Bullet journaling for non-artists… Want to get your s**t together?
Not sure how to?
Saw a cute spread on Pinterest or YouTube following this you wondered if bullet journaling might be right for you?
Welcome to bullet journaling for non-artists… aimed at mothers. Because as mothers although we wear lots of hats (yours could be an artist hat) despite this those hats get a bit old and dusty.
So without a doubt let’s get into bullet journaling for non-artists and because it will change your life.
What is a bullet journal?
A bullet journal is explained to do the following. It tracks your past, order your present, and plan your future. This explanation is on the front of the book “The Bullet Journal Method” By Ryder Carrol the creator of the bullet journal.
A bullet journal is a door, a door you can open to completely change your life.
Tell me what you had for breakfast on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday last week?
No idea? The reality is the human brain when it comes to memory just isn’t that trustworthy when it comes to evaluating where our time and energy go.
In simple a bullet journal is a dot grid notebook you create into a life-changing station.
Simple bullet journaling for non-artists
Maybe you have seen bullet journals that look INCREDIBLE, with flowers, digital characters, or intricately drawn images.
Maybe you, just like me… can barely draw a potato. How will you ever create a journal you love…
You don’t have to be an artist to find the use in bullet journaling. You might be not creative at all, or you may be super creative.
Either way, we have something for you that is simple and easy to add to your life in this post.
Getting your sh*t together as a mother using a bullet journal…
If you are feeling like your sh*t is everywhere as a mum, and you just can’t get on top of it this is going to be the solution you need.
Bullet journaling is a type of self-care, organization, and planning and it is the way to stop feeling like you are 10 steps behind. Instead, feel on top and like you are getting ahead and changing the path of your life.
Bullet journaling involves listing within your “journal” or “notebook”, it also involves reflection and self-work that sees you becoming more intentional about your life and continuing with the things that are of value.
Bullet journaling for moms
So why is bullet journaling perfect for mothers? Let us tell you exactly why…
- Easy to do
- Low cost to set up, can be done in a tiny lines notebook with a pen
- Useful to keep up with housework
- Helpful to remember kids’ events
- Keeps you on top of bills and payments due
- Allows for reflection and time out to consider your identity and growth, it is a great form of self-care
What if I can’t draw and I want to bullet journal?
There are two types of bullet journaling.
Functional bullet journaling:
This type of journaling focuses on productivity and organization. It uses simple bullets, dashes, and other basic symbols to track tasks, events, and notes. The layout is minimal and straightforward, perfect for those who want functionality over aesthetics.
Decorative bullet journaling:
This type of journaling focuses more on artistic expression alongside organization. It often includes decorative elements like hand lettering, drawings, washi tape, and colourful designs. While beautiful, this style isn’t necessary for an effective bullet journal – it’s purely optional and based on personal preference.
Whatever bullet journaling you prefer and suits your lifestyle is what you should work on. Some people will only use their bujo if it is pretty, and others will only use it if theirs is simple and productive.
Bullet journaling is completely flexible to your needs. Choose what works best for you and roll with that.
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Is bullet journaling for everyone?
Bullet journaling is an awesome technique. Everyone in our world is so vastly different that let’s be honest it might not work for EVERYONE, BUT chances are if you are seeking out an organization it is going to work for you.
Bullet journaling is perfect for anyone who needs some quiet time, feels overwhelmed with their daily tasks, or feels like they just can’t get their life under control, and maybe aren’t happy with their day-to-day.
Bullet journaling for the busy
Bujo is a quick and effective practice. You can dedicate as much or as little time as you want to use your bullet journal.
Five minutes at night to write out your to-do list and cross off the things you completed during the day would be a starting base for anyone daunted by the thought of adding a new practice to their day.
Bullet journals are best when you use them as you need them. These days I get “bujo cravings” where I am like, ah I just need to get into my bullet journal and sort my life out.
Bullet journaling for busy moms
Bullet journaling is perfect for busy mums. With an A5 journal in your handbag, forget the days when you went to town and forgot half the things on your list. Having everything you need to remember right there is perfect.
Need to remember medication doses at the doctor’s, and put them in your bujo.
Need to write down a phone number at an appointment, and put it in your bujo.
The kids have parent-teacher interviews, put into the bujo.
How do you bullet journal if you can’t draw?
Bullet journaling for a simple organization doesn’t involve any decoration whatsoever. The decoration is an element that you add when and if you please. (No need to)
As long as you can draw a dot, arrows, and a cross you can totally bullet journal.
Also in today’s day if for some reason you need to draw it you can utilize Google and find a million ways to draw whatever it is that you need.
What is the difference between journaling and bullet journaling?
