5 Tips for Bullet Journal Beginners

First of all, welcome to the hobby! I know that you might be overwhelmed with the bullet journal method. Or perhaps a little but intimidated by the examples online. We have been there before. I know the bullet journal method can be scary so here are a few tips for all beginners out there.

1. Start with the original system (http://bulletjournal.com)

Beginners should start from the basics which is the “How to Bullet Journal” guide.

See? It’s pretty simple. Nothing fancy.

The photos on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook show how bullet journalists evolved. Most of them started with the original method and then tailored their journal to what works for them. Seasoned bullet journalists have been using the system for quite some time and what you are seeing is their own personal touch to the bullet journal system.

If you take a look at mine, you’ll notice that I don’t use some elements of the “traditional” bujo method because I’ve already found what works best for me. That can change overtime which brings me to my next point…

Read: Conquering the Bullet Journal First Page Fear

2. Find your groove

I always tell this to people who stress too much over how their bullet journal looks like. Relax. Everyone functions differently.

Many are creative and would want to use their bullet journal as a sketchbook as well.

Some prefer function over form and just write things down the Ryder Carroll way.

A few are messy and find comfort in the chaos.

So start with the basics and then review it monthly. Understand what worked and what didn’t and then you’ll know what works best to increase your productivity.

• Read: You Don’t Have to Be Creative to Start a Bullet Journal

3. Do not stress over your bullet journal supplies

Ryder does have a “Bullet Journal” notebook because he had this notebook kickstarted to complement his bullet journal system (it has a guide and everything).

But you really don’t need that exact notebook or a handful of pens. If you’re already using a planner, then just try using the system first. I started with an A6 planner that I received from the Starbucks holiday promo. The bullet journal system worked out so well but I wanted more flexibility so I migrated to a blank Moleskine dotted notebook.

4. Do not be afraid to make mistakes

The beauty of the system is that it’s a flexible and forgiving system. You didn’t like your weekly spread? Flip the page and try again. You didn’t like how your monthly log looked like in August? Review it and figure out a better way for September.

Another thing is that – it’s okay to skip a day! When I travel, I usually don’t have time to write in my bullet journal so there are some weeks where I don’t have daily logs written for the day.

5. If you really want to stick to it, try to incorporate writing in your bullet journal with your daily routine

I’ve had a lot of people ask my how I’m able to stick to writing on my bullet journal. I think it’s easier if you’re a student or a working professional. It’s easier because the whole 9-5 thing is a routine to begin with.

For example, I have a weekday routine and a weekend routine. On weekdays/workdays, I drink coffee before doing anything important at work. While I drink my coffee, I plan my day in my journal. On Sundays, I usually spend some time in a coffee shop and plan my week – migrating tasks, writing down deadlines, etc.

It was easier for me because I was able to incorporate it with my routine. I also don’t spend too much time with bullet journaling because I keep it simple.

If you’re not working regular hours or you’re a student on vacation, don’t fret. You can skip days anyway. You can always use the bullet journal on occasion or when needed.

Also read: How to Succeed at Bullet Journaling When You Live a Fast-Paced Life

A few more thoughts…

I know that you can’t wait to get started and are just afraid to take that leap. So why not grab a pen and a notebook and start now!

P.S. When I started in 2016, I made mistakes too – read more here.