• Home
  • Best Guides
    • Planners
      • Clever Fox
        • Clever Fox Planner Review
        • Clever Fox Budget Planner Review
        • Clever Fox Dotted Notebook Review
      • Moms Planners
      • Undated Planners
      • Goal Planners
      • Hourly Appointment Planners
      • Popular Planners
      • Teacher Planners
      • Budget Planners
      • Planner for Entrepreneurs
      • Customizable Planners
      • Daily Planners
      • Productivity Planners
      • Planners for ADHD
      • Homeschool Planners
      • Wedding Planner Books
      • Planners for Men
      • Life Planners
      • Refillable Planners
      • Weekly Planners
      • Planner Stickers
      • Planners for Nursing Students
      • Planners for Students
      • Planners for Creatives
    • Notebooks
      • Notebooks for Bullet Journaling
      • Pocket Notebooks
      • Paper Notebooks For College
      • Spiral Notebooks
      • Hardcover Notebooks
      • Fountain Pen Friendly Notebooks
      • Japanese Notebook
      • Password Organizer Books
      • Refillable Notebook
      • Notebooks for Writing
      • Paper Notebooks for Work
      • Digital Smart Notebooks
      • Graph Paper Notebooks
      • Composition Notebooks
    • Journals
      • Workout & Fitness Journals
      • Gratitude Journals
      • Leather Journals
      • Daily Journals
      • 20 Bullet Journal Supplies
      • Travel Journals
      • Pregnancy Journals
    • Comparison
      • Clever Fox vs Panda Planner
      • Happy Planner vs Erin Condren
      • Elfinbook vs Rocketbook
    • Sketchbooks
      • Mixed Media Sketchbooks
      • Sketchbook for Markers
      • Watercolor Sketchbooks for Artists
    • Papers
      • Paper for Colored Pencils
      • Heat Transfer Papers
      • Paper for Prismacolor Pencils
      • Paper for Acrylic Paint
      • Watercolor Paper
      • Paper for Charcoal
      • Paper for Oil Pastels
      • Printer Paper
    • Notepads
    • Binders
      • Binders for College Students
      • 3 Ring Binders
  • supplies
    • Pens
      • Pens for Writing
      • Writing Pens for Gifts
      • Fountain Pens
        • Fountain Pens Under 50
        • Fountain Pens Under 100
        • Fountain Pens Under 200
        • Fountain Pen Inks
        • Beginner Fountain Pens
        • Blue Fountain Pen Inks
        • Black Fountain Pen Inks
      • Pens For Planners
        • Brush Pens For Bullet Journaling
        • Pens for Bullet Journals
        • Paper For Copic Markers
      • Erasable Pens
      • Gel Pens
        • Gel Pens for Writers and Artists
        • Gel Pens for Coloring
        • White Gel Pens
        • Glitter Gel Pens
      • Colored Pens
      • Felt Tip Pens
      • Retractable Pens
      • Luxury Pens
      • Pens For Planners
      • Multicolored Pens
      • Fine Point Pens
      • Pens for Lefties
      • Black Pens
      • EDC Pens
      • Pens For Nurses
      • Refillable Pens
      • Teacher Pens
      • Pens for College Students
      • Bible Journaling Pens
      • Pens for Drawing and Sketching
      • Smart Pens
      • Uni-Ball Pens
      • Paint Pens for Rocks
      • Fineliner Pens
      • Office Pens
      • Rollerball Pens
      • Pens for Architects
      • Bolt Action Pens
    • Supplies for Artist
      • Watercolor
        • Watercolor Brush Pens
        • Watercolor Set for Students and Artists
        • Masking Fluids for Watercolor
        • Watercolor Palettes
        • Watercolor Brushes
      • Markers
        • Ohuhu vs Copic Markers
        • Paint Pens and Markers
        • Markers for Artists
        • Chalk Markers
        • Alcohol-Based Markers
        • Markers For Bullet Journaling
        • Paint Pens and Markers for Wood
        • Markers for Adult Coloring Books
        • Permanent Markers
        • Brush Markers
        • Markers for Canvas
        • Dry Erase Markers for Glass
        • Fabric Markers
        • Markers for Graffiti
        • Best Markers for Autographs
      • Paints
        • Gouache Paints
        • Body Paints
        • Acrylic Paints for Canvas
        • Paints for Canvas
      • Books
        • Manga Drawing Books
        • Human Anatomy Books for Artists
        • Watercolor Books for Beginners & Artists
      • Charcoal Pencils for Artists
      • Oil Pastels
      • Brushes for Painting Miniatures
