How to Create a Bullet Journal Plus My Top 10 Tips

Summary

This tutorial introduces the Bullet Journal system, designed by Ryder Carroll, and tailored for ADHD individuals. It covers the essentials: starting with a simple setup, using symbols for organization, and maintaining an index for easy retrieval. The script also offers creative freedom, with tips to personalize the journal and emphasizes the importance of a 'migration' process for task management. The video promises further content on layouts suitable for ADHD brains, inviting viewers to subscribe for updates.

Takeaways

• 📓 Start with the essentials: All you need is a pen and a notebook to begin your Bullet Journal.
• 🔑 Create a key: Develop a set of symbols to represent different types of information for quick and organized note-taking.
• 📝 Number your pages: Including an index in the first few pages helps to track and locate entries easily.
• 🗓 Set up a future log: Use the next four pages to plan ahead for events that are not immediate but will be relevant in the future.
• 📅 Customize your month page: Use a list format or traditional calendar to plan your month, keeping it simple and fast.
• 📝 Daily logs: Use a minimalistic approach to record daily tasks, events, and notes, with space for additional details if needed.
• 🔄 Incorporate migration: Regularly review and decide the fate of past to-dos, either carrying them over, deleting, or completing them.
• 🎨 Personalize your Bullet Journal: Make it visually appealing, but remember its primary function as a tool, not just for decoration.
• 🔒 Consistency is key: Choose a specific time and place to use your journal to build a habit.
• 📱 Backup your work: Take photos or scans of important pages to avoid losing valuable information.
• 💡 Seek inspiration: Look to online platforms for creative ideas and layouts that can be adapted to suit your needs.

Q & A

What is the basic requirement to start a Bullet Journal according to the script?

To start a Bullet Journal, you need at least one pen and a notebook. The type of notebook is flexible, but graph paper is preferred by many for its versatility in artistic expression.

What is a 'key' in the context of a Bullet Journal?

A 'key' in a Bullet Journal is a set of symbols that represent different types of information you tend to write down, such as to-dos, events, and notes. It helps in quickly dumping information from your brain to the page and keeping it organized for later reference.

Why is numbering pages important in a Bullet Journal?

Numbering pages is important because it helps in creating an index, which is essential for tracking and finding entries within the journal. It also aids in the organization and navigation of the journal's content.

What is the purpose of the 'Index' in a Bullet Journal?

The 'Index' in a Bullet Journal serves as a table of contents, where every addition to the journal is listed. This helps in locating entries quickly and ensures that no item is lost or forgotten.

What is the 'Future Log' in a Bullet Journal and how is it used?

The 'Future Log' is a section in a Bullet Journal used for planning and noting important events or tasks that are far in the future. It's divided into thirds with the months written out, allowing for a simple overview of upcoming significant dates.

How does the Bullet Journal system handle tasks that are not completed within a month?

The system uses a process called 'migration'. At the start of a new month, you review the previous month's to-dos and decide whether to cross them out, move them to the next month, or copy them into the future log for later.

What is the significance of the 'daily log' in a Bullet Journal?

The 'daily log' is where you record the day's events, to-dos, and notes. It helps in keeping track of daily activities and can also serve as a journal, providing a space for both brief notes and detailed entries as needed.

Why is it recommended to keep the Bullet Journal simple and fast to use?

Keeping the Bullet Journal simple and fast to use ensures that it remains a practical tool rather than a time-consuming project. It's designed to be quick to update and easy to maintain, which is especially beneficial for individuals with ADHD.

What are some tips provided in the script for ADHDers who are new to Bullet Journaling?

The script offers tips such as starting with the basics, designing a personalized key, adding more tools as needed, keeping the journal fast and easy to use, not striving for perfection, knowing where to find the journal, preparing for the possibility of losing it, setting a time to check in with it, getting inspired by others, and making the journal personal.

How can one ensure they don't lose their Bullet Journal or its important information?

To prevent losing the Bullet Journal or its information, one can take pictures or scan important pages into a digital storage service like Evernote. It's also suggested to include contact information for the return of a lost journal, but not personal addresses.

What is the role of the 'month page' in a Bullet Journal?

The 'month page' in a Bullet Journal is used to outline the month's schedule and to-do list. It provides a quick overview of upcoming events and tasks, helping in visualizing the month's commitments and priorities.

