How To Start a Bullet Journal

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How To Start A Bullet Journal

I’ve been using a bullet journal for nearly a year, and frankly it’s my constant companion! It’s pretty and useful, fits to my needs and is so versatile. However, I’ve recently been asked what it’s all about so I’ve put together this how to start a bullet journal post to help you decide if using a bullet journal is for you (I think it is!).

In a hurry? Here’s the Starter Pack!

If you just want to get started, then the items below will give you everything you need to get going!  Includes the Leuchtturm bullet journal (in berry), a set of fineliner pens, 30 rolls of washi tape and writing/drawing stencils (also doubles as a ruler).

Hardcover Medium Dotted Bullet Journal [Berry]
Huhuhero Fineliner Color Pen Set
30 Rolls Washi Masking Tape Set
SUBANG 12 Pieces Journal Stencils

Bullet Journal Supplies

The first, and most important requirement is to actually have a bullet journal. Here are a few to choose from, and they’re all available on Amazon. I’m currently using an orange Leuchtturm bullet journal similar to the ones below.  Make sure the bullet journal you choose has an elastic band fastener, as this is really handy!

Bullet Journal Accessories

The bullet journal accessories include fineliners, brush pens, washi tape and stencils and allow you to customise your bullet journal exactly as you want it.  Having a few accessories also allows you to be creative, add colour and have more fun with your bullet journal.  Again, these are all available on Amazon.

How to start a Bullet Journal

So, you’ve decided on your bullet journal and you’ve chosen a few bullet journal accessories. So now what? The important thing to keep in mind is that although the bullet journal is completely versatile, it’s still useful to have a few pointers to get started 😉 !

At the front of your bullet journal you’ll see a page headed up as ‘Contents’ which is then free flow for you to add to as you go along. You’ll also notice that every page in the bullet journal is numbered. Use the contents page to log the pages you create so that you can easily find things in your bullet journal without having to endlessly flick through the pages.

Each of the pages has a dot matrix, making it easy to write and draw straight lines, set up boxes (for calendars or trackers for example) and lay things out in an even spread.

After the contents page, it’s your choice how you want to lay out your bullet journal, but a good suggestion is to use the first few pages (or ‘spreads’, as they’re called in the bullet journal world) to set up personalised calendars. This could be for 6 – 12 months and acts as a useful first call for checking to see what you’ve got coming up. Below I’ve included a video of how to set up different spreads.  As you’ll see, it’s good fun!

Ideas for your Bullet Journal

After setting up your first few pages, the sky is literally the limit! You can use your bullet journal to record absolutely anything you want! This is also where having bullet journal accessories really enhances your experience! I’m certainly not the best artist in the world, but even I’ve enjoyed including a few doodles and stick creatures in my bullet journal.

I also have a set of coloured pens and pencils which has definitely enhanced the look and feel of my bullet journal (but of course, you don’t have to do this).

Here’s A List of Ideas for Your Bullet Journal

• It can be a planner, diary or organiser
• Track your moods
• Create a habit tracker and fill in the boxes
• Write down your to do list
• Track your exercise routines, weight loss, how much water your drink
• Jot down ideas, thoughts and notes
• Use it to draw or doodle
• Keep lists such as films you want to see, books to read or have read, places to visit
• Log birthdays or Christmas gifts
• Capture quotes you love and decorate them
• Keep a list of baby names you love
• Get it all out of your head with a braindump!
• Plan an event and track progress

Related post: How To Self Reflect

The possibilities are endless, and the bullet journal allows you to work it in exactly the way you want.  It’s fun and encourages creativity too!

So what do you think?  As I’ve already mentioned, I wouldn’t be without my bullet journal now!  I’m not great at maintaining a strict routine, so the flexibility of my bullet journal really helps me to keep on top of the things I want to do, places I want to visit, birthday lists and just general ideas that pop into my head!

I hope you now have an idea of how to start a bullet journal and are ready to give it a go and I’d love to hear how you get on with it!