I think something that deters people from starting something like bullet journaling is the worry that they won’t be able to stick with it. When we start something new, we can find ourselves thinking, “This looks great, but I’ll probably only do it for a week or two.” After those first two weeks, the novelty wears off and we fall back into our old routine.
But. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can create new habits and learn new routines. The key is to plan for success and start your bullet journal with the right mindset. Here are 9 tips to help you do just that:
1. Set an intention
To keep from running out of steam, set an intention to give your bullet journal focus. Think of an intention as the thing that you’d like to gain from bullet journaling. An
intention can be something like:
- Gaining self-awareness
- Planning my workday
- Clearing my mind
You can write your intention at the beginning of your journal to help you clarify and remember it.
2. Keep it visible
Keep your bullet journal somewhere where you will see it. That might be out on your desk, on your night table, or on your kitchen counter. Try to think of a place where it will be convenient for you to sit down and plan your day.
3. Keep your supplies easily accessible
Similarly, make sure the rest of your supplies are easy to get to. If you just plan on using a single pen, get a notebook with a pen loop so they will always be together. If you have a few more supplies, keep them together in a pencil case, a mug, a small desk organizer, and make sure it’s close to your journal.
4. Use a pretty notebook
Having nice stationery can be a big motivator for some (*cough* like me *cough*). Buying a notebook with a pretty color cover or a nice pattern can help you feel excited to use your bullet journal.
5. Set a time
Choose a rough time of day or week when you will bullet journal. Maybe it’s during your morning coffee, or before bed. Maybe Monday mornings you plan out of the whole week. It may take some experimentation until you find the best time for you.
6. Set a reminder
If you’re having trouble remembering to bullet journal, it can be helpful to set a reminder. Time an alarm on your phone to go off at the time when you would want to journal.
7. Start small
If you find yourself procrastinating or avoiding your bullet journal, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself. Give yourself permission to keep your bullet journal really simple, especially when you’re first starting out.
8. Change your layouts
If you’ve been using a bullet journal for a little while and you don’t enjoy using it anymore, try switching your weekly (and maybe monthly) layouts. Sometimes we grow out of an old schedule without realizing it. A fresh perspective can help you get back into bullet journaling.
9. Find a bullet journal partner
It’s always more fun to do things with a friend! Get a partner so you can trade ideas and give each other encouragement.
And one more thing…
It’s okay to miss days (or weeks). The bullet journaling police aren’t going to come after you. Understand that there will be times in your life when you won’t be able to fit it in. Keeping this mindset will benefit you tremendously in the long run. The last thing you want to do is beat yourself if you miss a day (or a few days/weeks/months). Don’t get discouraged!
Just pick up your bullet journal the next day. It will still be there.