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Are you guilty of making this giant bullet journal mistake? I was and I no longer am. You started your bullet journal for a reason…so read this before you open up your journal again.
THE GIANT BULLET JOURNAL MISTAKE
The biggest reason I got into Bullet Journaling was the journaling component of it. Yet, I found myself going days without using the journal part of my bullet journal. This is my bullet journal mistake!
You see I am what people call a non-creative in ways that a lot of women are creative! I am NOT good with scrapbooking or decorating my house or even accessorizing. Yet, I can write stories like no other. But I am in no way the grammar police. haha
And I am known as the GET IT DONE QUEEN because I am SUPER DUPER Productive.
To the point that I often find myself feeling guilty, if I take time to learn about the “creative” part of my life. Or even relax. My mind goes 24/7.
So, my really good friend suggested I try bullet journaling because it combined everything. It was fabulous and worked great for awhile. Then old patterns began to emerge.
I would open up my bullet journal in the morning and write out my to-do-lists which I love by the way. Mark each item off throughout the day…but then I would forget to journal. UGH – my #1 Gigantic Bullet Journal Mistake.
A bullet journal isn’t meant to just be used for to do lists or spreads. It also serves a journal.
And we know what the science says about journaling…it is super effective for human beings. For me, it helps me feel grounded, get clarity and often calms my mind which constantly races in pursuit of something else to do. 😉
Start your design sessions with these bullet journal supplies!
Let me share with you my favorite supplies that help enhance my creativity. If you are looking for new, affordable design tools, you may want to look at these!
This bullet journal notebook that is 24% heavier compared to other journal brands.
This journal stencil planner set that you can use not just for your bullet journal, but also for handmade family holiday cards, greeting cards and letters.
These washable markers are perfect for writing, coloring and drawing.
These ball pens are loved by many bullet journalist friends because of its great for creating flowy strokes.
This card ink pen set can help you make beautiful letterings and line widths.
These washi tapes have wonderful, unique patterns.
This bullet journal stamp set are great for everyday planning, and can also be used for your travel journal spreads.
This graphite paper will save you tons of time by capturing each detail in your original design smoothly.
These sticky notes will help you remember important activities and dates.
These bullet journal stickers will look beautiful for almost every kind of spread imaginable.
These set of pens are designed for every person who loves calligraphy, drawing and art therapy.
These scissors have sharp blades that will help you finish your task in no time.
This highlighter pen set is a top choice for those who love bullet journalling.
These watercolor brush pens offer good colors for blending and shading bigger areas.
SO HOW DO I INCLUDE JOURNALING IN MY BULLET JOURNAL WITHOUT SCREWING UP MY WEEKLY SPREADS?
Here is another confession, I don’t use weekly spreads in my journal notebook.
I tried it at first. I actually fell in love with Minimalist Bullet Journal Weekly Spreads. The challenge was that since my thoughts are always going faster than I can keep up, I need WAY more space than a weekly spread ever seemed to allow for.
So I just quit using them. I instead use rolling dailies. It is way less stressful. And I don’t feel guilty because the whole nature of a bullet journal is that you make it yours!
So what do I include in that daily. I use the “one thing” concept for each area of my life. Hint: they often flow together.
Here it is:
- My #1 thing for each area of my life
- Spiritual
- Health
- Emotional
- Relationships
- Business
- 3 Items are allowed under each category if needed to help accomplish that one area of my life.
- These include appointments, to do lists, my thoughts and my doodles.
I then allow myself up to three, 25 minutes increments of time every day to focus on my bullet journal. I follow the Pomod0ro Technique I even have a timer.
It is so awesome. It allows me the space to relax, journal and utilize the other parts of my bullet list. (without feeling guilty)
This has been so freeing for me. By setting time every day to ALLOW myself to journal, I have become way less stressed. No longer do I worry if my overactive mind will forget something because it has calmed down so much!
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WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What do you think is the #1 mistake you are making in your bullet journal?
It is actually journaling or is it something else altogether? Please share in the comments below! I would love to hear from you.