      • Art Easels for Painting
      • Kneaded Erasers
      • Canvases for Oil Painting
      • Drawing Mannequins
      • Acrylic Paint Brushes
      • Art & Drafting Tables
      • Brushes for Oil Painting
      • Best Clays for Sculpting
    • Pencils
      • Pencil Cases
      • Pencil Grips
      • Colored Pencils
      • Mechanical Pencil Leads
      • Watercolor Pencils
      • Writing Pencils to Study
      • Mechanical Pencils for Drawing
      • Graphite Pencils
      • Number 2 Pencils
      • Carpenter Pencils
      • Pastel Pencils
    • Highlighters
      • Highlighter Pens
      • Bible Highlighters
    • Sharpeners
      • Electric Pencil Sharpeners
      • Sharpeners for Colored Pencils
      • Manual Pencil Sharpener
      • Pencil Sharpeners for Artists
    • Correction Supplies
      • Correction Tape & White Out Pens
      • Erasers
      • Electric Erasers
    • Calligraphy
      • Calligraphy Pens For Beginners
      • Calligraphy Nibs
      • Papers for Calligraphy
      • Calligraphy Inks for Dip Pen & Brushes
    • Glues
      • Glues for Paper Crafts
      • Glues for Cardboard Projects
      • Glues for Ceramic Repair
      • Glue Guns
    • Printers
      • Printers for Cardstock Printing
      • Printers for Cricut
      • Printers for Stickers
      • Printers for Printing Your Art
      • Printers Under 200
      • Printers for College Students
      • Printers for Chromebook
      • Printers for Graphic Designers
      • Edible Printers
      • Budget Laser Printers
      • Photo Booth Printers
    • Scanners
      • Scanners for Artwork and Artists
      • Flatbed Photo Scanners
      • Photo Scanner with Feeder
      • Film Scanners
    • For Home, Office and School
      • School Supplies
      • Heavy Duty Staplers
      • Whiteboards
      • Washi Tape
      • Letter Openers
      • Scissors for Cutting Paper
      • Computer Mice for Graphic Designers
      • Art Easels for Toddlers
      • Stencils for Bullet Journaling
      • Book Stands
      • Rulers
      • Paper Shredder under 50
      • Capacitive Styluses
      • Drafting Chairs
      • Mat Cutters
      • Best Expanding File Folders
    • Best Home Laminator
  • Single Planner Reviews
    • GoGirl Planner
    • Living Well Planner
    • Wellness Ban Do Planner
    • Erin Condren Life Planner
    • Simple Elephant Planner
    • Leuchtturm1917 Planner
    • MochiThings Planner
    • Passion Planner
    • Start Planner
    • Moleskine Academic Planner
    • Erin Condren Life Planner
    • Law of Attraction Planner
    • Ink and Volt Planner
    • Happiness Planner
    • The Full Focus Planner
    • Wellness Ban Do Planner
    • Evo Planner Review
    • BestSelf Co’s Self Journal
    • Commit30 Planner
    • Panda Planner
    • Happy Planner (by me & my BIG ideas)
  • Tablets
    • Tablets for Reading Books
    • Tablets for OSU
    • Tablets for Writers & Writing
    • 10-Inch Tablets
    • Android Tablets with Keyboard
    • Tablets for Photo Editing
    • Tablets for Sheet Music
    • Budget Tablets
    • Windows Tablets Under 300
    • Cheap Drawing Tablets with Screen
    • 7-inch Tablets
    • Tablets for College Students
    • Digital Drawing Tablets
    • Android Tablets for Drawing
    • Tablets for Reading Comics
  • Blog
    • 67 things to track in your habit tracker
    • 40 Things to write in a notebook
    • How To Use a Planner Effectively
    • How to Start a Bullet Journal and Change Your Life
    • 20 Bullet Journal Hacks
    • 10 Organizing Tips For Busy Moms in 2020
    • Time Management Tips for Busy Moms for 2020
    • How to Repair a Broken Binder Ring
    • How To Design & Print Planner Stickers At Home
    • How to Remove Highlighter
    • Learn How to Use Watercolor Pencils Step by Step
    • How to Blend Colored Pencils
    • How to Sharpen a Pencil Without a Sharpener
    • How to Remove Chalk Marker from Chalkboard
    • What are Alcohol Markers
    • How to Laminate at Home
    • Best Whiteboard Cleaner
  • self improvement
    • How To Make a Vision Board
    • How To Work Smarter Not Harder
    • Things To Be Grateful For
    • Bring Life to Order With a Brain Dump
    • How To Be Your Best Self
    • Get Set For The Day by Drinking 16oz of Water
Get Life You Desire
Get Life You Desire
  • Home
  • Best Guides