Outlines

00:00

📓 Introduction to the Bullet Journal System

This paragraph introduces the viewer to the Bullet Journal (bujo) system, created by Ryder Carroll, and provides a brief overview of its benefits for individuals with ADHD. The speaker emphasizes the simplicity of starting with just a pen and a notebook, regardless of the type of paper. The importance of setting up a key with symbols to categorize different types of information is highlighted, as it facilitates quick and organized note-taking. The speaker also outlines the initial steps of setting up a bujo, including numbering pages, creating an index for easy navigation, and establishing a future log for long-term planning. The paragraph concludes with the setup of a monthly page and daily logs, and introduces the concept of 'migration' for task management.

05:02

🎨 Customizing the Bullet Journal for ADHD

The second paragraph delves into ten ADHD-friendly tips for customizing and effectively using a Bullet Journal. It advises starting with the basics and gradually adding more tools as needed. The speaker encourages viewers to design a key that works for them and to keep the system fast and easy to use. Embracing imperfection and personalizing the journal are also emphasized. Tips for ensuring the journal is easily accessible and for setting up routines to regularly engage with it are provided. The paragraph also suggests ways to back up important pages and to find inspiration for creative layouts. The key message is to make the Bullet Journal a personalized tool that suits the individual's unique needs and preferences.

Keywords

💡Bullet Journal

A Bullet Journal is a customizable organization system that combines elements of a planner, diary, and to-do list. It is designed to be simple yet flexible, allowing users to track their tasks, events, and notes in a way that suits their personal needs. In the video, the creator emphasizes the Bullet Journal's utility for ADHD individuals, highlighting its minimalistic approach and adaptability as core features.

💡ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The video script discusses how the Bullet Journal system can be beneficial for individuals with ADHD by providing a structured yet adaptable tool to help manage tasks and information, as it simplifies the planning process and aids in organization.

💡Key

In the context of a Bullet Journal, a 'key' refers to a set of symbols used to categorize and represent different types of information, such as tasks, events, and notes. The script mentions that establishing a personal key is essential for quickly transferring information from the brain to the page and maintaining organization, which is particularly useful for ADHDers who may struggle with disorganization.

💡Index

The 'index' in a Bullet Journal serves as a table of contents, allowing users to list and locate entries throughout the journal. The script explains that the index is crucial for the system's functionality, as it helps users find information easily and ensures that no task is forgotten, which is a common challenge for those with ADHD.

💡Future Log

The 'future log' is a section in a Bullet Journal designed for planning and noting down events or tasks that are far in advance. The video script describes setting up the future log by dividing pages into thirds and labeling them with months, providing a simple layout that helps in long-term planning and is particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD to manage their time effectively.

💡Migration

Migration is a process in the Bullet Journal system where tasks from the previous month are reviewed and either carried over to the next month, deleted, or completed. The script highlights the importance of this process in simplifying life by filtering out less important tasks and ensuring that the focus remains on what truly matters, which is a valuable strategy for those with ADHD.

💡To-Do List

A to-do list is a record of tasks or actions that need to be completed, often prioritized by urgency or importance. In the context of the Bullet Journal, the script discusses having a monthly to-do list that helps in visualizing the workload for the month and in recognizing overcommitment, which is a common issue for individuals with ADHD.

💡Daily Log

The 'daily log' in a Bullet Journal is a page dedicated to noting down the day's schedule, tasks, and notes in a concise manner. The script illustrates the use of the daily log as a way to keep track of immediate needs and events without getting overwhelmed by details, which is particularly helpful for ADHDers who may struggle with managing daily tasks.

💡Graph Paper

Graph paper, with its grid-like structure, is a type of paper that many Bullet Journal enthusiasts prefer due to its versatility for artistic and organizational purposes. The script mentions that while graph paper is popular, any type of paper can be used, emphasizing the flexibility of the Bullet Journal system.

💡Habit Tracker

A habit tracker is a tool used to monitor the consistency and frequency of habits or daily tasks. In the script, the habit tracker is suggested as an additional tool for those who find themselves repeatedly noting the same tasks, such as 'floss your teeth,' which can help in forming and maintaining good habits, especially for individuals with ADHD.

