Bujo Basics: Weekly Log

I’m sure you’ve seen weekly logs and layouts almost everywhere but actually, the Bullet Journal Weekly Log is not an essential part of the bullet journal system. You wouldn’t even see it listed on Ryder’s Bullet Journal 101 page. The reason for this is that the weekly logs are not at par with Ryder’s daily logs wherein he suggests: “Don’t set up Daily Logs way ahead of time. Create them as you go or the night before. You never know how much space you may need any given day.”

Why I Used A Weekly Log

I started using weekly layouts March of 2017 – 6 months after I started Bullet Journaling. I remember starting out with bullet journaling with the question “do I need a weekly log” in mind so I did my research. As I was browsing Pinterest for ideas, I never really found weekly layouts that would cater to my needs until I found @inkbyjeng’s Instagram account.

When I saw this layout, I was convinced that I should do weekly layouts instead of daily logs. I liked the idea of having the entire week in one page so that it would be easier to review or to glance. Plus, she had the mini calendar on the left side which helped me a little bit because I didn’t have to flip back to the monthly calendar just to check the dates out. 

Coming from daily logging, I didn’t want to let go of the rapid logging process so what I did with my first weekly layout was a hybrid of weekly log and daily logs.

Advantages of Weekly Logs

• You can create space for your weekly tasks. While you’re supposed to write tasks in the monthly log, it’s sometimes easier to have your weekly priorities on the same page as your current week. It’s definitely easier than flipping back and forth to your monthly log.
• Quick glance of the week. You get to easily scan the page and find what you are looking for.
• Space-saving. If you only use 2 pages (or 1 spread) per week, you can probably 12-18 months in your A5 Leuchtturm.
• You’re probably more obligated to journal. With dates already filled out, you’d most likely remember to write in your journal – especially if you’re new to journaling/planning/putting pen to paper.

Disadvantages of Weekly Logs

• Limited space for journaling (rapid logging) (especially for A5 notebook users). Typically, weekly logs are designed or drawn in one notebook spread so you’re really limited to just those 2 pages. This might not be idle for heavy note-takers.
• Slightly more time consuming. Daily logs are more on-the-go and don’t necessarily need pre-made layouts. Regardless of the style of the weekly spread (whether minimal or creative), weekly logs take a bit more time because you would need to create a layout for the next 7 days.
• Occasionally, you will encounter blank days and you will notice it. Some aren’t bothered by this at all and are relieved when their days aren’t filled. I feel that this is linked to

Great Examples of Weekly Layouts