Bullet Journal Tips: 5 Do's and Don'ts
Bullet Journaling has grown in popularity over the past few years. People love the versatility of a Bujo and the fact that you can make it anything you want. Need a planner? You got it! A notebook? Done. Need to keep track of every time you shit? I mean, if that's what you're in to, sure! There is no limit to what you can do with a bullet journal, and that freedom is what everybody can't get enough of.
I personally have been bullet journaling for a while now and have learned a few things along the way. The unique thing about the bujo system is how there really are no rules. Be that as it may, here are a few do's and don'ts to help those who are new or struggling with their Journal.
Do:
1. Search bullet journal spreads for inspiration
I find it extremely helpful to watch videos on how other people set up their journal. There are so many ideas out there! My favorite youtube bujo-er(?) is AmandaRachLee. She always has beautiful monthly spreads and her calligraphy is flawless. If you look at my monthly spreads, they look nothing like hers, but I still enjoy seeing what others like to do.
2. Create a list of spreads you'd like to try
This is pretty self explanatory. If you are looking to keep track of how often or how little you do something, then you would benefit from having a habit tracker. If you need a place to write down thoughts throughout the month, then you should have a brain dump page, or two. If you are trying to build a following on twitter or instagram or really any social media page, you might consider having a growth tracker. And so on...
3. Get started!
I can't tell you how many times I've hear people say they have been holding on to a bullet journal for an extended period of time because they are afraid to mess up what they put in it. They are hesitant, and, to me, that's silly. This journal is yours and yours alone. It's okay to mess up. It doesn't have to be a work of art. The bujo is supposed to make your life easier, make it better, not scare you into submission.
4. Change your journal as you grow
Everybody is constantly growing and changing. That is just a fact of life. But as you grow, so should your journal. There is nothing more satisfying than to find a new and more efficient way to layout your journal or to help with your productivity. Well, maybe a few things. I'm not saying that you need to always change the spreads that you use, just be sure that they are still working for you.
5. Have fun!
This journaling system encourages creativity, so be creative! Have fun with your spreads. Express who you are and give each page personality.
Don'ts:
1. Don't stress about getting everything just right
Perfection is overrated. I, personally, love the look of free-hand writing. I never use rulers when I work in my Bujo, because the not-so-straight lines look more genuine to me. It reminds me that my journal wasn't printed but rather hand drawn by myself. This system takes time and effort to put together, but perfection takes even longer.
2. Don't worry if you miss a day
We are all human, things happen that we don't expect. We get caught up, we get tired, and maybe even a little lazy. Don't beat yourself up over missing a day journaling. It's not the end of the world. Just remember that every day is a new day, a new start.
3. Don't compare your journal to other's
As I mentioned before, using other people's bujo as motivation and inspiration is great, but what isn't great is comparing yours to theirs. You are not them, therefore your journal isn't going to look exactly like theirs. Just like anything, if you start comparing yourself to others, you will only end up upsetting yourself. It's not worth it and it is counterintuitive. Be happy with what you have and what you can create.
4. Don't continue to use spreads that aren't working for you.
This goes hand in hand with do number 4. There is no shame in altering or changing a spread because it doesn't work with what you are trying to do. I've seen a lot of people keep the same spread throughout an entire year, just for the sake of consistency. If that spread is working for you, great. but if you are finding that you don't use the spread, that you need more space or less space, or maybe it just doesn't motivate you, then change it!
5. Don't wait until everything is "Perfect"
Just because you don't have the top-of-the-line pens or markers or any washi tape, doesn't mean you can't start your journal. I find that, most of the time, when people say they are waiting to start their journal until [insert reason here] they are just making excuses because they are nervous about messing up their bujo. It's fine to be nervous, but don't let that feeling stop you from doing something that could potentially make your life better. Do you have a bullet journal? A pen? You are good to go!
I have first hand experience with all of these dos and don'ts. I hope that I was able to provide some inspiration for those who are struggling with the same issues I had to deal with. As always, I would love to know your thoughts. Feel free to comment down below and follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @StephanieNBolla
Bye for now.