How to Start a Bullet Journal: The First Spreads You Must Create

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Are you thinking of starting a bullet journal, but don’t know where to start? Good news! I can share with you the most basic things you need to know about it. Bullet journal ideas are everywhere, from Instagram to Pinterest. So many people are obsessing over it.

It’s time for you to start yours. So, how do you begin? Read on to discover exactly how to start a bullet journal and what bullet journal layouts and spreads are the best for beginners.

Bullet journal notebooks are designed to help a person stay productive and organized. Many people start their own bullet journals to exercise their creativity.

First, You Must Have Some Of The Best Supplies:

Before we dive into my favorite bujo spreads and layouts, I want to share some of my best bullet journal tools and where to buy an affordable bullet journal.

✅ 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.

✅ This bullet journal notebook that is 24% heavier compared to other journal brands.

✅ This card ink pen set can help you make beautiful letterings and line widths.

✅ These fine tip pens will change the way you approach drawing in your bullet journal. I adore them and I can’t live without them.

✅ These ball pens are loved by many bullet journalist friends because of its great for creating flowy strokes.

✅ This highlighter pen set is a top choice for those who love bullet journaling.

✅ These washable markers are perfect for writing, coloring and drawing.

✅ These washi tapes have wonderful, unique patterns.

✅ These set of pens are designed for every person who loves calligraphy, drawing, and art therapy.

✅ This graphite paper will save you tons of time by capturing each detail in your original design smoothly.

✅ These bullet journal stickers will look beautiful for almost every kind of spread imaginable.

✅ These watercolor brush pens offer good colors for blending and shading bigger areas.

✅ These sticky notes offer are incredible reminders to not forget important items.

I remember when I started, I totally overwhelmed myself and thought bullet journaling was complicated. Really, the only thing you need is your bullet journal and a pen. So please don’t get overwhelmed if you are brand new to bullet journaling. Just keep in mind that markers are super useful for coloring your journal and journal stencils will help save you loads of time in creating incredible layouts.

Setting up your first bullet journal

Go ahead and exercise your artistry by doodling and learning how to do lettering. Your bullet journal is yours. Feel free to express yourself in whatever way you want. Even if you choose a minimalist style, you can still express yourself well through practical, plain pages.

The First Spreads and Layouts You Must Create for Your Bullet Journal

1. Quotation Spread

This is not a requirement, but if there is a specific quote that inspires you, then make a spread about it. That way, you can see it more frequently and it keeps it at the forefront of your mind.

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2. Future Log

Of course, plan for the future! Create logs every day, or the evening before. Deadlines, birthdays, events and other crucial dates must be added. Just like the keys, see to it that this spread is added somewhere at the beginning of your notebook.

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3. Bullet Journal Key

Put this one at the left side of your bullet journal notebook, so it is easy to reference back to. It is crucial to use symbols in your bullet journal to save time.

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4. Bullet Journal Index

An index is important to easily find your collections.

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5. Brain Dump Spreads

This is one of the very first pages you will love to create. In this page, you can include anything and everything on your mind. If you have tons of ideas and thoughts, then create and make more awesome brain dump pages!

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6. Monthly Spread

There are many ways to create a monthly spread, but the main idea remains the same–organize your appointments and tasks in a single place. Write down all the tasks you want to complete for the entire month. Then, using your key system, you can shorthand all of the items, and monitor when they are canceled, migrated (means that you moved that to-do item next month), partially completed, or completed.

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At the end of the day, you can whatever style you want. In some months, you will have lots of time to make an elaborate monthly spread. Sometimes, you will have no more than 10 minutes. All you can do is throw down numbers and letters on the page, and close the journal.

7. Trackers and Monthly Collections

Collections are the things you want to monitor within your bullet journal. Spend some time thinking about the things you would like to track. This can range from meal plans, finances, mood, household chores. Feel free to experiment and explore each month. Since you are just starting out, your pages are set to change and improve every now and then.

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8. Daily Spread versus Weekly Spread

Do you know the difference between a daily spread or a weekly spread? In a weekly spread, you can create boxes for each week ahead of time. A daily spread, on the other hand, is something people create the night before.

If you love operating on a flexible schedule, it’s best to work on daily spread for now. You will have enough space, just in case your day turns wild.

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Use your bullet journal regularly

Many people (mostly beginners) find it hard to use their journal notebook every day. This is the reason why you need to start simple! Don’t overwhelm yourself. In order to establish a smooth bullet journaling habit, you need to make things easy for you. Practice and be patient. Enjoy your bullet journal!

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