Get Your Bujo On: An Intro To Bullet Journaling | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Get Your Bujo On: An Intro To Bullet Journaling

Your new way to plan.

502
Get Your Bujo On: An Intro To Bullet Journaling
Bullet Journal joy

One day as I was looking at artistic journals on Tumblr, I came across this new term: bullet journaling. I saw tons of pictures, but didn’t fully understand what it was. Most of the layouts were very intricate and artistic. They were beautiful. I love planners and journals and art, so whatever this was, it was perfect for me. It starts with a blank journal and a pen which is deceptively simple and almost boring, but it's also incredibly genius.

A bullet journal is good for:

- People who have a million little to-do lists floating around.

- People who like pen and paper to-do lists.

- People who are into goal-setting and habit tracking.

- People who like stationery, journaling, scrapbooking, beautiful pens, etc.

- People who really love planners.

- People who want to really love planners, or who want to be more organized.

�- People who would really like to keep a journal/diary but are having trouble sticking with the habit.

But none of these things are requirements for liking bullet journaling, and you can use any journal.

On the Bullet Journal website, bujos are described as a customizable and forgiving organization system. It can be your to-do list, sketchbook, notebook, and diary. It says it will teach you to do more with less. It claims to be the long-awaited answer to your planning needs. Note-taking and traditional journaling takes time, and the more complex the entry, the more effort is expended. The more effort expended, the more of a chore it becomes, the more likely you’ll under-utilize or abandon your journal. Rapid Logging is the solution. Rapid Logging is the language in which the Bullet Journal is written. It consists of four components: topics, page numbers, short sentences, and bullets.

Before you start, make your index. The index is where you’ll keep track of what page everything is on. The index is the first and second full spread of your journal. The index will make referencing back to what you’ve written easier, since things tend to get spread out all over the place since there’s no need for sections or any form of continuity.

The next four pages are your “future log,” which is just your yearlong calendar for the big stuff.

After that, you can set up pages for any big things you’d like to track over time: catalogs and trackers.

Next, many bullet journalers have at least two pages devoted to the big-picture view of each month: a monthly calendar page and a monthly tasks page.

The first step rapid logging is to add a topic on top outer corner of the page. A topic is simply a short descriptive title. Give it a little thought, as that can help you clarify your entry. Once that’s done, be sure to number the page. As you start filling your Bullet Journal, get into the habit of titling and numbering your pages before you add content.

Rapid Logging relies on the use of short-form notation paired with Bullets. Every bulleted item should be entered as short objective sentences. The Bullets will help organize your entries into three categories: Tasks, Events and Notes.

Tasks are represented by a simple dot “•” and include any kind of actionable items like “Pick up dry cleaning.” The task bullet does a lot of heavy lifting in the Bullet Journal so it has three additional states:

X = Task Complete

> = Task Migrated

< = Task Scheduled

Events are represented by an “O” Bullet. Events are date-related entries that can either be scheduled (e.g. “Charlie’s birthday”) or logged after they occur (e.g. “signed the lease”).

Notes are represented with a dash “–.” Notes include: facts, ideas, thoughts, and observations. Notes are entries that you want to remember, but aren’t immediately or necessarily actionable. This Bullet works well for meeting, lecture or classroom notes.

As mentioned before, a lot of bujos are beautiful and artistic, but yours doesn’t have to be. It can be as simple or as complicated as you like. That’s the true beauty of the bujo: It’s tailor-made and personalized for your needs. Now you just need to get your notebook and get your bujo on!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

1579
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

890
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

707
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

666
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments