How to Start a Bullet Journal

What is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal is a combination of a weekly planner, to-do list, journal, and note-taking system, all in one! This type of journaling allows you to both express your creativity and bring order into your life.

1.

Gather Your Supplies

To get started, all you need is a pen and a notebook. I like to use notebooks with grids, but you could also choose a lined notebook or a blank one if you prefer.

Optional materials you can use to customize your bullet journal:

• Washi tape
• Stickers
• Ruler
• Brush pens

 Some popular notebook brands for bullet journaling are Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, and Denik.

2.

Create an Index

You’ll start by creating an “index” page at the beginning of your bullet journal. This will be like your table of contents, or a running list to keep track of all the pages in your bullet journal. Just write a page number on each line for now, and you’ll come back and fill it in as you create new pages in your journal. (I usually reserve the first 2-4 pages of my notebook for the index pages.)

3.

Create a Key 

If you’re going to use different symbols to keep track of various types of tasks, you can use your next page to create a key. For example, you might use an empty circle bullet for tasks you want to complete and a filled-in circle bullet for completed tasks, and you could use an arrow symbol for tasks that you’ve “migrated” (= moved to a different day).

4.

Create a Future Log 

A future log is like your yearly calendar to keep track of important events that aren’t happening immediately. This is where you’ll put dates like birthdays, vacations, or doctor’s appointments.

5.

Create a First Monthly Log

Similar to a future log (aka yearly calendar), a “monthly log” is your monthly calendar. These can be as simple or as detailed as you like. Some people like to draw an actual calendar, while others prefer a list view. This is where you’ll fill in all of the important dates and details for the month ahead.

6.

Create Weekly and/or Daily Logs

After you’ve completed your introduction pages, it’s time to create your first “weekly log.” These pages will make up the main part of your bullet journal. Divide up two pages into seven sections—one for each day of the week—and put the date at the top of each section. Or you could use a whole page for one day, which would be a “daily log.”

For each day, write down your daily to-do list of appointments and things you want to accomplish. As you go through your day, mark things off your list (and reflect on how much you’re getting done!). This is also where you can jot down any thoughts, feelings, and ideas that seem worth capturing.

7.

Create Custom Pages

Besides just keeping track of dates and schedules, your bullet journal is also a great place to create pages for anything else you want to track throughout the year. For example:

• Birthday calendar for friends and family
• Books you want to read
• Movies you want to watch
• Wellness habits you want to track (such as screen time, working out, drinking water, etc.)
• Gratitude logs
• Bucket list
• Favorite quotes
• Drawings/sketches

Remember, the most important part about bullet journaling is that you make it your own. Fill it with anything that’s important to you! The only limit is your imagination.

“Bullet journaling relaxes me when I’ve had a long day or when I want to focus in the morning. It is really easy to get started because all you really need is a pencil and paper.” — Lola, 14