5 Reasons to Use a Bullet Journal

My Bullet Journal

Evolved - that's what I have to say about my Bullet Journal. In the beginning, they were called my "notebooks". I am on version 7 of what I now call my Bullet Journal.  Each year I have tweaked how I set my journal up and utilize it. I look back at each year's book and cherish the memories, documentation and learning that I see as I read through the pages.  Ryder Carol is the original creator of the Bullet Journal Method and his book is a solid resource.   

Five reasons why you should consider creating and using a Bullet Journal are:

1. They are customizable to meet your needs and budget
2. They are easy to Set-Up
3. They are visual 
4. They are comprehensive, in that everything is in one place
5. They are helpful in tracking short and long term goals

I have a favorite when it comes to my physical Bullet Journal.  I crack open a new Leuchtturhm 1917 every July.  ( I start mine each year in July as I plan for the upcoming school year.)  I love the feel and the weight of the Leuchtturm paper.  At the beginning of each journal their is a blank table of contents. Utilizing the table of contents allows me to quickly reference notes. The Leuchtturhm 1917 also has  pre-printed page numbers that can be referenced in the table of contents.  These features make organizing and finding your content easy and efficient.  

A Bullet Journal can be set up in a number of different ways. Some people's Bullet Journals are works of art, others, like mine, are not.  (I have art envy for the effortless creativity and artistic skills that some people possess!) There are tons of resources you can sift through when setting your Bullet Journal up. Masha Plans is one blog that offers ideas and inspiration. Below is the method I am currently using with my Bullet Journal.  I section my journal into three parts:

• Weeks -  I divide a page into thirds and give each week for the year a section. I enter in items that need to be taken care of during that week or notes that I need.
• General - Day to Day Meetings and Notes (This is the largest section as most everything goes into these pages. I can find notes quickly by using the table of contents.
• Learning  -  This section is where I take notes and process things that I learn during the year.

And finally pens, my favorite bullet journal accessory! I have tried a lot of different pens over the years and Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Medium pens have become a favorite of mine. They are reasonably priced, don't bleed through my Bullet Journal pages, write smoothly and come in a variety of colors.  If you are reading this on Black Friday,  Paper Mate Flairs are on sale today on Amazon for half off. 

If you use a Bullet Journal and have tips or advice, please share them with me below. My Bullet Journal will continue to evolve! 

And a quick shout out to others that I know on the Bullet Journal journey - Dan Greenberg, Amanda Seba, Michael McDonough and Kori Catlin!

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