Bullet journaling is a technique developed for organization, where you use bullet points for tasks that are adaptable into other signs to allow for clear communication on what has happened to this task.
Journaling is more of a reflective practice. What do I feel about this? What are my thoughts on so and so… Journaling is a great way to get in touch with our souls or identity and beliefs.
When you bullet journal you are combining organization with reflective practice that sees us able to live out the life we want to.
Digital VS paper bullet journaling
You can bullet journal on both paper and iPad of course!
Paper bullet journaling allows for “unplugging” but maybe lugging around your notebooks, pens and pencils isn’t the most ideal situation for you.
If so bullet journaling on an iPad or tablet could be perfect for you! With every tool, you need in a single place.
Can you use good notes for journaling?
Yes! Good Notes is an excellent digital note-taking app that works perfectly for bullet journaling. It offers features like infinite canvas, various pen tools, and the ability to import custom templates which makes it ideal for creating digital bullet journal spreads.
The best part is you can easily organize and search through your digital bullet journal entries. Having everything in one place across your devices is a perfect option.
Can you bullet journal digitally?
Yes! Digital bullet journaling is becoming increasingly popular. You can use various apps and platforms designed specifically for digital planning, such as Notion, GoodNotes, or Notability.
Digital bullet journaling offers unique advantages like easy editing, infinite colour options, and the ability to copy and paste layouts. This is handy and time-saving.
Can you bullet journal on an iPad?
Yes, bullet journaling on an iPad is becoming increasingly popular! With apps like GoodNotes and Notability, you can create beautiful digital bullet journals.
The advantages include infinite colour options, easy editing, and having your journal always with you. Digital bullet journaling also allows you to easily copy and paste layouts, undo mistakes, and back up your work.
Plus, you only need your iPad and a stylus rather than carrying multiple pens and supplies.
What you need to bullet journal…
Starting a bullet journal doesn’t require many supplies. At its most basic, you only need a notebook and a pen. However, to create a system that works for you, consider getting:
- A dot grid notebook (helps with alignment and spacing)
- Your favourite pen (black for basic writing)
- A ruler for clean lines
- Optional: coloured pens or highlighters for organization
Remember, you don’t need fancy supplies – focus on functionality first!
Can you use a regular notebook for bullet journaling?
Absolutely! While dot grid notebooks are popular, any notebook can work for bullet journaling. The key is finding what works for you. A regular lined notebook is perfect for functional bullet journaling where the focus is on organization rather than aesthetics.
Many people prefer lined notebooks as they help keep writing neat and organized. The most important thing is that you’ll use the notebook you choose.
What journal is the best for beginners?
For beginners, an affordable dot grid notebook is ideal. Look for something with decent paper quality that won’t bleed through with regular pen use.
The Leuchtturm1917 and cheaper notebooks are popular choices, but any basic dot grid notebook will work. Start with something inexpensive while you learn what features matter most to you. This way, you won’t feel pressured to make everything perfect in an expensive notebook.
Our favourite notebooks around here are the Tiefossi notebooks! Tiefossi has a beautiful range of star-signed notebooks but also every other beautiful simple design you could think of. They are well priced and have 160gsm paper and elastic closure. You won’t find a better notebook for this price.
No fuss bullet journal spreads
Simple bullet journal spreads are often the most effective. Start with these basic layouts:
- Monthly calendar: Simple grid with dates and events
- Weekly log: List of tasks and appointments
- Daily rapid logging: Quick notes and to-dos
- Habit tracker: Simple checkboxes for habits
These spreads focus on functionality over decoration, making them perfect for busy people.
Bullet journaling key
The bullet journal key is your legend for rapid logging. Keep it simple with these basic symbols:
- • for tasks
- ○ for events
- for notes
- × for completed tasks
- for migrated tasks
You can customize these symbols to what makes sense for you, but consistency is key.
Figuring out your wants and needs
Before diving deep into bullet journaling, take time to identify what you need to track. Consider:
- What areas of your life need organization?
- What current planning methods aren’t working?
- How much time can you realistically dedicate?
- What’s your primary goal for bullet journaling?
Your answers will help create a system that truly serves you.
The bullet journal method book…
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll is the ultimate guide to understanding the system. This book explains not just the how, but the why behind bullet journaling. It teaches the core principles of the method, helping you create an intentional practice rather than just a pretty notebook. The book focuses on productivity, mindfulness, and the importance of reflection in your journaling practice.
Bullet journaling for non-artists… it is time to change your life…
Now you have the rundown on bullet journaling for non-artists, you can get cracking with your notebook!
It is time to change your life, becoming reflective and intentional in life is going to change the way you’re headed. Bullet journaling creates a path in life that you want to follow step by step.
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