Call me old school at times as I still use pen and paper to write down things I need to get done, feel and all the feels when needed. However, today – I want to talk about something that’s been a game-changer for me: bullet journaling.
Now, if you’re not familiar with bullet journaling, let me break it down for you. It’s a method of journaling and organizing your life that was created by Ryder Carroll. The idea is simple: you use a blank notebook to create a customized system that helps you keep track of your to-do lists, goals, appointments, and anything else that’s important to you.
At first, I was skeptical. I mean, I’ve tried journaling in the past, and it just never really clicked for me. But then a friend of mine recommended bullet journaling, and I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, I’m glad I did.
So, why did I start bullet journaling? Well, for one thing, I’m a busy guy. I host a podcast, and I have a lot of other personal projects and hobbies going on at any given time. It can be tough to keep track of everything and make sure I’m staying on top of everything I need to do.
But more than that, I found that I was feeling overwhelmed a lot of the time. I had all these ideas and goals in my head, but I didn’t have a good way to organize them or track my progress. And that’s where bullet journaling came in.
The beauty of bullet journaling is that it’s completely customizable. You can create whatever pages you need to help you stay on top of things. For me, I have a monthly calendar where I write down all my appointments and deadlines. I also have a page where I keep track of my podcast guests, and another page where I jot down ideas for future project ideas, things that come in my dreams/imagination and a mood/visual board.
But it’s not just about keeping track of things. Bullet journaling has also helped me stay more focused and productive. When I have a long to-do list, it can be overwhelming. But with my bullet journal, I break everything down into smaller, more manageable tasks. And as I complete each one, I get the satisfaction of checking it off my list.
Another thing I love about bullet journaling is that it’s a great way to track progress. Whether it’s a personal goal or a creative project, it can be hard to see how far you’ve come when you’re in the middle of it. But with my bullet journal, I can look back and see all the steps I’ve taken along the way. It’s a great reminder that even when things feel slow, I’m still making progress.
And finally, I have to say that bullet journaling is just plain fun. As someone who loves to doodle and paint, I love having a notebook that I can decorate and personalize however I want. It’s a creative outlet that also happens to keep me organized and on track.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Zak, that’s great for you, but I’m not a creative person. I could never do that.” But let me tell you, bullet journaling doesn’t have to be complicated or artistic. At its core, it’s just a system for keeping track of your life. You can make it as simple or as complex as you want.
And the benefits are real. Studies have shown that journaling can help reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost immune function. Plus, when you have a clear idea of what you need to do and when you need to do it, you’re more likely to be productive and achieve your goals.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or disorganized, I highly recommend giving bullet journaling a try as it is a tool that may work for you as it did for me as a way to enhance my organization and bring out some pretty cool new ideas when I needed them.
Until next time – love and light,
Your friend, ZAK