Note: Want to see how I use my bullet journal for homeschool planning? Click here for FREE download that will walk you through it!
It’s been almost a year now since I started bullet journaling.
My journey began when I was young, fresh, naive, and had only 6 different patterns of Washi Tape.
Oh, how things have changed.
I have recently graduated to Bullet Journal 3.0, a new and improved version — he’s sleek and cool and goes with me everywhere, so today I wanted to give you a little update because I am seriously in love with my newest bullet journal – it helps me so much.
I find that it not only keeps me on track, but it helps to keep my anxiety at bay because I now have a place to write everything, and just clearing out that brain space has a huge benefit for me.
There is something about being able to write things down, that is very good for me – it’s not just knowing that I won’t forget things – it’s the act of writing it by hand.
So first, let me give you a little tour:
My new bullet journal is a Leuchturrm 1917 Hardcover in black. It’s the dotted version – all three of my journals so far have been dotted, and I think I could handle a squared one, but I think either ruled or completely blank pages might kill me.
My first journal was larger, and I found it felt too big for me – with my second, I went for something more portable.
I loved the size of my second journal, but this time I decided to give Leuchturrm a try. A couple of the big selling points of Leuchturrm journals are that they have numbered pages and an index at the front to help keep track of said pages.
I’m totally sold on that system, because it was one of the parts of using a Moleskine that always felt a little clunky to me. (The Leuchturrm also has two bookmarks instead of one, but I’m not sure if I love that yet or not.)
I’ve also given 3.0 a couple of internal upgrades – I added a pen loop and a pocket that I had in my drawer. (3.0 actually has a pocket, but I put this in there, which is packed with addresses and other important info.)
How I’m using my journal:
The size and style aren’t the only things about my bullet journal that have changed. I’ve also made many small tweaks in the past year, and I’m settling into a system that really works for me.
First, I scrapped the “monthly” layout that a lot of people love. I even scrapped a weekly layout.
Instead, at the beginning of each month, I create a page for each day. Beyond that I have a “future dates” page where I add things that are happening after the last day of the month.
Really far-off stuff I keep in my phone and set alarms, like my annual mole patrol appointment or birthdays. The fact is, no paper system is going to remind me of something really far ahead, so I don’t even try.
At the beginning of each month, I create a Monthly task list, and after each month, I keep a few bank pages for notes.
From there, I just have sections that fit me. You can find so many ideas for stuff to add to your Bullet Journal – I pin a lot of ideas here – but I’ve started waiting to add sections until I really need them.
My sections include:
- blog planning
- homeschool planning
- quotes
- books I want to read
- and then pages I create as I need them for projects or other things that pop up.
For instance, recently, I was dealing with a lot of overwhelm and a friend asked me, “What’s something you could do right now to feel better?”
So I opened my bullet journal and started a list. Now, when I feel crummy, I just go to that page and pick a thing.
Easy-peasy!
Fancy or not-fancy:
I made a couple of missteps with my first journal that kept me from enjoying it. First, I overaccessorized. I got really swept up in putting Washi Tape on every page, and trying to make things pretty.
I would love a really pretty, artsy journal filled with hand-drawn banners and calligraphy, but that doesn’t come naturally to me.
So I’ve cut back on the tape and I’ve stopped using 100 pens, and just stick with my tried and true Steadtlers.
I just use Washi Tape to mark certain pages, usually just a little torn-off piece on the very edge.
My friend also bought me some book darts for my birthday, and I’ve been experimenting with those to mark pages for quick reference.
For me, the key to bullet journaling is keeping things simple. But not too simple …
Making it more than a to-do list:
At its heart, bullet journaling is about more than just making to-do lists.
I mean, you can make a to-do list on any random scrap of paper and throw it out when you are done. So I’ve been working the past few months on making my journal a little “more.”
For instance, when we went on vacation, I wrote down notes every day – like an actual journal! It got me excited about real journaling again.
I’ve also adopted Emily P. Freeman’s ideas of WIL (What I Learned) and These Are The Days pages.
Both are pretty self explanatory, but for WIL, I will sometimes make a note about something new I learned or figured out so I remember.
And I love her These Are The Days pages, where she lists the things that are happening right then in her family and life.
So now I add not just things to do, but things we did.
And I try to write down gratitudes too. Even the tiny things like having a few extra minutes to read on the porch before starting dinner.
So WIL about bullet journaling?