    • Planners
      • Clever Fox
        • Clever Fox Planner Review
        • Clever Fox Budget Planner Review
        • Clever Fox Dotted Notebook Review
      • Moms Planners
      • Undated Planners
      • Goal Planners
      • Hourly Appointment Planners
      • Popular Planners
      • Teacher Planners
      • Budget Planners
      • Planner for Entrepreneurs
      • Customizable Planners
      • Daily Planners
      • Productivity Planners
      • Planners for ADHD
      • Homeschool Planners
      • Wedding Planner Books
      • Planners for Men
      • Life Planners
      • Refillable Planners
      • Weekly Planners
      • Planner Stickers
      • Planners for Nursing Students
      • Planners for Students
      • Planners for Creatives
    • Notebooks
      • Notebooks for Bullet Journaling
      • Pocket Notebooks
      • Paper Notebooks For College
      • Spiral Notebooks
      • Hardcover Notebooks
      • Fountain Pen Friendly Notebooks
      • Japanese Notebook
      • Password Organizer Books
      • Refillable Notebook
      • Notebooks for Writing
      • Paper Notebooks for Work
      • Digital Smart Notebooks
      • Graph Paper Notebooks
      • Composition Notebooks
    • Journals
      • Workout & Fitness Journals
      • Gratitude Journals
      • Leather Journals
      • Daily Journals
      • 20 Bullet Journal Supplies
      • Travel Journals
      • Pregnancy Journals
    • Comparison
      • Clever Fox vs Panda Planner
      • Happy Planner vs Erin Condren
      • Elfinbook vs Rocketbook
    • Sketchbooks
      • Mixed Media Sketchbooks
      • Sketchbook for Markers
      • Watercolor Sketchbooks for Artists
    • Papers
      • Paper for Colored Pencils
      • Heat Transfer Papers
      • Paper for Prismacolor Pencils
      • Paper for Acrylic Paint
      • Watercolor Paper
      • Paper for Charcoal
      • Paper for Oil Pastels
      • Printer Paper
    • Notepads
    • Binders
      • Binders for College Students
      • 3 Ring Binders
  • supplies
    • Pens
      • Pens for Writing
      • Writing Pens for Gifts
      • Fountain Pens
        • Fountain Pens Under 50
        • Fountain Pens Under 100
        • Fountain Pens Under 200
        • Fountain Pen Inks
        • Beginner Fountain Pens
        • Blue Fountain Pen Inks
        • Black Fountain Pen Inks
      • Pens For Planners
        • Brush Pens For Bullet Journaling
        • Pens for Bullet Journals
        • Paper For Copic Markers
      • Erasable Pens
      • Gel Pens
        • Gel Pens for Writers and Artists
        • Gel Pens for Coloring
        • White Gel Pens
        • Glitter Gel Pens
      • Colored Pens
      • Felt Tip Pens
      • Retractable Pens
      • Luxury Pens
      • Pens For Planners
      • Multicolored Pens
      • Fine Point Pens
      • Pens for Lefties
      • Black Pens
      • EDC Pens
      • Pens For Nurses
      • Refillable Pens
      • Teacher Pens
      • Pens for College Students
      • Bible Journaling Pens
      • Pens for Drawing and Sketching
      • Smart Pens
      • Uni-Ball Pens
      • Paint Pens for Rocks
      • Fineliner Pens
      • Office Pens
      • Rollerball Pens
      • Pens for Architects
      • Bolt Action Pens
    • Supplies for Artist
      • Watercolor
        • Watercolor Brush Pens
        • Watercolor Set for Students and Artists
        • Masking Fluids for Watercolor
        • Watercolor Palettes
        • Watercolor Brushes
      • Markers
        • Ohuhu vs Copic Markers
        • Paint Pens and Markers
        • Markers for Artists
        • Chalk Markers
        • Alcohol-Based Markers
        • Markers For Bullet Journaling
        • Paint Pens and Markers for Wood
        • Markers for Adult Coloring Books
        • Permanent Markers
        • Brush Markers
        • Markers for Canvas
        • Dry Erase Markers for Glass
        • Fabric Markers
        • Markers for Graffiti
        • Best Markers for Autographs
      • Paints
        • Gouache Paints
        • Body Paints
        • Acrylic Paints for Canvas
        • Paints for Canvas
      • Books
        • Manga Drawing Books
        • Human Anatomy Books for Artists
        • Watercolor Books for Beginners & Artists
      • Charcoal Pencils for Artists
      • Oil Pastels
      • Brushes for Painting Miniatures
