[EN] What is Bullet Journaling?

Probably you know what the bullet journal system is, but in case you don't, let me explain. 

The Bullet Journal is a method of journaling and note-taking that uses bullet points as the core structure. 

This method is good for: 

- People who have a million little to-do list, who like things
- People who like handmade things 
- People who are into goal-setting and habit tracking
- People who like scrapbooking, beautiful pens...
- People who love planners or who want to be more organized
- People who want to keep a journal but have problems sticking with the habit. 

But anyone can have a Bullet Journal. I don't like tracking my health habits, I just get bored. 

I mainly use it, to keep track of what I have to do daily, weekly and monthly. 

The basics: 

The bullet Journal uses a lot of fancy language and different terms. 

This method of journaling and note-taking that uses bullet points as the core structure. and simple sentences like: 

- Finish project for communication law due on June 5th --> Communication law project June 5th. 

Basic logs: 

Index: a table of contents that you update as you go by numbering the pages 

Daily Log: things you have or will have to do

Monthly Log: traditional month calendar + things you need to do that month + things you forgot to do last month

Rapid Logging: symbols that help you get things done

Future Log: year-at-a-glance calendar where you can put events, goals, and long-term things you need to do.

What you need 

Easy: a notebook (whatever size you want) and a pen. 

I use an A5 blank notebook and color pens. 

You can make it as arty as you want.

But I will say. In the beginning, keep it as simple as possible. And then, month by month change it and adapt it to the way you want. 

I started it really simple. And later on, I introduced a color system, which helps me a lot, because everything is easier to see. 

Also, I don't know how to do fancy handwriting, but I'm working on it. 

Another system used is with keys. 

Here, all the task have a different symbol and you just have to change the symbol it has, depending if you finish the task, migrated, canceled it... 

This will help you also to have a journal really easy to see. Because you differentiate everything by color or sign. 

For example, the second image I put (all from Pinterest) It combines this key symbols and also colors, to make everything easier once you know the key. 

Also, this is another point on favor for the Bullet Journal. You create everything as you want or works for you. 

How to start your Bullet Journal

Your first page is going to be the keys you are going to use. 

Then, your index (for this you have to enumerate every page, all of them). Here you will keep track of everything you write, such as calendars, journalling, trackers, notes from University...

Super fancy

Then, you will create your future log, in which you have the whole year calendar. 

This calendar is for things like birthdays, trips, goals you want to year during the year...  

Nice and simple.

Fancy

And remember: it's YOUR journal, you can make it as you want, simple or fancy. All of them are correct and functional. The only difference is the time required in each one, as you can see in the pictures. 

Fancy

Then you will have your monthly log. 

Here you have the set up for a whole month. Usually, you use two pages for this, let me show you some examples: 

Again, you can make it how you want. 

Nice and simple

In this log, you will keep track of everything you have to do this month. Birthdays, meetings, university projects, exams... Track as much as you want and what you want!. Here some examples.

Also, you can set up a log for "Goals for this month" -> like saving money, going more to the gym, sleeping more (or less). 

Super fancy

Also, I recommend to also to use google calendar, because maybe you don't have your bullet journal with you, and you have to reschedule something. I used to write it on my hand, but I have to say that most of the time I didn't even look at it or it didn't stay until I could get hold of the journal. 

Let's move to the weekly log. 

Fancy and simple

Yes, I know, this looks like too complicated and too many things to draw and create. But remember, keep it as simple as you want. 

Nice and simple

Here is what I like the most about bullet journal. You can set the week as you want. I like having it on one page, to see everything I have to do at once. 

Super fancy

You can have in this log:

- The weekly track

- Things to do this week 

- Things to do next week

- Trackers

- Month calendars

- Meal tracker

This are the basics you can track on your Bullet Journal, but remember, it is YOUR bullet journal, do it like you want. 

I will post more ideas of what you can track and log in your journal. 

Also, I'm making a board on Pinterest, with all of this pictures I'm posting, in case that you want to check them. 

I'm creating the calendars for the next school year, where I will start a new Bullet Journal, and I will design them on Photoshop so I can post them here and you can download them and use them if you like them! 

Hope you enjoy the post and see you soon!!