How to Bullet Journal

It's a craze that has been sweeping the nation. But what is Bullet Journaling? And how can we use our new Th[ink] journals to create the most perfect Bullet Journal spreads?

What is Bullet Journaling?

Bullet Journaling is a customised way of note-taking, diary keeping and future planning, that aims to be simpler and more efficient than traditional journaling. Very simply it’s a place where you organise your life, whether that be with to-do lists, sketches or tracking tools.

Why Bullet Journal?

It’s easier. Once you’ve learnt the key terms and gathered some inspiration off of the many other journalers, it’s easy to find a style of journaling that suits you and your lifestyle. If you’re creative the process gives you the space to design elaborate trackers, colourful spreads and inspiring daily quotes. Or if you are busy you can create a journal that is more efficient and simple, where you note down your tasks, and can find your schedule in one easily accessible place.

How to get started

1. Choose a good notebook. Ideally this will have enough pages, you could be using this journal for a whole year, and it will fill up quickly with your notes. A hardback book is a good shout, this journal will come with you everywhere so make sure it is sturdy, portable and will stand the test of time. We recommend our hardback Th[ink] journals available in three beautiful colours and are ideal if you need a long lasting, sleek journal that you can take anywhere you go.
2. Write your details in the front. We’ve learnt that your journal will soon become your lifeline. Everything will be inside this book, your tasks, thoughts and plans. So, put a little message in the front of your journal, including your name, address or phone number so if you ever do lose your journal some kind stranger will hopefully be able to contact you and return your bullet journal.
3. Set up your Index Page. This is the hub of your journal where you create a list of key topics or themes that are in your journal. The beauty of the index is that you can keep adding to or editing it throughout the journaling process so although you may initially only begin with a Monthly planner over time you may find that you need a future log to plan your upcoming events or that you keep mentioning books to read. The index contains the reference e.g. books to read and the page numbers these topics can be found at, so you can locate what you’re looking for easily and quickly.
4. Look at some spreads. Now you’ve got the basics your journal is ready to be filled. Maybe start with a simple two page monthly calendar indicating all the important events that month, or write down a to-do list for the day. Your journal is designed to work around you. Create spreads that make you excited to use your journal and that fit around your busy or creative lifestyle.

Our Journaling Inspirations  

If you’re interested in more examples of spreads and pages or just want some journaling inspiration here’s a list of people and sites to follow, whose ideas and designs we can’t help but marvel at.

@Bulletingbird                 A Journaler who creates amazing spreads and trackers on                                                   Instagram.

@Showmeyourplanner    An Instagram account that collects all of the amazing spreads                                              submitted to the #showmeyourplanner.

BulletJournal.com            The official home of the bullet journal by Ryder Carroll. This site                                            gives you all the information you need to set up your journal.

LazyGeniusCollective.com   A blog post designed to teach you how to bullet journal in a                                                  simple way and looks at why it's better to journal compared to                                              just using an online calendar. 

@BohoBerry                     Kara's Twitter timeline is filled with bullet journal inspirations and                                           ideas.

Pinterest                           Or look at ideas and images on Pinterest, often there's links to                                              simple How To guides and other useful journaling information.