      • Art Easels for Painting
      • Kneaded Erasers
      • Canvases for Oil Painting
      • Drawing Mannequins
      • Acrylic Paint Brushes
      • Art & Drafting Tables
      • Brushes for Oil Painting
      • Best Clays for Sculpting
    • Pencils
      • Pencil Cases
      • Pencil Grips
      • Colored Pencils
      • Mechanical Pencil Leads
      • Watercolor Pencils
      • Writing Pencils to Study
      • Mechanical Pencils for Drawing
      • Graphite Pencils
      • Number 2 Pencils
      • Carpenter Pencils
      • Pastel Pencils
    • Highlighters
      • Highlighter Pens
      • Bible Highlighters
    • Sharpeners
      • Electric Pencil Sharpeners
      • Sharpeners for Colored Pencils
      • Manual Pencil Sharpener
      • Pencil Sharpeners for Artists
    • Correction Supplies
      • Correction Tape & White Out Pens
      • Erasers
      • Electric Erasers
    • Calligraphy
      • Calligraphy Pens For Beginners
      • Calligraphy Nibs
      • Papers for Calligraphy
      • Calligraphy Inks for Dip Pen & Brushes
    • Glues
      • Glues for Paper Crafts
      • Glues for Cardboard Projects
      • Glues for Ceramic Repair
      • Glue Guns
    • Printers
      • Printers for Cardstock Printing
      • Printers for Cricut
      • Printers for Stickers
      • Printers for Printing Your Art
      • Printers Under 200
      • Printers for College Students
      • Printers for Chromebook
      • Printers for Graphic Designers
      • Edible Printers
      • Budget Laser Printers
      • Photo Booth Printers
    • Scanners
      • Scanners for Artwork and Artists
      • Flatbed Photo Scanners
      • Photo Scanner with Feeder
      • Film Scanners
    • For Home, Office and School
      • School Supplies
      • Heavy Duty Staplers
      • Whiteboards
      • Washi Tape
      • Letter Openers
      • Scissors for Cutting Paper
      • Computer Mice for Graphic Designers
      • Art Easels for Toddlers
      • Stencils for Bullet Journaling
      • Book Stands
      • Rulers
      • Paper Shredder under 50
      • Capacitive Styluses
      • Drafting Chairs
      • Mat Cutters
      • Best Expanding File Folders
    • Best Home Laminator
  • Single Planner Reviews
    • GoGirl Planner
    • Living Well Planner
    • Wellness Ban Do Planner
    • Erin Condren Life Planner
    • Simple Elephant Planner
    • Leuchtturm1917 Planner
    • MochiThings Planner
    • Passion Planner
    • Start Planner
    • Moleskine Academic Planner
    • Erin Condren Life Planner
    • Law of Attraction Planner
    • Ink and Volt Planner
    • Happiness Planner
    • The Full Focus Planner
    • Wellness Ban Do Planner
    • Evo Planner Review
    • BestSelf Co’s Self Journal
    • Commit30 Planner
    • Panda Planner
    • Happy Planner (by me & my BIG ideas)
  • Tablets
    • Tablets for Reading Books
    • Tablets for OSU
    • Tablets for Writers & Writing
    • 10-Inch Tablets
    • Android Tablets with Keyboard
    • Tablets for Photo Editing
    • Tablets for Sheet Music
    • Budget Tablets
    • Windows Tablets Under 300
    • Cheap Drawing Tablets with Screen
    • 7-inch Tablets
    • Tablets for College Students
    • Digital Drawing Tablets
    • Android Tablets for Drawing
    • Tablets for Reading Comics
  • Blog
    • 67 things to track in your habit tracker
    • 40 Things to write in a notebook
    • How To Use a Planner Effectively
    • How to Start a Bullet Journal and Change Your Life
    • 20 Bullet Journal Hacks
    • 10 Organizing Tips For Busy Moms in 2020
    • Time Management Tips for Busy Moms for 2020
    • How to Repair a Broken Binder Ring
    • How To Design & Print Planner Stickers At Home
    • How to Remove Highlighter
    • Learn How to Use Watercolor Pencils Step by Step
    • How to Blend Colored Pencils
    • How to Sharpen a Pencil Without a Sharpener
    • How to Remove Chalk Marker from Chalkboard
    • What are Alcohol Markers
    • How to Laminate at Home
    • Best Whiteboard Cleaner
  • self improvement
    • How To Make a Vision Board
    • How To Work Smarter Not Harder
    • Things To Be Grateful For
    • Bring Life to Order With a Brain Dump
    • How To Be Your Best Self
    • Get Set For The Day by Drinking 16oz of Water
Home Self improvement How to Start a Bullet Journal and Change Your Life