💡Collection

In the context of a Bullet Journal, a 'collection' is a page or set of pages dedicated to a specific theme or category, such as books to read or movies to watch. The script suggests transferring recurring notes into a collection once the user becomes comfortable with the basic system, providing an example of how the Bullet Journal can be personalized and expanded to suit individual needs.

Highlights

Introduction to the basic Bullet Journal system by Ryder Carroll.

Bullet Journal is beneficial for individuals with ADHD.

Essential tools for starting a Bullet Journal are a pen and a notebook.

Graph paper is preferred for artistic flexibility in Bullet Journaling.

Setting up a key with symbols for different types of information.

Importance of the index for organizing and locating entries.

Explanation of the future log for long-term planning.

Customization of the Bullet Journal layout to fit personal needs.

The minimalistic approach to the monthly calendar format.

Advantages of limited space for daily schedules to focus on priorities.

Use of the opposite page for a monthly to-do list to balance schedule and tasks.

Daily log setup for quick note-taking and detailed expansion.

The migration process for task management across months.

Ten ADHD-friendly tips for Bullet Journal beginners.

Emphasis on starting simple and building up the system.

Creating a personalized key with unique signifiers.

Adding tools and collections as the user becomes more comfortable with the system.

Maintaining a fast and easy-to-use system for daily life.

Encouragement to personalize and decorate the Bullet Journal.

Advice on finding a consistent spot to keep the Bullet Journal.

Recommendation to back up important pages and include contact information.

Setting a specific time to check in with the Bullet Journal.

Using online resources for inspiration and ideas.

Final advice to make the Bullet Journal fit the individual's needs and style.

Transcripts

Hello Brains!

This is my tutorial of the basic Bullet Journal system

as designed by creator Ryder Carroll.

You can watch his version HERE,

and I talk about why it's awesome for ADHDers HERE.

But I'm doing my own!

Because pens are AWESOME.

And I also wanted to share some tips for

ADHDers who are just getting started.

To begin, all you need is at least one pen,

and a notebook. Yup, any notebook.

Seriously.

Most Bullet Journal or "bujo" enthusiasts

prefer graph paper inside because you can get more artsy with it.

But any paper will work!

Now set up your key,

which is just a set of symbols that represent

the different types of info you tend to write down.

These are the symbols Ryder uses for

to-dos, events, notes.

You can also use signifiers like a star for important items.

This makes dumping information from brain to page

as fast as possible.

And keeps it organized, so you can read it later.

OK! Ready?....

[Excited] Let's get this party started!

First,

number your pages.

I promise this is more boring than it sounds.

If you prefer, you can just number them ten at a time.

Or next time, do what I did, and buy a notebook that's already numbered.

The first four pages are your index.

Title them "Index".

This is where the magic happens.

Any time you add something to your bujo, you list it here

and you'll actually be able to find it again.

The next four pages are your future log,

aka, I don't have to deal with this yet

but I will eventually because

"Really, Jessica? It's our anniversary."

There are different layouts for this,

but the original is pretty simple.

Just take a ruler, divide the pages in thirds,

and write out the months.

OK, now remember the index?

Yup, write "future log" there and what pages it's on.

Next is... well, whatever you want!

If you decide to just stop and doodle on page 9, cool!

Put page 9 in the index and come back when you're ready.

By the way, if you also want to doodle on page 23,

no problem! Go back to the index and add " , 23".

Now you know where to doodle!

Next, month page!

You can set this up however you want.

A lot of people use a traditional calendar format,

but I have calendar PTSD from all my planner failures of

the past, so I like the list format the creator developed.

Plus it's super fast.

Write just the day of the month with the first letter of the day of the week.

It's so brilliantly minimalistic, I feel like I'm cheating.

Now, this is where you write out your day's schedule.

Not a lot of space, is there?

Maybe I should buy a bigger notebook?...

Stop!!

It's good if space is limited.

Because you know what else is limited?

YOUR TIME.

But if you really do need more space, you can use a different layout here.

Now, on the opposite page is your to-do list for the month.

You can see how busy your schedule is on the left,

and how much you have to get done on the right.

Which is the first step in going,

"Hahahaha, maybe I've over-committed."

Alright, next page, or whatever page you want,

because you have an index, whaaat!

[Flipping noise] This page looks good!

Freedom!!!!!!

