The bullet journal is an analog journaling system created by New York-based designer Ryder Carroll.
At a Glance
So what makes bullet journaling so appealing?
What Is a Bullet Journal?
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
The bullet journal system is fairly complex.
This index is usually fairly complicated and utilizes symbols and notes to help keep everything organized.
A note (any jot down of fact or observation), would get a dash.
A task (i.e.
get milk from the grocery store) would be noted with a dot.
An event (i.e., Birthday party tonight) is marked by an open circle.
You might opt to focus on specific health and fitness goals, such as losing weight or working out.
Or you might track your daily moods to look for patterns that influence your behaviors.
You might even focus on academic, athletic, career, or personal development goals.
Such a system can be appealing to those who enjoy such structure and organization.
However, such complexity can be daunting and make it less likely that people actually stuck with the system.
Bullet journals may be particularly helpful foradults with ADHD.
Organizational tools that track projects and break things down into manageable steps can be helpful for staying on task.
Attention is a limited resource.
The bullet journal system also helps combine multiple different organizational tools into one easy-to-use resource.
These journals also allow you to explore your creative side.
Doodling can be more than just a way to illustrate your journalit may also improve your memory.
This process of externalizing and expressing your thoughts on paper can make your goals more concrete and doable.
It can also make tackling your to-do list less intimidating.
Tracking things visually can make it easier to make connections betweenemotionsand behaviors.
It Can Help you Feel More Accomplished
Some people find standard to-do lists highly motivating.
Or they might feel sooverwhelmedby the number of items on their list that just getting started seems impossible.
If such lists are demotivating, consider using a “done” list to note what you have accomplished.
These lists can feel less daunting and provide a sense of achievement.
However, it is important to draw a line between venting and excessiverumination.
Bullet journaling can often be faster and easier than other organizational tools.
It is also highly visual, which can help keep you on track.
Keeping track of your progress and achievements can provide a sense of accomplishment.
Many people like to use dot grid notebook paper for their bullet journals.
it’s possible for you to make any customization you choose beyond that.
Any blank journal, sketchbook, or notepad will work.
Don’t spend too much money before you’re sure this journaling method works for you.
What to Include
The contents of your journal are really up to you.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of a bullet journal is that there is no need to invest in expensive resources.
2014;25(6):1159-1168. doi:10.1177/0956797614524581
Masicampo EJ, Baumeister RF.Consider it done!
Plan making can eliminate the cognitive effects of unfulfilled goals.J Pers Soc Psychol.
2011;101(4):667-83. doi:10.1037/a0024192
