The digital world is all around us. But some of us like to keep in touch with the offline world in different ways. Reading books, writing stories, going for walks, meeting friends, etc. And I am going to talk about another way to focus on this perspective that brings many benefits to your world. Creating a “bullet journal” or simply a “BuJo”.
Just like writing in a diary, a bullet journal provides an insightful approach to your life. As well as writing in my diary, I have done a few bullet journals in my notebooks. That’s why I want to talk about them today.
Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash
First and foremost, a bullet journal is a personalised and flexible analogue system for organising your life. It helps individuals record their thoughts, tasks and events in a single notebook. The core concept is simple: break down information into bullet points or “bullets” and use symbols to indicate the status of each entry. This method is highly customisable and allows you to structure your journal however you see fit.
To get started, get a nice notebook that suits your tastes. It can have grids or blank pages, different shapes and colours… Reserve the first few pages for an index where you’ll keep track of the topics and pages in your diary. Then think about what you want to keep track of. It could be your daily mood, your weekly sleep schedule, your monthly expenses, anything you like. As long as you enjoy it and are motivated to do it, you don’t need to follow any other rules. Do whatever you want.
Once you have thought about your theme and topic, break it down into sections such as tasks, events or notes, whatever suits you. It can be helpful to use a simple notation system to represent them. For example, a task is represented by a dot (.) and you can use an “x” to mark a completed task. You might want to use a dash (-) to indicate that you have skipped that record. Write down your goals, such as books to read, walks to take, or travel plans. After a period of your choosing, review your unfinished tasks and decide whether to carry them forward, delete them or mark them as unimportant. Steer your own adventure into the next chapter.
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the purpose of a bullet journal. Simply put, a bullet journal is a powerful tool for staying organised. You can create separate sections for your to-do lists, appointments and important events, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. But you can also map out your short-term and long-term goals and break them down into manageable tasks. Sometimes we miss or forget them, which is normal. Tracking them with a BuJo will remind us.
Of course, the blank pages of a bullet journal are a canvas for your creativity. You can take care of the aesthetics by incorporating drawings, colours and artistic elements that resonate with your personality and interests. Perhaps related doodles and scribbles could cheer you up each time you write. I also believe that many people use bullet journals as a means of practising mindfulness. By taking time to reflect on your day, write down your gratitude and record your feelings, you can increase your self-awareness. I have used it in this way alongside regular tracking.
Photo by Prophsee Journals on Unsplash
Finally, I would like to talk about their benefits. Do they really work? Well, I think the most important thing is the discipline. Don’t see it as an obligation, but rather as a fun habit to do every time you open your journal. I think the ability to tailor your journal to your individual needs and preferences is a big attraction. You’re not tied to pre-determined formats or structures. This gives you freedom and a wide playground. This can clear your mind and help you set clear priorities and focus on your goals, rather than sticking to a particular entry.
Especially after a while, when you think you’ve finished tracking, you’ll be able to see what’s important, what’s been achieved and what needs attention. This can help you to let things go or, on the contrary, to decide what you want to move on with in your life. This means that the act of writing, planning and organising in a journal can be therapeutic. It provides mental release and a sense of control. I have mentioned this in my previous articles, so I will reiterate that sometimes we simply cannot express our feelings outwardly, but tracking systems such as diaries and bullet journals can help us get it all out in some way. And believe me, it helps.
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
Find out if writing is a way to find inner peace for you. Whether it’s formal business, personal thoughts, silly data collection or fun experiments, a bullet journal can help. Start small and keep as many as you like. Check out different styles once you’ve got yours down, add some coloured pencils, some washi tape to make the pages pretty, or use a ruler to keep your lines straight, whatever suits your character. But in the end, writing helps, and reading your finished work is invaluable.
Articles that might interest you:
Comments