How to Start a Bullet Journal and Change Your Life

Last updated on May 26th, 2020

    If you’ve been wondering how to start a bullet journal, then you are probably among the people who have heard about the practice’s life-changing effects. In fact, once you learn how to bullet journal, you may begin to wonder how you ever got along without it.

    This bullet journal tutorial is designed specifically for the beginner who has heard about the technique and is excited to try it. You’ll discover how to use a bullet journal and how the entire process can be customized to suit your needs.

    Contents

    • 1 Pick and Choose the Right Bullet Journal Process for You
      • 1.1 The Index
      • 1.2 The Key
      • 1.3 The Future Log
      • 1.4 The Monthly Layout
      • 1.5 The Weekly Layout
      • 1.6 The Daily Layout

    Pick and Choose the Right Bullet Journal Process for You

    One of the most wonderful things about bullet journaling is that it is a modular system. That means that you can pick what works for you, leave out what doesn’t and modify anything so that you are set up for success. Setting up a bullet journal is as easy as getting a pen and a notebook.

    Any notebook will do for your first experience with starting a bullet journal. The pages may be lined, a grid layout or blank. You may even try a notebook that has all sorts of pages like the Clever Fox Planner. It offers the perfect layouts for bullet journaling, and there is plenty of flexibility for you to make the system your own.

    Using a planner like this one is a great idea for people who are just starting with bullet journaling because you don’t have to make all of your layouts from scratch. Many of the pages in this journal are designed perfectly for bullet journaling, and there are several dot-grid pages that are ideal for this practice.

    When it comes to making a bullet journal for beginners, it’s essential to begin with an index and a key. The index makes it easy for you to find specific pages in your journal. The key to your journal is much like the key to a map. It tells you what the various symbols and colors that you choose mean.

    The Index

    If you’ve been wondering how to make a bullet journal, then this is a great place to start. The index can be the first page in your notebook. On it, you’ll maintain an ongoing list of the contents of the journal. When you add a new collection or project or other entry, you’ll number the pages, and then transfer the page numbers to the index. This way, you won’t have to spend any time shuffling through the entire notebook to find just one page.

    Here is a totally simple and straightforward example of an index in a bullet journal for beginners:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jasmin | Bullet Journal (@jasminsjournal) on Jan 21, 2018 at 5:36am PST

    You also can get super detailed:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Malin (@malwal94_bujo) on Jun 17, 2017 at 4:57am PDT

    This one uses color coding to indicate different categories of reminders and events:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Plan With Shanners (@planwithshanners) on Jan 2, 2018 at 12:53am PST

    The Key

    bullet journal
    Courtesy of Neefer Duir

    Bullet journal creator Ryder Carroll suggests several symbols that you might use to denote certain tasks, events and notes. A dot “•” is used for tasks while a circle “O” is used for events. A simple dash “–” is used to indicate notes.

