Guide to Bullet Journaling

Bullet journaling is a fantastic method to help one organize and plan for the present and future. It serves as a relaxing hobby that encourages one to reflect and constantly be aware of goals and events. Filled with drawings and doodles, bullet journals can showcase one’s talent for art and calligraphy. Not to mention, bullet journaling can help to inspire or motivate oneself. Here are some tips and steps for beginning your own bullet journaling adventures:

Recommended Materials:

• Journal or notebook
• Ruler
• Stickers
• Post-it Notes
• Scrapbook paper
• Washi tape
• Pencils
• Pens
• Calligraphy pens
• Highlighters
• Crayons
• Colored pencils

 

Tips:

• Choose a small journal that will be convenient for you to carry anywhere and everywhere
• Attach paper mementos to your journal (e.g. concert tickets, plane tickets, receipts, postcards, stamps)
• Plan a color palette to use throughout the journal
• Incorporate check-lists to keep track of goals and tasks to do
• Write words in different sizes to add emphasis to them
• Consistency is important; try to write in your bullet journal everyday
• If it is around the holidays, incorporate elements of that holiday into your work (e.g. draw things that remind you of Christmas or use a color combination of red and green)

 

Steps:

• Divide your journal into 3 sections: year, months, and weeks
• Years section:

• • Include a calendar of all the months

• • Create a list of goals for the year

• Months section:
• Create a calendar of that month only
• 
  • Create little boxes (⅙ of the page) for each day and make a list of all the assignments/tasks to do that day
  • 

• • Make a list of smaller goals that will help you achieve your yearly goals
• Week section:
  • Allocate space for each day (⅓ of a page) and write a more detailed list of assignments/reminders
  • 
  • 

 

* Sample bullet journals provided by sophomores Katelyn Gov and Lwin Aung

 

Reminder: Bullet journals are a creative outlet and these steps are meant to guide you, not restrict you. Play around with whatever works for you and personalize your journal so that it is yours.