Bullet journal, or bujo, as it’s affectionately referred to, can seriously be life-changing.
Whether you are an avid bullet journal enthusiast, just starting out, or don’t know anything at all about the bullet journal or bullet journaling, you’ve arrived at the perfect place to get your bujo on.
By the way, this guide is M.A.S.S.I.V.E. You’ll definitely want to bookmark and save this post to Pinterest because you’ll come back to it again and again.
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Recommended resources
- The #1 bullet journal notebook recommended by your favorite bullet journalists or this popular alternative
- Pretty pens* and more pretty pens* to decorate your bujo
- Comprehensive bullet journaling roadmap* with printable bujo pages
Or check out the BEST recommended bullet journal buys by your favorite bullet journalists.
Why you need to start a bullet journal
Your life, all in one place.
Bullet journaling has made my life so much more organized because it’s such an ingenious way to track your past, present, and future pretty seamlessly.It’s ALL about YOU.
I also love the flexibility in the system, a blank slate for you to create whatever pages and spreads fit your needs and lifestyle.#BujoAddicts are united!
And best of all, the BUJO COMMUNITY. The generosity, the creativity, the sharing and exchanging of ideas blows me away. No wonder this life organization planner system is sweeping the globe.Bullet journaling for beginners
What is a bullet journal?
Bullet journal has two meanings. First, it refers to an adaptable, efficient life organization system that keeps your past, present, and future together seamlessly in a single notebook. Second, the actual notebook itself is called a bullet journal. It is used interchangeably with the term bujo.Best supplies
What is the best bullet journal notebook? Or what pens to use for a bullet journal? Where can you find cute washi tape?
Before you get carried away with all the pretty things in the stationery world, check out the top recommended bullet journal buys by the most popular bullet journalists on the web. There’s also a breakdown of starter kits for any budget, from $5 to $100.
Basic setup
I’m totally a visual learner, so I’ve compiled hundreds of example spreads and layouts to get your creative juices going. Get ready for the ultimate #bujoinspiration! First up, layouts for basic bullet journal pages.Index
The bullet journal index allows you to keep track of where everything is in your bujo. You can go the traditional route of using it like a table of contents as the first page of your bujo, or, check out other creative ways to mark your pages so you know exactly where everything is located.Key
The bullet journal key is a shortcut, using symbols and signifiers, to label entries or collections within your bujo. Combined with the index, you have a winning combination to hone in on anything in your bullet journal with ease.Future log
With a bullet journal future log, you are able to see what’s ahead in the coming year. You know those dentist appointments that only happen twice a year, or friend’s wedding that hopefully only happens once ever, and other important events? Perfect to log in a bullet journal spread like this. .Monthly Log
For a closer yet still somewhat broad overview of what’s coming ahead for you, use a bullet journal monthly spread. .Weekly spread
Most people function well in weeks, in which case checking out these bullet journal weekly spread ideas will keep your bullet journal layouts fresh and creative.Daily page
For hardcore bullet journalists, or if you know you have a particularly busy day that you want to keep track of by the hour, try a bullet journal daily log. There are options if you want to be very specific about the day’s details, or more general pages that are more guidelines than a strict to-do list.Collection ideas
Find a free printable mega list of bullet journal ideas to keep in your bujo. Or, if you want to explore example spreads by themed categories, continue on below.Goals and productivity
One of your bullet journal goals might be to increase efficiency in your day.
These bullet journal ideas will help with goal setting, tracking time, establishing routines, and reflecting on your actions and behaviors so you can continue to make strides in productivity.
Habit trackers
Tracking habit in your bullet journal can serve as motivation for being consistent with your tasks. Find a list of 101+ things to track in your bujo plus creative habit tracker spreads to display the trends.Mood trackers
Tracking mood in your bullet journal is another way to increase self-awareness and a step closer to overall well-being.Monthly themed mood tracker
If you function well with a monthly time span and love themed ideas, then you may want to try one (or all) of these monthly bullet journal mood trackers. These bullet journal spreads fit a theme for each month of the year perfectly.For the home
Bullet journal housework and home cleaning schedules are only part of what it takes to take care of your home. Check out spreads to maintain your humble abode and give it proper care, attention, and upgrade.For moms, baby, kids, and family
Here are some great ideas for trying a bullet journal for new moms to track your newborn, want to get your kid started in the wonderful world of bullet journaling, or just want to add some bullet journal layouts that will give you some warm and cozy feels.For school and students
There’s so much going on in your life when you’re in high school, college, or going back to school after taking some time off. Get yourself into the groove of academics with these school bullet journal ideas for students.Finances
Love or hate thinking about finances, everyone has to face it sometime. Why not make it look pretty with these bullet journal budget, expense, and finance trackers and spreads.Mental health and self care
Don’t forget to take care of yourself! There are a bunch of great mental health and self-care bullet journal pages to give yourself the TLC you deserve.Sleep tracker
Sleep, so darn important yet so easy to lose out on. If you find yourself not getting enough zzz’s, then you might want to try any of these creative bullet journal sleep tracker ideas. I also created a free printable that you can access on that post.Physical health
Get healthy with your bullet journal with these fitness and weight loss bullet journal spreads that focus on getting various forms of physical exercise, being careful with your diet, and keeping up with healthy practices.Food
Food is one of life’s necessities, so you’re bound to find a bullet journal meal planning or food log or two to try in your bujo. Great in conjunction with the weight loss bullet journal ideas from above.Travel
Who doesn’t wish to travel and see more of the world? Make it possible with proper planning in your bullet journal travel log.Interests and leisure
Your bullet journaling experience should be enjoyable, so why not try one of these recreational bullet journal layouts and pages for entertainment? Perhaps motivate you to take up and stick to fun hobbies.Harry Potter
You can also go for fun themes, like these Harry Potter bullet journal spreads that will up the fun factor of your bujo.For the love of bullet journaling
Some people just love their bullet journal more than the average bullet journalist. Here are some signs that you may be a slightly obsessive bullet journal addict.Tips to improve efficiency
Bullet journaling can get overwhelming or time-consuming if you let it. Save yourself some time and energy with these bullet journal shortcuts that’ll make you a more efficient and overall better bullet journalist.Hacks
These tricks to use your bujo more efficiently are the best bullet journal tips out there that will definitely take your bujo to the next level. Oh, and you definitely want to snag the free bullet journal cheat sheet on that post.Free printables
Creating your pages from scratch can get tedious, and sometimes there’s a certain layout you just love and want to try.
Snag any of the bullet journal printables for free in this extensive curation of the best resources around the web that won’t cost you anything.
Minimalist
Keep your bullet journal aesthetic sleek and clean with minimalist bullet journal spreads that look pleasing to the eye and save you time because you won’t have to add so much embellishment.Washi tape ideas
Who knew you could do so many productive things with washi tape in your bullet journal? These washi tape ideas and uses are pretty, creative, and effective.Fonts and lettering
With all the writing you're doing in your bullet journal, it only makes sense that you'll want to take up some easy hand lettering techniques to make your words pop with personality.Doodles
And because the bujo is such an excellent medium to practice your creative side, take up some easy doodles to draw and decorate your pages.Conclusion
TONS of great bullet journal ideas to try out, huh? Just remember, don’t get overwhelmed by all the bujo madness. Progress starts one bullet journal page at a time, so check them out and try out a few. Happy bullet journaling!
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Anne says
These are amazing ideas for journals. Thank you for sharing