What I Learned From My First Bullet Journal
I’m not sure of the exact date that I started bullet journaling, but I remember the moment when it clicked in my brain that it was something I wanted to do.
Starting a bullet journal had been on my mind for awhile before it actually happened. I had a few friends who had them and at first I thought it was a cool idea, but never something I would actually pursue.
Then one day I found myself buying my very first journal at Walmart and digging around the house for any and all supplies I could find. (Frugal fanny over here, no shame).
I haven’t looked back since! Here’s what I’ve learned after completing my first bullet journal.
What is a bullet journal?
I obviously learned what a bullet journal is! Like actually is. Because I think what it actually is has gotten warped into something else. What you see on Pinterest of all the pretty and elaborate spreads isn’t necessary representative of the original vision.
The bullet journal and bullet journal method was created by Ryder Carroll and was meant to be a, “mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system.” I don’t think it was designed with the idea of intricate spreads, but that is what it has grown into and it’s quite beautiful.
When people ask me “what is a bullet journal” I usually respond with something along the lines of “it’s a planner that you create the spreads for yourself” which is kind of accurate?
How to find/create spreads
When I first started my bullet journal I had no idea what to do and I was never someone who would just create something from scratch. So I recreated other people’s spreads instead! They are posting them for a reason and when you are first getting started it’s ok to look to others for inspiration.
Of course, if you are going to post your bullet journal online you MUST give credit where it is due. If you are using someone else’s spread give them credit or at least give a disclaimer that you did not create it. It is not only illegal to take credit for work that is not your own, but would you want someone to do it to you? Didn’t think so.
Instead, tag that person in your post and create a connection! I’m sure they would love to see that someone liked their work enough to recreate it. It is also perfectly acceptable to use others work as inspiration and to make it your own. Remember, inspiration also deserves to be credited!
Soon enough, you will be creating your own spreads and people will be tagging you. Where do I find spreads? Pinterest and Instagram.
To create a bullet journaling routine
This might not be feasible for everyone, but it has worked well for me. Once you get into a groove with your bullet journal this might just happen naturally. For me, every Sunday (I don’t have a set time) I sit down and layout my weekly spread for the week and once a month I will create my monthly cover page and calendar. Occasionally, I will do this on Saturday if needed, so there is flexibility.
You might find yourself creating once a month making all your spreads and trackers at once. Or even every day if you like to do daily spreads to plan your day accordingly. It all depends on what you are looking for and works best for your schedule.
Having a loosely set time dedicate to bullet journaling will make it more likely you will actually do it and soon enough, it will just become second nature. Bullet journaling is a fun hobby, but it’s also a productive one too, making it habit and part of your routine will help you get the most out of it.
To let go of imposter syndrome
Your first spread, tracker, whatever you decide to pursue first is probably going to suck. Unless you are gifted with a pencil (if you start with a pen I am afraid of you) and have naturally beautiful handwriting. But some of us aren’t artistically inclined and have to practice before we get it right.
When you see all those perfect spreads and perfect doodles, do not let yourself fall into imposter syndrome. Your bullet journal does not need to look like anyone else’s. The amount of my spreads that have mistakes in them far outweighs the spreads that came out decent. I have rubbed down clean every eraser on every pencil I have to the point that if I make a mistake now, I’m pretty much screwed.
The best thing about a bullet journal is that it is yours. If you do not want to show anyone, then don’t!
Do not let the comparison game influence your bullet journal. And remember, the final product of a perfectly looking bullet journal has probably been edited and erased multiple times.
One of the first spreads I did on my own! (In my third bullet journal) Photo by Caroline the Photographer
Starting a bullet journal has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has become one of my favorite pastimes and has become the main facet of my blog. My first bullet journal began back in 2018 and I am currently working on my third. Along the way my spreads have changed and keys and indexes are a thing of the past for me.