. The original Bullet Journal system with its three different bullets and components you‘ll get to know on the following pages should serve as a foundation for the way you use your Bullet Journal.

It’s important that you consider your Bullet Journal as a notebook with lots of blank space waiting to be filled with your ideas, your creativity, your plans. Feel free to modify and extend it so that it fits your personal needs.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Index The first pages of a Bullet Journal should be kept free as an Index where you can record your pages step by step.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Key The Key page follows right after your Index. It shows all icons you use in your Bullet Journal and its meaning. As I already mentioned above, I use a dot for my to do‘s, a circle for events and meetings and a dash for personal notes.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Future Log The next double page after your Key is meant to be your future log. This log is an overview of the upcoming months and offers enough space to record meetings, projects and events you already know long before.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Monthly Log After you‘ve dedicated a double blank page to the entire year, it‘s time to get more concrete and plan the next month. There are many variations of how to set up your monthly log. You can either have a monthly overview in grid or list style or you can also work with fields for different topics. You should try out different layouts to find the one you can work with best.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Habit Tracker When it comes to productivity, it is not enough to just find a way to structure your to do‘s that works best for your. Observing your habits is at least as important to finding and getting rid of your bad habits an, in turn, you will have a more productive day.

you‘ve woken up and note the hours of sleep you got. After tracking your daily routine for a while, you should see a connection between your daily habits and the amount of work you get done.

A habit tracker in your Bullet Journal where you note your daily habits every single day, e.g. reading a book, cleaning the room or doing sports, will help you to do so. Ideally, you should not only track your habits but also your sleep. Pick up your Bullet Journal right after 18

How to set up your first Bullet Journal Weekly Spread After you‘ve set up your monthly log and your habit tracker for the upcoming month, it is time to focus on the next week. Use one blank double page to write down the days from Monday to Sunday. This spread helps you to keep an overview of your meetings and to do‘s for this week. You are also free to decorate your weekly spread with an image, an inspirational quote or any other boxes for your personal highlights or further notes or tracker. I personally find it helpful to add a box for my meetings and to do‘s for the following week. 19

How to set up your first Bullet Journal Daily Log After setting up your future log, monthly log and weekly spread, it is time to go for the real thing you work with every single day: your daily logs. Your daily log offers enough space for you daily to do lists, your daily meetings, notes and personal thoughts.

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Four double pages a week On weekdays I usually need one page of my DIN A5 Bullet Journal for one daily log. Sometimes I need even more space, at weekends it‘s enough to have one page for both Saturday and Sunday. So all in all, I have four pages for my monthly log and my habit and sleep tracker, one double page for my weekly spread and six or seven pages for my daily logs of one week. Your daily log for Sunday is followed by another weekly spread and daily logs for the next week. When a new moth is coming up, you need to start from the beginning and set up a monthly log again.

Monthly Spread

Habit + Sleep Tracker

Weekly Spread

Daily Log Monday

Daily Log Tuesday

Daily Log Friday

Daily Log Saturday + Sunday

Daily Log Monday

Daily Log Tuesday

Daily Log Wednesday

Weekly Spread

Daily Log Thursday

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How to set up your first Bullet Journal Additional Pages Future Log, monthly log, habit and sleep tracker, weekly spreads and daily logs – these are the basics of the Bullet Journal system. If you not only want to use your Bullet Journal as an organizer, you can also use it for doodling, writing down your personal thoughts or making any other list you need. Here are some examples of some additional page layouts.

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How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

The right setup is only half of the story Having the right setup for your Bullet Journal is one thing, using it in the right way is another. Establishing the perfect Bullet Journal setup does not prevent you from procrastinating if you do not know how to structure your day, at which time of the day you are the most productive or at what intervals you need to take a break. That is why I‘d like to introduce some productivity systems and rules to you that might give you the answers to those questions and will for sure take your productivity and everyday working life to another level.