    The text written next to each of these symbols typically is short and simple. Tasks are your “to-do” list while events are related to specific dates. Notes could be things that you observe, ideas you have or thoughts that you want to consider in greater depth at a later time.

    Ryder Carroll doesn’t advocate keeping tasks, events and notes separated from each other. In fact, the idea of using a different symbol for each means that you can write them in an ongoing list without getting confused.

    Other symbols that Carroll suggests using include the asterisk for priorities. Use this symbol on rare occasions because overuse blunts its impact. When you use an asterisk, make certain that it really means something. Carroll also recommends using exclamation points to mark those entries that represent critical insights, great ideas or affirmations.

    Personalize Your Key

    One of the best things about how to set up a bullet journal is that you can make it your own. If you don’t like the symbol ideas that Carroll recommends, you’re free to make up your own. Also, many people decide to use colors or stickers to denote certain tasks, events or projects.

    For instance, you might use a different color ink for career entries than you do for personal entries. Some people use highlighters to indicate all of the many things that they track with their bullet journal. You could use a different color for your workouts, meal plans, house cleaning, social activities, work schedule and more. How to start bullet journal entries and keep track of them is entirely your choice.

    Don’t worry about having all of the answers or about getting it “right.” Remember that when it comes to how to create a bullet journal, it’s really up to you. Your approach is all-but guaranteed to evolve as you get more comfortable with the process. You’ll let go of what doesn’t work for you and add things that help to keep you on track and productive.

    Here is a fun and colorful key:

    Don't ask how long it took me to get this right.. I'm obsessed with this #bulletjournal fun. #bujo pic.twitter.com/NuU9HlGIKr

    — Stacey (@literacybigkids) December 31, 2015

    Here is an example in which someone created several personalized icons and grouped their key by the layouts in which each icon is used:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by ISABELLE (@b.izzi) on May 25, 2016 at 7:12am PDT

    In this key, the bullet journalist even tracks mood and the number of steps taken each day:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Life by Whitney ® (@lifebywhitney) on Jan 28, 2017 at 11:35am PST

    The Future Log

    Here is where you get to do some long-range planning. You can include anything you like, and the format is flexible. This means you can experiment until you find what works for you when you’re starting a bullet journal.

    When it comes to how to create a bullet journal future log, you can let your imagination run wild. Feel free to include absolutely anything: your professional aspirations, your fitness goals, all of the good habits you plan to acquire and the travel adventures you’d like to enjoy.

    It’s also possible to keep your future log really simple. It could be just pages that are headed with the month and year followed by a list of important dates.

    Here is an example that includes a small monthly calendar, below which you can record events to remember:

     

    Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

     

    Публикация от Nina (@bujo_nina) 15 Фев 2017 в 8:09 PST

    This is another one that keeps it simple. When you start bullet journal entries, just remember that you don’t have to be the artistic type.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ash (@planswith_ash) on Feb 28, 2017 at 3:52pm PST

    This example is proof that your bullet journal format can be absolutely anything that works for you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Joanna (@paroksetynka) on Feb 28, 2017 at 8:09am PST

    If you’re wondering how to do a bullet journal future log, you can keep things pretty basic:

    [pin_widget url=”https://www.pinterest.com/pin/324118504418326999″]

    Remember, basic doesn’t have to be boring. Sometimes it’s just functional.

    The Monthly Layout

    The monthly layout is a two-page spread where you can see everything that’s coming up in your life over the next few weeks. Usually, this includes a pre-printed blank calendar page, but you could opt to make a calendar in list form if that makes sense for you.

    This is the place where you’ll keep track of planned events and tasks that you need to accomplish. Additionally, the monthly layout can be used to log events after they happen so that you remember when they occurred. Keep in mind that the monthly log is mainly for reference, so keep all of your entries short.

    One of the best parts of the monthly layout is being able to record all of your tasks, goals and priorities for the month. A separate list on the monthly page is the best place for this. After all, you’re interested in how to start a bullet journal so that you can start leading a more organized and intentional life. This means that you’re bound to have goals you want to achieve and habits that you want to acquire.