OTHER IDEAS:
- 11 Bullet Journal Hacks That You Need To Swipe
- 25 Bullet Journal Key and Index Ideas
- 11 Bullet Journal Hacks That Actually Work
- 13 Minimalist Bullet Journal Weekly Spread and Layout Ideas
I definitely tend to just make to-do lists and not really journal. Thanks for sharing this. I think this will help me as well to not stress.
I didn’t even realize I was making this mistake! Thank you so much for this helpful tip
I loved reading about how you use your journals. I could see myself skipping some steps too.
I need to start a journal. This would be a great stress reliever for me.
I desperately need to make a bullet journal. I know what I will be working on.
I’m ashamed to say I had never heard of bullet journaling before reading your post. But, it truly seems like a format of journaling I would enjoy, so I will have to give it a try. Thanks for the inspo!
I’ve never tried bullet journaling. I always kept a journal growing up, but I slowed down as I got older. It’s fun to read my past stuff, but I really need to write more. It’s definitely therapeutic.
I had not heard of bullet journaling before – I know, can you believe it! But now that I have it seems like it’s made for me. I like the bullet points and to-do’s but the journal component is very nice. I think it’ll really help relieve stress as I go through my ‘must do’s’!
yeah this is something really interesting and it gives you a peace of mind
This so so interesting! I’ve never heard of bullet journaling so this is good to know. Sounds like it would really help with being more productive and creative at the same time!
I recently received a law of attraction journal. I can’t wait to start using your tips.
Thanks for the tips! I have been thinking about getting into using a bullet journal and will be keeping these in mind!
I love the pomodoro method! I find it super useful for working, might have to try that out for journaling as well, good idea.
I do make To-Do Lists on my phone and I sort of journal but nothing intentional yet. Maybe I should to clarify my goals if nothing else.
Journeling brings me back to my childhood, I used to love it! Now my to do lists are in a digital document several pages long (gahhhhh) and my other thoughts end up written up on blog or social for the world to see. Private stuff never gets out, I guess maybe I should try journeling again!
I love to journal but I am not the type that follows a form. I tend to box journal as I call it where i journal thoughts down, draw a box around each separate thought and use every empty section of the paper.. other journals i am more structured, but my favorite are my jot journals.
This is my first time hearing about a bullet journal and I need to start doing this! It’s a quick, simple way to get my whole life & goals in order! Thanks for changing my life!
Bullet journaling sounds like a game changer! I’ll look into it. Thanks for sharing!
I love agendas and used to journal but I stopped. Might have to pick it up again. Love seeing how you use yours
I really love how you divided the entries, that make sense and really great idea, love it.
I’ve always wanted to start a bullet journal, but it looks so intimidating to me! I think I’ll go out and buy one next weekend and use the tips in this blog. Thanks!
Great tips here! I’m definitely a list maker, but have always wanted to start bullet journaling!
Never heard of bullet journal earlier. This seems interesting and I can do this. May be I need to start one.
It’s always best to make journals your own, I like to focus on my biggest accomplishments daily.
I do bullet journal for long now and I might have been skipping steps sometimes…I need to work on it.
By reading this I’m getting more idea how to start right from the beginning itself. Thanks for the post.
I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never completely understood the concept of bullet journaling. I love to make lists and such to track
My progress though. But it’s never anything as methodical as bullet journaling. I should at least try it though.
I’ve never heard of bullet journaling before, but I admit that I always make to do lists but never actually stick to them!
My therapist has taught me the healing that journaling has over our minds. Great post.
I like bullet journaling but I don’t know if it right for me. I tend to forget and to keep postponing it. It definitely takes time and dedication. Thanks for the tips!
I don’t journal but lists are my friend.
I definitely needed to read this. I just started bullet journaling, so this is a mistake that I do not want to make.
This is actually a very helpful guide for me. I was wondering how to improve mine and make adjustments, this article helped me right away!
I don’t do journals, but I see this applied for to do lists too !
I don’t write journals, I think I need to start doing it. these are great tip yes I am doing to mistake for long time.