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80/20 Rule

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

The 80/20 rule is often used in sales in the business world. It was first suggested by Joseph M. Juran and was named after the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto who stated that 80 percent of the income in Italy comes from 20 percent of the Italian population.

20% EFFORT

80%

RESULTS

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Input vs. Output

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

This rule says that 80 percent of your profit will come only from 20 percent of your customers. Which means: The biggest part of your profit comes from a small part of your customers. But this rule does not only have an economical background, it applies also to your own productivity: 80 percent of your outputs come from 20 percent of your inputs. You need to identify the 20 percent of your tasks with the biggest impact on your outputs and prioritize them before you get all other tasks with less impact done. Or even better, if possible: Ask somebody else to do them!

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How to apply the 80/20 Rule to the Bullet Journal system?

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

Imagine you are a blogger. On the one hand you need to write a newsletter which is received by 200 people, on the other hand you need to upload a new video on your YouTube channel which will be watched by at least 500,000 people. In this case it is clear that the upload of a new video is much more important than the newsletter because the input is quite similar but the output is 2500 times higher. So the question you need to ask yourself before prioritizing your tasks is: Which one has the biggest impact?

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Prioritize your to do‘s

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

Keep that question about the impact in mind when you set up your to do list for the next day. In case you go through your to do list in chronological order, you should write these tasks with the biggest impact on your output right at the top of your to do list – to make sure that you don‘t do the ,less important‘ tasks first and find you don‘t have enough time for the more important tasks at the end of the day. If you‘re not a big fan of the chronological order, you can also highlight those tasks with a ,*‘ or a text marker.

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How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

IMPORTANT

Eisenhower Matrix

very important, but not urgent

very important very urgent

not important, not urgent

not important, but very urgent

2

4

1

3

URGENT

This Matrix, developed by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, helps you to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance. By the use of this Matrix you should know which tasks of your to do list should be done first and which tasks can be put to wayside or delegated to somebody else. 28

Importance vs. Urgency

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

The Matrix includes four quadrants. Two axes showing the urgency and importance of the tasks divide those four quadrants. The quadrant top right is given the priority 1 as all tasks in this quadrant are seen as ,very important‘ and ,very urgent‘. The quadrant top right has priority 2 because those tasks are ,very important but less urgent‘. The third quadrant (bottom right) is given the priority number 3. All tasks in this quadrant are ,very urgent but less important‘. And all other tasks in quadrant 4 (bottom left) have the lowest priority because they are ,less urgent as well as less important‘.

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How to apply the Eisenhower Matrix to the Bullet Journal system?

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

Whereas the focus of the 80/20 rule lies on the ratio of inputs to outputs, this matrix focuses on the ratio of urgency and importance. Therefore here too, the following applies: Use that matrix when you set up your to do list for the next day. Assign your tasks to this matrix. Decide which tasks take top priority (very urgent and very important). Put these tasks on top of your to do list, followed by tasks with priority 2, then 3 and 4 at the end. In this way you can reduce stress and boost your productivity at the same time.

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Pomodoro Technique

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

The idea of this technique is to work for 25 minutes on one task – ideally this task can be completed in 25 minutes – and then take a break for five minutes. This can be a really hard challenge. Sometimes you are so engaged in your work that you do not even notice that time is passing by. As a result you forget the time, get stuck into your work, lose concentration and maybe also get moody because tasks take longer than expected and all other tasks are left undone. The Pomodoro Technique requires 25 minutes of high concentration without any interruption – no snacks, no calls, no smartphone breaks. You can do this in your following five minute break. And every four 5 minute breaks you should take a longer break to rest your mind. 25

5

25

5

25

5

25

15

30 31

How to apply the Pomodoro Technique to the Bullet Journal system?

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

Whereas the Eisenhower Matrix and 80/20 rule helps you decide which tasks should be done at first, the Pomodoro Technique helps you to structure your work hours in the most efficient way. Don‘t work on one task for hours without taking breaks. Pace yourself: Work in shorter periods but therefore all the more concentrated and intense. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Pick a task. Work for 25 minutes without any interruption. Set a timer. Take a 5 minute break. Work again for 25 minutes. Take a 5 minute break. Work for 25 minutes. Take a 5 minute break. Work for 25 minutes. Take a longer break. Reward yourself!

