Here's How to Bullet Journal (And Make It a Habit), According to an Expert

If you’re guilty of starting a bullet journal at the beginning of a new year, a new season, or just after a new notebook purchase, and then abandoning the project not long after—you're far from alone. In general, journaling is a wonderful hobby linked to mental and physical health benefits (reduced stress and lower blood pressure, according to medical research from Cambridge University). And in particular, bullet journaling offers the potential to better your productivity and organize routines. But starting a journal and keeping up with it can be a challenge. Here, we're covering how to bullet journal and make it a habit.

Bullet journaling is a creative form of planning, writing, and doodling that personalizes the practice beyond traditional narrative structure. Intrigued? All you need is some paper, writing utensils, a desire to streamline your life. Of course, these expert tips should also be of service. Here's how to start your bullet journal—and maintain it, too.

The Bullet Journal Basics

A bullet journal is basically an all-in-one to-do list, habit tracker, planner, and journal. That means it offers endless opportunities for creativity and customization. And while there is a ton of beauty in that, getting started can be understandably overwhelming. "I know how intimidating a blank page can be," says artist and professional stationery designer Amanda Rach Lee. "I found it easiest to start simple. My first bullet journal spread was actually created with a pen and one marker."

Bullet journaling can be a brain dump or as simple as jotting down a highlight of your day. “In terms of what to bullet journal about, it really depends on your lifestyle and your needs," explains Lee. "Personally, I like to think of my journal as my brain dashboard. It's a place where I can write down even the tiniest fleeting thought or task. Once it's on the page, it makes it easier for you to mentally organize your thoughts."

Bullet Journal Layout

While your bullet journal can be organized however (and include whatever) you see fit, many bullet journals share elements of the following layout. It's highly recommended that you number your pages to help organize your journal.

• Index: Like an index in a reference book, this will detail the page numbers of important logs and lists in your bullet journal, as well as a key of any symbols you may use (such as check marks for to-dos and dots for appointments). You'll likely find yourself updating this section.
• Future Log: This is your list or calendar of upcoming events. Think: weddings, birthdays, and those quarterly meetings. Long-term goals can also be listed here.
• Monthly Logs: All your monthly goals, tasks, and appointments will live here.
• Daily Logs: Your daily log will consist of your daily to-do list, priorities, and appointments for that day.
• Habit/Goal Trackers: From book lists to morning yoga sessions, various goal and habit trackers are frequently included in bullet journal layouts.

Bullet journaling can be done in any notebook, but those with dotted pages are often favored for their versatility. "All you really need is a pen and a notebook. Once you get more comfortable, you can throw in other fun stationery items like colored markers or Washi tapes," says Lee, who encourages adding more elements (like color-coding and decorative formatting) once you plot out your basic layout. "Stickers are also a fun and easy way to decorate your pages," adds Lee.

Bullet Journal Page Ideas and Habit Trackers

Now that we've covered the most important parts of a bullet journal, let's go over the arguably most fun! Bullet journals can be personalized with whatever is important to you, and this is commonly seen through habit and goal trackers. Love to read? Include a list of to-be-read books, a yearly book goal, and page tracker in your bullet journal. Want to prioritize your family finances? Add a budget tracker.

Other popular bullet journal page ideas include:

• Monthly and weekly cleaning lists
• Meal planners
• Grocery lists and/or budgets
• Healthy habit trackers
• Gratitude and/or memory log

How to Maintain Your Bullet Journal

Dedicating a regular time to bullet journal can help engrain the habit, and you can keep it short and sweet. "I like to find five to 10 minutes every morning before I start working to journal," Lee shares. "I find it makes it easier to stay consistent this way."

Keep your notebook and materials in the same place so they're easy to find and use during your scheduled time. Bullet journal while you drink your coffee, during your lunch hour, or in bed—whatever works best for you and your schedule. You shouldn't feel rush or labored by the process. Bullet journaling should feel as though you're clearing your mind of clutter as you lay it all out neatly on the page.

"Be kind to yourself about introducing this habit," adds Lee. "A lot of people try to dive head first and implement too many new systems into their lives, and then get disappointed when they aren't able to upkeep those habits," she says. Again, it's best to start simple.

And remember to show yourself grace. Skipping a day or even a week of bullet journaling is fine. The worst thing you can do is stop.