So what I’ve learned (see what I did there?) is that there is a TON of bullet journal inspiration out there. In fact, if you want to make yourself nuts, type #bujo #inspo into your search bar, and wait for beautiful journals that look like full-time jobs to come flying at you from all directions.
I pin things I like sometimes, but mostly, I just keep at it and allow it to change and grow with me.
If I see or hear an idea I like, I might try it for a while.
But I don’t feel bad about not doing all the fancy things out there, and I’m learning that a bullet journal doesn’t have to be perfect to be exactly what I need.
I started bullet journaling for the first time earlier this year and I am still in the stage of figuring out what works best for me. I needed something to get rid of the two plus note pads, the random lists of gift ideas or books I need to remember or homeschooling inspirations and other memos that were decluttering my drawer. I also try to keep it simple because making it pretty and artsy would take up to much time. For me it is about the content and less about the look. Although I have to be honest there are very nice BJs out there that I’ve pinned, too. At this point I am not taking my Moleskine everywhere, but the other day at the library I wished I had brought it. Good thing there are smartphones… I also use adhesive tabs for easy reference and I also do love the German writing instruments you mentioned! Thank you very much for sharing! Danke! 🙂
I started bullet journaling for the first time earlier this year and I am still in the stage of figuring out what works best for me. I needed something to get rid of the two plus note pads, the random lists of gift ideas or books I need to remember or homeschooling inspirations and other memos that were decluttering my drawer. I also try to keep it simple because making it pretty and artsy would take up to much time. For me it is about the content and less about the look. Although I have to be honest there are very nice BJs out there that I’ve pinned, too. At this point I am not taking my Moleskine everywhere, but the other day at the library I wished I had brought it. Good thing there are smartphones… I also use adhesive tabs for easy reference and I also do love the German writing instruments you mentioned! Thank you very much for sharing! Danke! 🙂
I want to want to do this but I think I would waste so much time trying to make it perfect. I keep track of everything in my iphone & that works so I’m resisting the temptation to reinvent the wheel 🙂 Glad it works for you.
I want to want to do this but I think I would waste so much time trying to make it perfect. I keep track of everything in my iphone & that works so I’m resisting the temptation to reinvent the wheel 🙂 Glad it works for you.
I’m taking the BuJo plunge and just ordered my first Leuchtturm. I’ve been trying to use a fauxdori and the moleskin journals in it and it’s just not working for me! I’m hoping this will be a good fit.
I was wondering how you use yours for homeschool planning. I just recently bought one of the Day Designers from Target to use for my homeschool planning for next year, but if I can figure out a way to keep everything all in one place, that would be even better.
Thanks in advance! 🙂
I’m taking the BuJo plunge and just ordered my first Leuchtturm. I’ve been trying to use a fauxdori and the moleskin journals in it and it’s just not working for me! I’m hoping this will be a good fit.
I was wondering how you use yours for homeschool planning. I just recently bought one of the Day Designers from Target to use for my homeschool planning for next year, but if I can figure out a way to keep everything all in one place, that would be even better.
Thanks in advance! 🙂
I hope you love you Leuchtturm, Amy! So I use it in two ways for HS planning. First, I create a page each week of things I want to do with the kids, and then if we do other cool stuff, I write in down. Second, I created a section for Big Picture Planning since we are wrapping up this year – more on that tomorrow here, actually! 🙂
I hope you love you Leuchtturm, Amy! So I use it in two ways for HS planning. First, I create a page each week of things I want to do with the kids, and then if we do other cool stuff, I write in down. Second, I created a section for Big Picture Planning since we are wrapping up this year – more on that tomorrow here, actually! 🙂
Thanks for your reply! I look forward to reading your post tomorrow!
Thanks for your reply! I look forward to reading your post tomorrow!
I just popped back to this post to read it more carefully, wanting to see if bullet journaling is something I want to try right now, and just noticed you have the same Jane Austen mug I do. 🙂
I just popped back to this post to read it more carefully, wanting to see if bullet journaling is something I want to try right now, and just noticed you have the same Jane Austen mug I do. 🙂
Where did you get the awesome mug?
Where did you get the awesome mug?
Isn’t it great! It was a gift from one of my bosses 🙂 It’s made by these folks: http://www.philosophersguild.com
Isn’t it great! It was a gift from one of my bosses 🙂 It’s made by these folks: http://www.philosophersguild.com
Thanks!
Thanks!
