What is a Bullet Journal and How to Get Started

I had the same questions when I first heard about bullet journals: What is a bullet journal? And how do you start a bullet journal? It wasn’t until I had one for a few months did I finally see the full potential of a bullet journal thanks to Pinterest. When I first heard about a bullet journal it was from another blogger and she shared how she used hers for planning out her blog and scheduling her time. Nothing too fancy. I gave it a try and really I wasn’t having any luck. Then I realized that there was such a thing as a digital version of the bullet journal. That’s when all the flood gates opened up for me on how to use a bullet journal!

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What is a bullet journal?

First, let’s cover what is a bullet journal. It is a journal (not necessarily a notebook but more of a blank journal) with dotted pages (bullets). Each page has small light-colored dots on them to serve as guides while you are creating each page. In this picture, you can barely see the dots on the page but they are they and act as perfect guides to create this awesome layout. See that is the whole appeal of a bullet journal. It is a blank canvas for you to turn each page into your own creation! Now, I myself am not a very artistic person so you will have to take a look at some of these beautiful designs I found on Pinterest to fully understand!   Each of these is so pretty and it is really the tip of the iceberg of all the different designs you can do with your bullet journal.

How to Get Started?

To get started with your very own journal you would first need to purchase one. I got mine off of Amazon. There are several to choose from so here are some of the ones listed on Amazon. They range around $8 for a journal. There are tons of supplies you can purchase to really decorate your bullet journal all out. Things like stickers, pens, and markers, to even fun designed washi tape! Or you can just a bundle deal like this one. Now here is where I want to stop you for just a sec. As I mentioned above I came across digital bullet journals. I want to share those with you real quick so you can move forward in the direction you choose.

What is a digital bullet journal?

A digital bullet journal is just like it sounds. It is a digital version of a bullet journal that you can use on your iPad, tablet, or even your phone. It comes as a PDF so you just need a program that will allow you to write on the PDF for it to work. For example, there are note-taking apps that allow you to write on a PDF such as GoodNotes, Adobe, Notability, and OneNote. It just depends on your device and your style on which one works for you. To learn all about how awesome digital bullet journals are (and why I feel like they are actually the better option) then check out my post here. Or if you’re sold and you want to give digital bullet journals a test run for yourself you can grab my free digital bullet journal here!

Download Your Free Copy Here!

Now Back to How to Get Started

Once you have chosen your bullet journal people will often get stuck on how to use them. Use these 5 quick steps to help you get started.

1. Ask yourself why you got a bullet journal to begin with?

Was it just for fun because you love all things office supply related? (That is literally half the reason I got one myself) or was it because you are trying to get your life organized and running smoothly? (that’s the second reason I got one)

2. Now elaborate on your answer even more.

If it was just because it looked cool then you are free to draw on each page to your heart’s content! Or if it was to become more organize then think about what part of your life needs the most help. Do you need help tracking your tasks, do you need help tracking how much water you drink or what you eat, or do you need help with all of your daily activities? Really think about why you got the bullet journal to begin with so you can then find the best way to utilize it to help you!

3. Search ideas on Pinterest.

For an overload of inspiration on how you can use each page to track your habits, daily tasks, and more you can research on Pinterest for more ideas. There are thousands of ideas on Pinterest to help get your creative juices flowing on how to best use your new bullet journal.

4. Go with your gut.

Then go with your gut. Pick the one that makes sense to you. If you see a beautiful design but you are confused about how that design helps you achieve your goal, then don’t go with that one. Some people love the over the top designs and some people are more cut and dry and to the point. Pick the layout (or spread) that works for you. Find your inspiration and use it to create your own pages that fit your life!

5. Follow through daily.

This is probably the most important step of all. Work on your journal daily. If you got it to help you get more organized and stay on task then you have to look at it daily. You can’t design all these beautiful pages that have all your daily activities on them and then not look back at it again for a week or two later. That is where everyone goes wrong. Just like how you check social media daily to find out what’s going on in the world, you need to check into your bujo (bullet journal) or planner daily too. Consistency is key. If you stay consistent with using your bullet journal then you will consistently achieve your goals you set out to accomplish on why you got it to begin with!

Comment below with your spreads!

I most definitely want to see your new spreads you have created with your new bullet journal! Please comment below so we can all enjoy! Vanessa