What I Learned My First Month of Bullet Journaling

I was introduced to bullet journaling by a co-worker who’d heard about it on a podcast.  She sent me the link to the official video which does a fantastic job of describing the core principles behind the brilliance of the system.

I was initially attracted to the idea of having everything in one place.  I have a full-time job, a part-time business, I’m a student, I participate in personal development courses, and I wanted to keep a journal.  I’m high in Achiever, which means I’m energized by having a lot on my plate.  It’s not likely that my life is going to get less busy.  The thought of having everything in one system took me to my happy place.  Discovering the flexibility of the system is what has turned me into a bit of an evangelist.

Typical of someone who is high in Learner, I dove head first into learning about the system.  I watched video after video, soaking up as much as I could from the brilliant bullet journal community.  I learned so much from Kara at Boho Berry, Christina at Christina77star.co.uk, Kimberly at Sublime Reflection, and a whole host of others.  Then I got started.

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Here are the top 3 things I learned in my first month of bullet journaling.

1. Tools matter.  I spent exactly one day using a notebook I grabbed off the shelf at work.  One day was long enough to realize I needed something better suited for the purpose.  I settled on an Orange A5 Leuchtturm 1917, Square.  I love the Leuchtturm, though a couple weeks in I thought I might like to try a spiral bound notebook so that I could write on a flat surface.  I picked up a Miliko Transparent Hardcover Square Grid A5 Wirebound to try it out, but as I reach the end of my first Leuchtturm, I think I’m going to stick with it.  It’s just so solid and sturdy, and a good number of pages.  We’ll see.  Maybe I’ll change my mind down the line, but for now, we’re sticking with the Leuchtturm.  I also needed to find the right pens.  I tried several, but ultimately landed on my go to’s for comfort, lack of smudge, and lack of bleed-through:
   • Faber-Castell Pitt Artist pen (M) for creating my spreads.  I also use the S when I need a thinner line.
   • I use the Uni-ball Jetstream for my everyday writing.  It’s hands-down the winner for me because of the easy glide.  I was doing my morning pages with a Pentel ball-point pen, and my hand was just sore at the end.  That doesn’t happen with the Jetstream.  I’d tried the Paper Mate Inkjoy, which also has a nice glide, but it takes longer to dry than the Jetstream, which dries instantly.
   • For writing in color, I like the Staedtler Tri-tip pens.
   • For filling in lettering, I like the Tombow line of pens.
2. The bullet journal isn’t just a day planner, it’s a life planner.  It’s tremendously effective for helping me stay on top of my schedule and my to do items.  But it’s the most valuable for me in how it helps me manage my quality of life.  The spreads I didn’t expect to love as much as I do are the habit tracker and the gratitude log, both monthly spreads for me.  And what makes these two spreads effective for me is the habit of completing them.  My morning routine now includes quality time with my bullet journal.  I start with morning pages (inspired by Julia Cameron), then spend time with my habit tracker and gratitude log, then I review my schedule all before I get out of bed to get ready for work.  I feel centered and grounded, and I take good care of myself.  I loved the habit tracker so much that I expanded it in my second month.  For me, these two spreads are key.
3. The perfect bullet journal is the one that’s perfect for you.  As I’ve mentioned, I’ve become a bit of an evangelist for the bullet journal, so I share about it in real life A LOT!  Most people are intrigued by the idea of having one flexible system for the  many areas of life most of us are managing.  But common feedback I hear is that it seems a little overwhelming.  I’m no artist myself, but I was really inspired by all of the beautiful bullet journals I viewed on YouTube and Pinterest.  I can’t really draw, and I don’t have time to learn, but with little splashes of color and washi tape, my bullet journal is pretty enough for me.  However, I’ve seen minimalist bullet journals, as well as very ornate bullet journals.  The perfect bullet journal is the one that’s perfect for you.  There’s no standard to live up to.  The core system is simple and brilliant.  However you choose to spice it up, or not, is really up to you.

If you’re thinking about starting a bullet journal, I invite you to jump in.  We’ll call this lesson 3a.  You’re going to learn as you go.  As I’ve said, the core system is simple enough.  What you’ll be learning is what really works for you.  What’s going to provide you the most effective support to live the life you want to live.  You can’t figure that out until you get started.  So jump right in.

In my first YouTube video, I shared more about how I modified my system from day one to the end of month one.  Check it out if you’re looking for ideas.  In the meantime, happy bullet journaling!!