I have sort of half-heartedly attempted bullet journaling in the past but couldn’t really love it, and reading this post has pinpointed the reason for me — I didn’t necessarily like my messy to do lists in the same place as cherished memories and clever ideas and other bits of writing I might want to save. Reading through your methods, I think I could actually make bullet journaling work for me. Then again, maybe the system I’ve got going is alright, too. 🙂
I have sort of half-heartedly attempted bullet journaling in the past but couldn’t really love it, and reading this post has pinpointed the reason for me — I didn’t necessarily like my messy to do lists in the same place as cherished memories and clever ideas and other bits of writing I might want to save. Reading through your methods, I think I could actually make bullet journaling work for me. Then again, maybe the system I’ve got going is alright, too. 🙂
My BuJo has helped take all the things I crammed into my head and given them a space of their own. I love how I can migrate my tasks and also make lists that otherwise would live on bits of paper on counters or, more likely, the floor of my office, never to be acted upon because–LOST. I do keep a journal for long-form writing but for day to day planning and action items, lists or quick ideas, my bujo is my happy place! I must check out the pens-I love mine but they sometimes bleed through. Do the Steadtlers do that?
My BuJo has helped take all the things I crammed into my head and given them a space of their own. I love how I can migrate my tasks and also make lists that otherwise would live on bits of paper on counters or, more likely, the floor of my office, never to be acted upon because–LOST. I do keep a journal for long-form writing but for day to day planning and action items, lists or quick ideas, my bujo is my happy place! I must check out the pens-I love mine but they sometimes bleed through. Do the Steadtlers do that?
Oh fun Heather! I just recently found your blog through your homeschool play post!! 🙂 No the Steadtlers don’t bleed, which is great. Thanks for saying hi and sharing your routine. I love to hear how others use their BuJos!!
Oh fun Heather! I just recently found your blog through your homeschool play post!! 🙂 No the Steadtlers don’t bleed, which is great. Thanks for saying hi and sharing your routine. I love to hear how others use their BuJos!!
At first, I was shocked (almost appalled) that you scrapped the month and week spreads! But then I thought about how that could really work… my only question is: what do you do if you (hypothetically) skip a day? Do you leave a dated/titled page blank?
I just updated my Bullet Journal post on my site too, but now this post has me thinking that I might change things up…again…
Thanks for keeping me thinking!
At first, I was shocked (almost appalled) that you scrapped the month and week spreads! But then I thought about how that could really work… my only question is: what do you do if you (hypothetically) skip a day? Do you leave a dated/titled page blank?
I just updated my Bullet Journal post on my site too, but now this post has me thinking that I might change things up…again…
Thanks for keeping me thinking!
It’s crazy – I haven’t had a day yet when I didn’t have stuff to write down. I don’t know!! That’s a good question! 🙂
It’s crazy – I haven’t had a day yet when I didn’t have stuff to write down. I don’t know!! That’s a good question! 🙂
Hello Kara, you have a wealth of knowledge on bullet journalism and organization in general. I have always been the type to color code everything and have nearly perfect handwriting skills. For an extra perk, you should consider adding some cool symbols using tips from visual note takers. Imagery is proven to improve memory retention and also makes for a great marker for important dates and special occasions. I started a separate journal for my doodles and now the most common images can be associated with dates, times, and things to do in my regimen. Hope you find these tips helpful! Best regard, Leanne.
Hello Kara, you have a wealth of knowledge on bullet journalism and organization in general. I have always been the type to color code everything and have nearly perfect handwriting skills. For an extra perk, you should consider adding some cool symbols using tips from visual note takers. Imagery is proven to improve memory retention and also makes for a great marker for important dates and special occasions. I started a separate journal for my doodles and now the most common images can be associated with dates, times, and things to do in my regimen. Hope you find these tips helpful! Best regard, Leanne.
I keep pondering a bullet journal, but my inner perfectionist has issues with it, so I haven’t tried it yet. Every time you post about them, though, they sound like such a good idea!
On another note, I have that same mug with the Jane Austen quotes. It was a Christmas gift from my husband a year or so ago, and I use it every morning because it holds the perfect amount of Welsh breakfast tea to get me going for the day. Plus, you know, there are worse ways to start the day than thinking of Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley. 🙂
I’m in the process of starting my first bullet journal and would love to get your info on how you use it for homeschool. I tried to sign up for the info, but it keeps saying that the “recipient has had too many requests”. Just thought you would want to know. Thanks, I’ll come back and try again tomorrow. 😊
Loved this post, Kara. I set up my BuJo today, and I’m already in love!