Is Bullet Journaling For You?

Last year my resolution was to be brave and to go after what I wanted without fear and doubt. I certainly can’t say I mastered that. But, I am nonetheless proud of the many little steps I’ve taken, especially with this blog. Although the year is over, my journey to be more comfortable in my skin and to follow my passions is only beginning. Which brings me to this year’s resolution. For 2017, I want to be more productive, organized and find ways to juggle all the things I want to do without feeling stressed or that I’m failing at something. So, I’m giving bullet journaling a try. After some research, I’m convinced this is the key to getting things accomplished. Is bullet journaling for you? Read below to find out.

I want to raise a healthy and well-adjusted babe, maintain my freelance career , continue with this blog, cook delicious and healthy dinners, exercise, happy hour with my girlfriends, have date nights with my husband, read good books, listen to inspiring podcasts, have a clean home, shop, do my nails, and DIY things. I want to do all the things, and I believe it is possible—if I prepare and organize properly. Enter bullet journaling.

I’ve heard about it a while ago, but I just didn’t quite understand why someone would waste all that time creating a planner from scratch, when you could buy a very pretty one from Staples! I also thought it was more of a daily diary for doodling, than a planner. If you have no idea what I am talking about, and have never heard of bullet journaling, I recommend you watch this video. It explains the intent behind this tool, but it doesn’t quite cover why you would actually need one, this actually explains bullet journaling a bit better. Below, I’ve outlined a few questions you should ask yourself to see if bullet journaling is for you.

Is Bullet Journaling for You?

1. Do you like and make to-do lists for yourself?
2. Do you feel more productive by having a to-do list?
3. Do you keep several little papers on which you write down to do lists or random thoughts or dinner ideas?
4. Do you then forget which planner, phone or post it you wrote something down on?
5. Do you like having a planner to keep yourself organized?

If you answered yes to all of the above questions, I think you would like bullet journaling. I’m giving it a try for all of the reasons above. I am useless without a to-do list, and my current system which consists of several apps, notes on my phone, a Staples planner, a word doc and posts-its is no longer working. I realize I needed to create one central space for all that I want to accomplish and remember, regardless of whether it’s for my home, my work or my hobby.

Yes, it’s a lot of work upfront because essentially you are creating a planner from scratch, but from my research it seems that within two months, most people are able to customize their bullet journal to their every need. Planning a vacation, you can bullet about it. Making a shopping list, you can include that. Saving money, hosting an event, losing weight—you have a way to document every single thing you need to remember or do. I especially love the flexibility of creating a planner that is suited for you, instead of trying to fit your life into pre-determined fields.

I’m taking the plunge this month and starting with my first journal. I’ll report back on how I am doing and whether my to-do list and days are more productive.

Want to start one with me? Or have some advice, I’d love to hear from you! Also,  here is some additional inspiration to get your creative juices flowing!

Cheers to a happy and productive New Year,

Alina