Your daily log.

Write the first letter of the day and the date and underline it.

You can put events here, to-dos, notes,

whatever you want. But keep them short and to the point.

Then, on the opposite page,

you can go into more detail if you want.

That way your brain can look at what needs to be done

without getting bogged down by details or feelings or whatever,

but those details are still there if you need them.

This is cool because it acts like a kind of journal.

That's it!

That's the basics.

And so far, it's just a DIY planner.

But this is where the system gets really cool.

Not only can you find whatever you're looking for,

because you have an index,

no to-do gets forgotten about.

It gets moved around. It gets deleted. Or it gets done.

That's because the system includes a process called migration.

Here's how it works.

When you start a new month,

you look back at last month's to-dos

and make a decision about each of them.

Don't care about it anymore? Cross it out.

Does it need to be done soon?

Greater than symbol points to the right,

indicates that you're copying it into next month's to-do list.

Doesn't need to be done for a while,

now that you think about it?

Less than symbol points to the left,

indicates that you're copying it into your future log.

This acts as a natural filtration system

that simplifies your life.

As I said in my original video,

when you have to hand-write a to-do over and over again,

it really makes you think about how important it actually is.

And when you can't find space for it,

it makes you realize: you can't dump 100 to-dos into

next month's list and expect to be able to do that on top of everything else.

Basically, this planner simplifies your life,

because it makes you see time as the limited resource it is.

In a way that's much nicer than your boyfriend's horrified look

when you tell him everything you need to get done by next Tuesday.

So, you may not be as busy,

but you'll probably be more productive.

OK, those are the basics,

now here are ten ADHD-friendly tips.

1. Start with the Basics.

It's fun to create a whole elaborate system up front,

but it's better to get into the habit of using it first.

2. Design a key that works for you.

I use an exclamation mark for an idea,

some people use a heart for a memory they don't want to forget,

but start with just a few until you're comfortable with them.

3. Add more tools as you go.

Once you have a hang of the basic system,

and figure out what else you need,

go ahead and include it.

If you notice that you have a lot of notes that are books you'd like to read,

transfer them to a collection or list.

If you keep needing to put "floss your teeth"

on your to-do list, consider starting a habit tracker.

4. Keep it fast and easy to use.

Remember that a system that works when

we're hyperfocusing on it, isn't necessarily a system

that works for everyday life.

5. Mess it up.

Decorate your bujo all you want. Go nuts!

But remember... this is essentially a toolbox.

If you spend so much time laying out your tools

that you're afraid to use them, they're not going to do you much good.

Forget about perfect. And if you can't,

do yourself a favor and mess it up NOW.

6. Know where to find it.

Decide on a consistent spot to keep it in,

at home, at work, and whenever you're on the go

so that you can find it when you need it.

You can also install "Find Your Bujo"

by taping a tile to the front of it.

... Ordering that. Now.

But...

7. Prepare to lose it.

Take pictures or scan important pages into Evernote

just in case.

Probably also don't store your passwords here.

Also might be a good idea to include your

phone number and offer a reward for its return.

Not your address.

Unless you want it hand-delivered at 3 a.m.

8. Set a time for it.

Decide when you're going to check in with it:

every night before bed, when you wake up in the morning,

specific points throughout the day.

It also helps if you have something to check.

So set up a time once a month to set up the next month

and migrate your tasks.

If you use a more advanced layout,

once a week is good to set up the next week's daily logs.

Speaking of which....

9. Get inspired.

YouTube, and especially Pinterest are great places for this,

but you can even just google "Bullet Journal images".

The amount of creativity that goes into these things is incredible.

But...

10. Make it yours.

Remember that not every cool layout

will be right for you.

Some people get really creative with their journals,

but the original format is fast and simple,

which is great when you don't have the time or

the patience for calligraphy.

... Or the skill. The skill.

... For calligraphy.

Remember, the whole point of this system is that

you can finally have a planner that is right for your

brain. Not someone else's.

That's it for this tutorial!

Let me know how your bullet journal works for you!

And link to ideas in the comments below!

I just started my own, so I'm still using the basic system.

But when I'm ready to get creative with it,

if you're interested, I'll make videos on layouts that work for my ADHD brain.

Let me know if you want them, and subscribe so you don't miss them.

Bye Brains!