When a friend suggested I start a bullet journal almost a year ago to keep track of everything I had going on amidst my grief and busy life, I thought there was no way I had the time for that. The only bullet journals I had seen were beautiful and meticulously illustrated. I just wanted to see my month at a glance with my to do list and goals. But upon further research (ahem, browsing Pinterest), I learned that there are also hot mess bullet journals.
A bullet journal can be a helpful tool for managing many different things, as it allows you to organize your thoughts, tasks, and appointments in a visually appealing and easy-to-use format. For me, I have paperwork for my late parents, paperwork for myself, household chores, parenting responsibilities (and fun stuff), volunteer work, and hobbies. But I was not making time for ME. Self-care had quickly become eating more than one meal a day while sitting down. Here are some of the tips and tools I’ve found useful in starting my messy bullet journal for overachievers who do too much.
Useful Tips
- Keep it simple: Start with the basics, such as a monthly calendar, daily task lists, and a collection of notes and ideas. Avoid adding too many complex spreads or layouts that may overwhelm you.
- Use colors and symbols: Use colors and symbols to help you quickly identify and prioritize tasks. For example, use a red pen for urgent tasks, a green pen for less important tasks, and a yellow pen for appointments or events.
- Prioritize tasks: Use the “ABC” method to prioritize tasks, where “A” tasks are the most important, “B” tasks are less important, and “C” tasks are least important.
- Break down big tasks: If you have a big task that seems daunting, break it down into smaller, manageable chunks. This will make it easier to focus on one task at a time.
- Use a reminder system: Use a reminder system to help you stay on track, such as setting alarms on your phone or using a reminder app.
- Keep it with you: Always keep your bullet journal with you, so you can quickly jot down thoughts, ideas, or tasks as they come to mind.
- Be flexible: Remember that a bullet journal is a tool to help you manage what you have going on, not to cause more stress with a set of hard and fast rules. Be willing to experiment with different layouts and styles until you find what works best for you.
- Create a daily log: Use a daily log to record your progress and reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This will help you understand your habits and triggers, and make adjustments as needed.
- Make it fun: Add a creative touch to your bullet journal, such as stickers, drawings, or inspirational quotes. This will make it more enjoyable to use and keep you motivated.
Useful Tools
Here are some bullet journals and supplies that inspired me and may inspire you too (affiliate link, but I encourage you to look for ideas then shop locally):
Ottergami Bullet Dotted Journal Set
Dotted Bullet Grid Journal Set with Pens, Stickers, Stencils, and Washi Tape
Feela Dotted Journal Set with Pens, Stickers, Stencils, and Washi Tape
Aukcherie 24 Colors Fineliner Pens
Starting a bullet journal was a great way for me to stay organized and manage my diverse workload. With a bit of practice and patience, I quickly found that it became an essential tool in my daily routine, but also helped me remember things better having written them down and seen them in writing.