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Time Boxing

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

When you have an endless list of to do‘s and deadlines to meet, you can easily lose sense of time and get stuck in tasks which are not worth the time you spent on them. The system of time boxing helps you to follow a more stringent timetable and set limits to yourself so that you can manage all your to do‘s and maintain a healthy work-life balance at the same time. Time 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM

Monday Work on Project 01 Check Emails

Tuesday Check Emails Work on Project 01

12:00 PM

Work on Project 02

Meetings

1:00 PM

Lunch Break

Lunch Break

2:00 PM

Check Emails

3:00 PM 4:00 PM

Meetings Plan tomorrow

Work on Project 02 Check Emails 33

How to apply Time Boxing to the Bullet Journal system?

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

You need to determine how many hours you are going to work in one week – 25, 30 or 50? Done that? Then you should set up time boxes for all the to do‘s you need to get done – and most important: visualize them. Time boxing is not only useful to meet your professional goals but also your personal ones: If you manage to get your work tasks done within your time boxes, you can reward yourself with more time for your private life.

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Batching

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

It is really hard to concentrate on one task only. We easily get distracted by checking our smartphone, social media or emails. In order to abandon this source of distraction you should make use of the batching method. The idea of batching is that you think about your daily tasks and try to find groups of similar repetitive tasks which can be done in one go. By doing so you get into more concentrated work sessions and may manage to accomplish larger tasks. Check all Emails Respond to all Emails Schedule all personal meetings Schedule all calls Write all invoices 35

How to apply the Batching method to the Bullet Journal system?

How to be more productive with your Bullet Journal

Try to think of your tasks that can be grouped together, for example batch all your meetings in one time frame, your daily email correspondence in one frame and all the paperwork you need to get done on one day in another one. To get into a better workflow you should start with an easy batch of tasks in the morning, continue with a more demanding one and bring your work day to close with a less demanding batch of tasks. This method prevents you from losing focus and jumping back and forth all day.

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My Personal Bullet Journal Tips

Write your to do list for the next day in the evening before It is better to have the upcoming day already organized before you go to bed, than sleeping restlessly with too many thoughts on your mind and starting your day not as productive as it could be.

Don‘t try to multitask Multitasking isn‘t something that we should strive for. We might be physically able to work off several tasks in one go but psychologically we aren‘t. We do have two hands but we only have one mind. So take care of it, treat your mind consciously and most importantly: don‘t ask too much of it. More input does not automatically lead to a better output. Try to maximize your potential and work off one task after another.

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My Personal Bullet Journal Tips

Set up a to do list that is realistic

Be merciful with yourself

Write only those tasks on your list that you can really work off. As I already said: Don‘t ask too much of yourself. A long unrealistic to do list does not only end up postponing too many tasks until the next day and using too many ,>‘ but also is very discouraging. Better to finish your tasks earlier than expected and be able to do more tasks which were planned for the next day than the other way round.

It may happen that you don‘t have a good day. It may happen that you get distracted sometimes. Or that you need a day off. Don‘t only ask too much of yourself but also listen to your body. If you just can‘t find your focus then this work day is probably a wasted one if you go on trying and trying – and failing. Take your day off and start your next day more motivated again.

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My Personal Bullet Journal Tips

Banish all the things around you that could be a distraction

Don‘t force yourself to use your Bullet Journal for everything

Put your smartphone aside, close all browser tabs that are irrelevant for your working situation, keep only the things on your table that you really need at the moment. Set a clear timeframe (or work with the Pomodoro Technique) and reward yourself afterwards with a bit distraction.

