So you just bought your first journal. You open the cover and breath in that new book smell. Suddenly the reality hits you… you’ve never journaled before and have no idea where even to begin.
Don’t worry. We’re here to help you figure out how to start bullet journaling, even if you’ve never done it before. Take a deep breath, relax, and keep reading.
Skip ahead:
Staying Productive
We often feel stuck in a rut and don’t know where to start. We argue that we don’t lack motivation, only a robust system to help us cope with all the stresses surrounding our problems.
Fear not. By adding two simple sections to your bullet journal, you’ll be able to tackle anything life can throw at you.
1. Time Block Notes
Making good use of your time not only decreases stress levels but also increases productivity.
As bulletjournal.com explains, you can simplify your life by focusing on a specific task or chore by dividing your day into several time blocks.
By breaking down your day into more manageable blocks, a once daunting day becomes a mere molehill you can climb in a few steps.
Also, try color-coding your blocks into categories to make them easier to see.
2. Go-To Resources
Knowing what needs to be done is one thing. Knowing how to do it is another thing altogether.
Whether trying to balance a budget or decide which meals to make this week, having a dedicated page with resources based on your needs is always handy.
Start with a simple category title and leave a few lines empty that you can fill with the resource’s name once you find a useful one.
Alternatively, check out a website like Digital Inspiration to help you find some helpful websites. You never know when you might want them.
Taking Care Of Mind And Body
The human experience is made up of two separate but equally important parts, one is the mind, and the other is the body.
You’ll soon find yourself happier and healthier by leaving a space dedicated to each of these parts in your diary.
1. Habit Tracker
According to Healthline.com, forming a new habit takes 18 to 254 days. It depends on the pattern you are trying to develop. Whether that’s to stop consuming alcohol or nicotine products or make sure you eat healthily regularly.
Having a dedicated space in your diary that you can tick off or mark in a fun and creative way will help keep you motivated as you reinforce your new habit. Be sure to add a small rewards section at frequent intervals to give your brain extra dopamine when you reach your goals.
2. Fitness Diary
Everyone has a unique body that requires a balanced exercise routine; that’s why personal trainers exist. You don’t have to hire a personal trainer if you can create and maintain a training schedule. Websites like Noom.com might be what you’re looking for.
Create your fitness diary by selecting days of the week to work out and which muscle groups you’ll be exercising. Be specific about the exercises, repetitions, and calories you consume on your exercise days. Remember to give your body some time off too. A day off between workouts will help your muscles recover and grow stronger.
Write down how you feel after each workout to help keep yourself accountable.
Let’s Get Personal
We spend most of our day trying to please everyone around us. We often neglect ourselves in the pursuit of being the best friend, spouse, or parent. Start looking inwardly at how you speak to yourself by leaving a space in your diary for these two key things: Personal goals and affirmations.
1. Personal Goals
Positivepsychology.com teaches us that setting goals assist us with creating momentum, keeps us focused, and cements new behaviors.
Give yourself a page or two to write down your personal goals; these goals could be anything. That’s why it’s called “personal.” Break your personal goals into manageable chunks by segmenting them into daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly plans.
Start with simple goals like exercising regularly or finishing at least one book a month. They don’t have to change the world. They only have to change your world.
2. Affirmations
Remember to be kind to yourself. Fill your diary with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you are worthy, can accomplish your goals, and can do whatever you want, no matter how large or tiny the task.
Be the supportive friend you’ve always wanted for yourself. If you can consistently reinforce positive affirmations, you’ll soon find the inner voice telling you: “you can’t,” start telling you: “you can.”
Start your day by writing one inspiring positive affirmation.
Get Your House In Order
They often say: “happy spouse, happy house.” But what if you live alone? What if you have a family of six? Will you ever manage to eat all the lettuce or vacuum under the coffee table?
Fear not. These tricks will help you keep your house and fridge in order.
1. Meal Planner
We all hoard cookbooks like they are going out of style, but how often do we try any recipes found in them?
Try leaving a space in your diary for a few recipes you haven’t tried yet. Write down the ingredients you’ll need and how many recipes use the same or similar elements. Doing so will significantly improve your shopping habits and reduce food waste.
By spending a few minutes each week planning your meals for the week, you’ll find yourself cooking more and spending less time wondering what you’re going to have for dinner.
2. Chore List
Are you struggling to keep up with all the housework that comes with being an adult? Draw out your floor plan over a page or two of your diary and write down which chores are required for each area to keep it nice and tidy.
Try to break down each room into manageable tasks like cleaning the counters and sweeping the floors. Then break down each room to separate days of the week.
By the end of the week, you’ll find that you’ve successfully managed to clean your entire house without having to take a whole day out of your busy life to clean it all in one day.
Websites like care.com have a neat little printout to stick into your diary.
Ready, Set, Go!
Having a proper work-life balance isn’t always as easy as it seems. Suppose we don’t actively manage our social life the same way we manage our professional life. In that case, we’ll soon find ourselves spinning in circles, doing the same thing repeatedly without feeling complete and fulfilled.
1. Date Night Ideas
Have you and your partner felt like you’re just going through the motions? Does it sometimes feel like the spark that set your romance ablaze has all but died? Could your love life use some pazazz?
Here’s an idea, think back to your and your partner’s shared interests and come up with a few proposals that would be fun for the both of you.
Jot down the first thing that comes to mind, and then rate each option with your partner from 0 to 10.
The next time you both feel like you need a night off, you have many activities and places to explore together.
2. Family Game Night Ideas
Do you have kids? Do you have brothers, sisters, aunts, and uncles that you have to entertain on a rainy day?
Think back to your childhood at all the games you used to play with your family, write them down under the family game night section and see if you have a copy of the game in a closet or if it’s available online.
Ask your family what they loved to play with each other when you were little, and start crafting fun game night experiences everyone can enjoy together.