Feeling disorganized? Always forgetting appointments? Lying awake at night feeling overwhelmed by the enormous to do list in your head?

Sure, there are a ridiculous number of apps and Google Chrome extensions that promise to help you get your life in order but what happens when the WiFi goes down/you drop your phone/your computer gets a terrible virus that renders it unusable?

Enter the Bullet Journal, a customizable organization system. Invented by web designer Ryder Carroll, the system has an almost cult following online. A Google search pulls up a plethora of Tumblr blogs, Pinterest boards and blog posts, all saying that adopting the method has been life changing.

The journal functions as a planner, diary, to do list, creative writing journal, sketchbook, or all of the above. The best part is that you already have the materials you will need: A blank notebook and a pen. The magic comes is in the journal’s organization system.

Check out the video below for a basic overview.

While the basic system might not seem hugely inspiring, it has a lot of room for creativity. Many users spruce up their journals with colored pens, washi tape and sticky notes.

The system also can be adapted for one’s own preferences. Check out these videos for different spread ideas!

Pen and paper may not seem like the most modern method. However, Carroll says that taking the time to write down information forces the user to pause and consider the importance of the tasks and events. In addition, tactile learners will find that physically writing information will help them to remember it in the future.

My family jokingly says I keep my brain in my bullet journal, which to some extent, might be true.

(I mean, it is probable that my real brain has a giant cat on it).

My journal definitely did not always look this organized. In my first couple weeks, its was an absolute mess. Once I got the organization down, it was rather boring. However, over time, I've developed a system that works for me, both organizationally and aesthetically. Using the Bullet Journal system has helped me condense my piles of sticky notes, Google calendars and iPhone notes into a streamlined, go-to place for keeping my head on straight. Every night before bed, I set up my list for the next day, dumping all the tasks, events and reminders that I inevitably would have remembered at 3:00 a.m. and gotten out of bed to write down. Since I've started using the method, I sleep better, I'm more efficient and I'm more mindful of the way I spend my time. Though you may think that your current system of remembering tasks works for you, I highly encourage you to try it, even just for a week. It's ridiculously simple, ridiculously fast and ridiculously effective. Even if you're not totally sold, it's a interesting exercise in productivity and mindfulness.