The fact that you‘ve just started your Bullet Journal does not necessarily mean that you‘re not allowed to use any other notebook, app or digital productivity system. If you‘d like to use an app for your finances or a separate book for your ideas – just do it. Personally, I am still using the app ,notes‘ on my iPhone for quick notes and ideas because I don‘t always have my Bullet Journal at hand. You need to find the right balance for you. 39

How do others use their Bullet Journals?

@bluelahe When and where did you first get in touch with the Bullet Journal system? What was your first impression? I first discovered the Bujo system on Instagram and I was a bit confused about how it worked. So I looked it up on google and found the official website and blogs. What attracted you to the system of the Bullet Journal that other calendars or organization systems don’t have?

I didn‘t have a planner before other than a scholastic one that all students in Italy are obliged to have (at least until uni). It was a day to day planner and I only used it to remember what homework I had. When I discovered the Bujo I was excited to be able to use it not only as a planner but also as a sketchbook, I love drawing so I hoped it would help me to keep using the system. Where did you get all the information and inspiration for your very first Bullet Journal setup? The official website, YouTube videos

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and in particular @boho.berry and @ tinyrayofsunshine.

What does your monthly setup look like?

How did you start? What were your first pages?

It changes through time but there are basically three different ones.

I first tested the dailies on a random planner I already had and then I used an old Moleskine notebook with blank pages (a bad choice because unlike squared/ dotted/ruled pages it can be pretty messy). I started with only a monthly log and Dailies. Which essentials did you use for your first Bullet Journal? Other than the Moleskine notebook (that I changed with a Leuchtturm1917) I used the Stabilo point 88 pens and Sakura microns. Now I use other supplies too including watercolours and colour pencils.

What’s your favorite page in your 41

Bullet Journal? It‘s hard to choose one but I think it‘s the one I did at the end of 2016 and the one I did at the beginning of 2017 because I thought a lot about my growth in the review pages.

What do you find most useful about the system? I think its flexibility. It‘s after all a blank notebook with a general outline but no fixed rules. I love being able to change things as I want and this helps me with never getting bored with it.

Which part of your Bullet Journal do you use in your daily life most often? I definitely use my daily log the most. And the next thing I use every day is the mood tracker.

Why do you prefer writing with a pen and paper in this digital age? I feel like pen and paper is more personal and free. I love the feeling of writing on paper and creating something with no filter in between, it‘s very relaxing. I don‘t 42

despise digital tools (I love to do digital art for example) but I just personally prefer traditional ones for my Bullet Journal. How much time do you spend on your Bullet Journal a week? I spend about 15 min. at the start of the week when I have to do the header of the week and think about how to do the layout. Then it‘s just 5-10 minutes every day for writing the Dailies. Doodles may take just a minute or more depending on their complexity. And at the end of the week, I spend about 10 min. for the weekly review. At the end of a month, I also do the monthly log which can take up to 1 hour. The Bullet Journal system can have a positive impact on your productivity but it still does not ensure it – what are you top 3 personal tips for a

productive use of a Bullet Journal? 1. Open the Bullet Journal, seriously. I think it‘s the hardest part because sometimes it can feel like a task itself, but when I open it I just feel a compulsion to write/ do something. And when I write a task I want to fill its box so I am motivated to complete it. 2. If something doesn‘t work for you, change it. The same if it‘s not needed anymore. If you keep it, it‘s counterproductive because it‘s not something you really like and can make you feel less enthusiast about your Bullet Journal. (For example, I used to have a habits tracker every month but then I just started using it less and less and so I don‘t set it up anymore) 3. Relax. I always try to remember that the Bullet Journal is not just a planner, it‘s much much more. I love doodling, 43

journaling and experimenting on it and this is a big part of why I am using the system. Being a little more chill helps a lot with productivity and avoiding a ,Bujo block‘ (I‘m not even sure if it exists as a term. It‘s like an art block but with the Bujo instead).

a Bujo sidekick where I do long term planning. Who are your top 3 Bullet Journal Instagram or YouTube accounts for inspiration?

What are your most loved and used Bullet Journal essentials?

@nicoles.journal @focusign @sadgirlstudying

The Muji black gel ink pen 0.38, Staedtler pigment liner or Sakura micron with a fine tip (e.g. 0.1), Faber-castell textliner 48, Stabilo point 88 and the Stabilo aquacolor pencils.

They are just the first ones that came in my mind. There are lots of other amazing people that inspire me, and sometimes I get inspired by non-Bullet Journal related accounts too. Inspiration is everywhere.

Do you use any other digital or analogue tools besides your Bullet Journal to organize yourself?

Who would you recommend to start a Bullet Journal?

Just my school planner where I jot down my homework. I have also started recently

Everyone who likes creating something with their hands and wishes to be more organised. There are no other requirements 44

to me. What would you say to someone who is interested in the Bullet Journal system but complains that he or she is uncreative or his/ her handwriting is sloppy? Bullet Journaling is about working for you, other people‘s Bujo should not influence you. I think comparing Bujos is like comparing people‘s personality, it doesn‘t make sense to me because everyone is different and has their own taste. If having simple pages is your thing then go for it, same if you like decorating it. You don‘t have to be ,creative‘ or have good handwriting to start Bullet Journaling. If you want to, just do it. Besides, I think keeping a Bullet Journal is itself a form of creativity because you can express yourself with it.

Some of the links in the interview are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links provided.

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offer that other systems don’t? @journalspiration When and where did you first get in touch with the Bullet Journal system? What was your first impression? In order to organize my life and to keep track of everything, I have tried many different planning systems without finding the right one for me, up until last year. While again looking for a new method to try out, I randomly stumbled upon the Bullet Journal which instantly enthralled me. Suddenly I was going through Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube to figure out how to start and what I need. This is when my Bullet Journal journey started. What attracted you to the Bullet Journal system and what does it

Before I heard anything about Bullet Journaling, I’ve tried using a classical binder planner with pre-printed inserts, a classical calendar and I’ve also tried several apps on my phone. However, none of these options really worked for me, they never gave me the flexibility I needed. The Bullet Journal suits my life in any situation, if I want to change my lifestyle, my Bullet Journal changes with me. That’s the one thing I love the most about the system. Where did you get all the information and inspiration for your very first Bullet Journal setup? I think I got the first inspirations through the 5437589 (maybe not that many) videos I watched on YouTube and different posts on Instagram and Pinterest. They are 46

still my number one when it comes to information or inspiration. How did you start? What were your first pages? I started with a pretty big order on Amazon where I got my first Bullet Journal supplies and a massive hole in my wallet (but to be honest, who doesn’t?). My very first page was the Key and I think it was the same as the original one. Other pages I made in the beginning were my goals, savings and the future log. Which essentials did you use for your first Bullet Journal? My essentials were pretty basic in the beginning, I started with a Leuchtturm1917 notebook in the size A5, Staedtler fineliners in black and different colors and some tiny stamps. But I think I don’t use any

of them anymore to be honest. You find other stuff that suits you more after a while, but I really liked those things in the beginning! What does your monthly setup look like?

Since I started to use a nuuna notebook in the size S (similar to A6) I needed to slim it all down to the basics. My monthly setup is pretty simple, but I like to add a section for my to do‘s and the thing I want to focus on in this specific month. 47

What’s your favorite page in your Bullet Journal?

the specific month or not.

I think my most favorite is my future log, I just like the composition of the pages.

Why do you prefer writing with a pen and paper in this digital age?

