The Bullet Journal Method Part 1

Let’s take a stroll back in time, it’s November 2019, I’d successfully defended my dissertation, and was ready to actually read for pleasure again. I logged into my local library’s free class offerings, and signed up for something called “bullet journaling for beginners”. I’d seen the class previously, and just didn’t have the time to attend. Upon logging in, the Instructor began to discuss intentionality and it’s intersection with productivity. I was mesmerized by the elasticity of the system and how easy it was to begin with a simple notebook and pencil….. Despite all my years of planning, journaling, and organizing I never thought of stripping away my system to just the basics and allowing my brain “space” to relieve itself of the many pins and notes. Based on the class recommendations, I briefly collected what I could find in my home and that night I began.

This specific blog post will be sectioned into 3 dimensions of wellness; emotional, career, and intellectual. As I discuss each section, it’s my sincere hope you the reader may glean the endless variations of the practice, and how you can make it yours. Now now almost 5 years in (quite unbelievable), there’s much more to it that notebook and pencil (*cue the washi, Tombows, ect…) but the basics principles are still the same.

According to the Ryder Carroll, Founder of the Bullet Journal Method; it is a mindfulness practice disguised as productivity system. Emotional wellness is supported using daily reflections to identify what’s meaningful by stripping away what’s meaningless. This exercise enables a strong sense of empowerment around our most valuable assets…time and energy. I find the daily practice allows me to intentionally set my own priorities, rather than external demands. The best reflection in Ryder’s words “being mindful of what you are doing and why you are doing it”.

If your asking what’s the best way to start in support of emotional wellness my advice is the mental inventory. The Mental Inventory helps you start with pulling out what’s important to you right now. Below is an example:

This is just one tool that can be used in conjunction with the system, or stand-alone. In my next post, we’ll talk about the daily systems I use to improve productivity and ensure my energy is placed in the right areas.

In peace,

J

References:

1. The Official Bullet Journal Website
2. The Bullet Journal Book
3. Journal supply shop Archer & Olive
4. Supplemental supplies (pens, markers, ect..) Cloth & Paper