In the past I really struggled with being organized. I liked to blame it on being a creative person or a busy multi-tasking mom and professional. You know the stereotype. Einstein-like hair all over the place, a desk piled up with…well, piles of paper, and late for everything. I was a nightmare.
Enter the Bullet Journal.
A few years ago, an online acquaintance posted about her love of the Bullet Journal. I was curious enough to search it on Google and add it to my bookmarks, but not ready for much else. I continued like a cyclone with my stormy ways, leaving a trail of devastation in my path. Well not that bad maybe, but close.
I was in need of an organizational facelift. Not organization of my home (sorry Kon Mari), that (aside from my desk) is very orderly. I needed an organizational facelift… of my mind. As a person with ADHD, it was especially critical that I find my organizational superhero, because I just really started to hate how feeling in disarray made me feel. Also, thanks to reading, The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele for my yoga teacher training, I also gained a new perspective on how my tardiness in particular, made others feel. The time had come and I was ready!
A Bullet Journal is, according to Wikipedia, “a method of personal organization developed by designer Ryder Carroll.[1] The system organizes scheduling, reminders, to-do lists, brainstorming, and other organizational tasks into a single notebook.” I purchased my handy-dandy notebook at Barnes & Noble. It was around $24. I also purchased the book that the founder of the method wrote, but truthfully, you might not need it. There are so many incredible resources for this online, but I won’t lie, it take a bit to learn the process and a commitment to adopt it. Once you do, you’ll really be glad you did.
What I like about it is the option to be creative if and when I desire, to institute regular mindfulness checks and to create accountability for my life in any areas I wish on my terms…ALL IN ONE PLACE!
The process seemed intimidating at first, but there’s also a lot of flexibility. You know the index of a book? The main thing to remember is that index concept is applied to your Bullet Journal. You can start a Bullet Journal whenever you want, the key is two-fold… be dedicated to logging in your index and to the key you create that will become your shorthand/code so to speak.
Since so many people have done helpful posts on how to use the Bullet Journal, I see no reason to reinvent the wheel. Here are a few good explanations for you to get started:
- https://littlecoffeefox.com/how-to-start-your-very-own-bullet-journal/
- https://jebra.com/bullet-journal-for-beginners/
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a25940356/what-is-a-bullet-journal/
Also, you do not need to be creative or have a desire to design an extraordinary work of art to do this. Don’t be fooled by the incredible layouts you see show-offs posting on social media. Honestly, I rarely ever pimp out my BoJo layouts…I just don’t make it a priority to make time for that. It’s completely up to you. I’ve saved some layouts I liked on Pinterest that you might like to check out if you want to give this a try.
Anyway, if you use a bullet journal, I’d love to hear your thoughts, and if not and have questions… ask away!