Which part of of your Bullet Journal do you use in your daily life most? The daily/weekly setup and the monthly setup are the spreads I use daily. The trackers are spreads I’m using daily as well but it depends if I’m using them in

Sometimes I like to have a mix between my iPhone and my Bullet Journal but in the end I’m always writing everything down in my journal. I just need to have certain things analog to focus, this is just how I am. How much time do you spend on your Bullet Journal a week? I would say it takes me roughly about 10

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hours max a week to plan in my journal. I want to have a Bullet Journal to help me saving some time and be more productive, not to waste it. :P The Bullet Journal system can have a positive impact on your productivity but it still does not ensure it – what are your top personal tips for the productive use of a Bullet Journal? The one thing that made a huge difference for me was to get more minimal. In the very beginning I enjoyed fancy and colorful spreads with time consuming headers and decorations, but after a while, I more and more tried to follow a minimalistic look. One key reason for that change was that I figured out that my Bullet Journal is not only supposed to be aesthetic, but also that it is supposed to be functional and efficient. It saved me so much time! Another tip would be to write down every

single task on your to do list for the day, it really helps me to finish a task and cross it down from my list. I feel more productive and I enjoy to do more things in a day. What are your most loved and used Bullet Journal essentials? Nuuna Notebook by brandbook Muji Gel Pen 0.38 Stabilo Pen 68 Planner Stamps/Stickers VersaMagic Dewdrop Chalk Ink Pads Protractor Who are your top 3 Bullet Journal Instagram or YouTube accounts for inspiration? I really like to get my inspiration from more minimal accounts, my favorite ones are @honeyrozes, @bujo.auslife and @ 49

logthatlife on Instagram. @Bohoberry is the perfect inspiration for a Bullet Journal beginner, she has several videos about how to start, what you need and the first spreads. Another great source is the official Bullet Journal homepage where Ryder writes about his system. What would you say to someone who is interested in the Bullet Journal system but complains that he or she is uncreative or his/her handwriting is sloppy? The Bullet Journal system isn’t about creativity or nice handwriting. It is meant to be functional and efficient and not pretty. Just remember that a Bullet Journal is for you and not for others! :-)

Some of the links in the interview are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links provided.

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@luckyletters When and where did you first get in touch with the Bullet Journal system? What was your first impression? I first heard of the Bullet Journal system through the recommended section of YouTube. I clicked on a journal flipthrough video by Bohoberry, and I was hooked. The pages were so creative, and oh so random. There would be a daily planner on one page and a bucket list on the next, and I was immediately so excited to buy one for myself. What attracted you to the Bullet Journal system and what does it offer that other systems don’t?

systems are usually dictated by what the manufacturer thought would be useful. If you buy a planner at a store, there is no room to do anything other than plan, or even worse, there is no room to even fully and thoroughly plan. Where did you get all the information and inspiration for your very first Bullet Journal setup? I watched a lot of Bohoberry flipthroughs and videos to understand what a Bullet Journal entailed, and then, on Instagram, I followed accounts like @ bulletjournalcollection that curated useful Bullet Journal posts from multiple people. I was able to see what everyone else does with their journals, and from there, I could filter out what I thought would work for me.

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How did you start? What were your first pages? My first page was an ,Introducing Me‘ spread. Essentially, I wrote myself a fullpage letter of why I’m starting a Bullet Journal and long-term goals for myself in a stream of consciousness style of writing. Next, I had a ,Banners & Headers‘ spread, and I really loved it. I knew it would be a good reference for future spreads, and it was really fun to make!

I use my weekly spreads the most often, simply because I’m a college student. Before every Monday, I’ll fill in all the classes, meetings, and practices that I have that week per day, and I’ll also mark down what assignments or readings that I have due per day.

Which essentials did you use for your first Bullet Journal? Leuchtturm 1917 A5 dotted journal, black Staedtler Triplus Fineliners, washi tape, white-out, and a 6-inch metal ruler. Which part of your Bullet Journal do you use in your daily life most?

What do you find most useful about the system? I find its flexibility the most useful. There are so many resources on Instagram, YouTube, and various blogs, and people 52

use the Bullet Journal system in so many different ways. Personally, I like a more decorative and lettered journal, and this organizational system allows for that creativity to be integrated into it. What does your monthly setup look like?

calendars, I always felt that I would miss meetings because I’ve never been in the habit to check my phone for my daily schedule. In addition, there’s no flexibility – I wouldn’t be able to write myself little notes of encouragement or reminders for that day on a digital calendar. How much time do you spend on your Bullet Journal a week? I usually spend more time on my Bullet Journal on the weekends when I have more time to sit down and plan my upcoming week, but on average, I usually spend about an hour a day on my Bullet Journal.