    This bullet journal format allows you to refer back to your monthly list on a regular basis. It’s a helpful reminder of what your goals are and what you want to get done during the month. At the end of each month, you’ll start working on the next monthly layout. This is the time when you’ll migrate certain goals and tasks to the next month as you continue working on them.

    Here’s a great example where someone used an Egyptian motif to further personalize their monthly layout:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Letter | Doodle | Journal (@twinklytanya) on Aug 4, 2017 at 2:49pm PDT

    This example is mostly plain-Jane and straightforward, but look how cute the addition of washi tape makes the layout:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Demy Dam (@demyrockz) on Aug 3, 2017 at 2:45pm PDT

    Here is an example of someone using a less-traditional monthly layout:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Haley | Relatable Planning (@haleyjournals) on Aug 2, 2017 at 11:21am PDT

    The Weekly Layout

    Some people prefer the weekly planning layout to the daily layout that is described below. You may find that you like to use both or that one layout is strongly preferred over the other. The weekly planning layout can contain just about anything that you’re tracking or need to remember.

    For instance, this is a great place to list all of your appointments, meetings and events for the week. You may include the workouts that you do each day, keep a food diary or track your progress on the habits you’re working to acquire. It’s also possible to list a few quick notations about what’s coming up the following week and your goals for this week.

    This is an example of a really detailed weekly layout:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Micah (@my_blue_sky_design) on Jan 12, 2017 at 12:10pm PST

    The fanciful artwork on this layout is really fun:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Cristina (@my.life.in.a.bullet) on Jul 8, 2016 at 8:37am PDT

    This one is straightforward and easy to read. It’s also proof that you don’t have to be super creative when it comes to how to set up a bullet journal.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Ashlyn (@bluenittany) on Jan 23, 2017 at 7:47am PST

    With this example, it’s possible to see just how creative and individual your weekly layout can be:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Michelle Baxter (@quirkyheart) on May 4, 2017 at 4:36pm PDT

    The Daily Layout

    The daily entries are where you’ll make your detailed to-do lists and keep a more intricate record of what happens during the day. List each appointment and task, and log additional items as they come up throughout the day.

    The traditional layout for the daily log includes the day’s date at the top of the page as the main topic. Below this, record all of your tasks, events and notes using the symbols that you defined in your key. Don’t forget to number each page and add it to your index so that you can easily find this date again.

    Keep in mind that your ideas about setting up a bullet journal are bound to evolve over time. You are definitely going to go through a period of trial and error as you learn how to bullet journal. That’s perfectly fine because there’s not just one way to bullet journal.

    Here is an incredibly simple daily log:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Laura Smith (@rainbowbujo) on Mar 20, 2017 at 11:12am PDT

    In this example, more than one day is included on a single page:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Steph K (@stephsupgrade) on Apr 1, 2018 at 12:52pm PDT

    has all of the days of the week listed on one page:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Natalie (@pages2plans) on Oct 9, 2017 at 8:36pm PDT

    When it comes to setting up a bullet journal, this lady got really creative. Her use of stickers and ephemera really makes for a memorable layout.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lena Kelmberg (@kelmberg) on Apr 20, 2016 at 10:00am PDT

    Of course, you don’t have to get that fancy when it comes to how to use a bullet journal. Here’s a plainer, but no less attractive, example.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jady 🌱 Greenish Planning (@greenishplanning) on Jun 28, 2018 at 8:38am PDT

    If you’ve been wondering how to start a bullet journal, then hopefully this guide has been a useful bullet journal tutorial. Remember that when it comes to setting up bullet journal entries, there are not many rules to follow. Some people get really creative by using a blank notebook with stickers, colored pens and plenty of artwork, but that’s not a requirement for how to make a bullet journal. A well-designed planner with some dot-grid pages may be the perfect answer to get you started in the right direction.

     

    Get Life You Desire
    • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    Copyright © 2021 GetLifeYouDesire. All RIGHTS RESERVED. GetLifeYouDesire is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program – it is designed to provide an aid for the websites in earning an advertisement fee – by means of advertising and linking to Amazon.com products.

    Input your search keywords and press Enter.