Why do you prefer writing with a pen and paper in this digital age? I think things stick better in my brain when I handwrite them, and with digital

The Bullet Journal system can have a positive impact on your productivity but it still does not ensure it – what are you top 3 personal tips for a productive use of a Bullet Journal? 53

1. Don’t cave into peer pressure. If you don’t want to track your daily habits, don’t add it. It’ll just make you feel guilty for not using it, and that’s counterproductive!

Nope! My Bullet Journal is my planner, my journal, and my portfolio of doodles, and if I ever lost it, … let’s not think about that scenario.

2. Change things up occasionally to find what works for you. Draw inspiration from other Bullet Journalists, and if you see something that might work well for you, don’t be afraid to integrate it into your own journal and try it out.

Who are your top 3 Bullet Journal Instagram or YouTube accounts for inspiration?

3. The point of planning is productivity. Not every spread in your journal needs to be beautiful, or if you don’t want to Bullet Journal that way, not a single spread needs to be beautiful. As long as you are productive, any Bullet Journal style is okay! Do you use any other digital or analogue tools besides your Bullet Journal to organize yourself?

@Bohoberry – Her YouTube videos are so informative and detailed, and they’re great for beginner Bullet Journalists!! She does a lot of flip-throughs, so it’s a great source for spread ideas if you ever get stuck or what to try something new. @Inkbyjeng – Her journaling style is very minimalist, but she also decorates her spreads with geometric shapes and animals. In addition to her beautiful posts, her attitude towards life and people is so contagiously positive, and it’s inspiring! 54

@Minimaljournal – His tagline says it all: ,It’s about getting crap done, not making your crap look good.‘ He’s the ultimate minimal Bullet Journalist, and I think he’s also the embodiment of what Ryder Carroll meant for this system to be. Who would you recommend starting a Bullet Journal? Everyone! Anyone who needs to keep track of any aspect of their life should have a Bullet Journal. It’s that simple. You have ultimate control of what you want to add to your planner, and you aren’t confined by any means. What would you say to someone who is interested in the Bullet Journal system but complains that he or she is uncreative or his/ her handwriting is sloppy?

Get a Bullet Journal. If you’re scared because you think that every Bullet Journal needs to be decorative and illustrated, read about why Ryder Caroll started this system. It revolves around productivity and simplicity, which means that you don’t need to be creative to be productive! If you’re on the opposite end and you’re worried that your handwriting is sloppy, it’s still okay! Lettering and drawing takes practice, and as long as you are willing to learn, you shouldn’t be intimidated. Every person whose handwriting you may admire started from where you are right now.

Some of the links in the interview are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links provided.

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Best Bullet Journal Essentials

Notebooks Leuchtturm 1917 A5 Dotted Nuuna Notebook Fineliners Stabilo Point 88 Sakura Microns (esp. Fine Tip 0.1) Muji Black Gel Ink Pen 0.38 Staedtler Pigment Liner Stabilo Pen 68 Black Staedtler Tripus Fineliners Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Brush Tombow Dual Brush Pens Markers / Pencils Faber Castell Textliner 48 Stabilo Aquacolor Pencils

Additional Stationery Stamps Stickers Versa Magic Drewdrop Ink pads Washi Tape White-Out 6-inch-Metal Ruler

Most of the above are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase something through the links provided.

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Happy Journaling

Now it is up to you. Grab a Bullet Journal, some pens, find a relaxing place – and go. Don‘t be intimidated. Don‘t let restrict you. Don‘t let anybody tell you which way to it. Find your own one. For more daily inspiration reach me out on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook or also join our Bullet Journal Group on Facebook. Happy Journaling!

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