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Can't draw a straight line to save my life, and rulers are a pain in the ass, so learning how to create a bullet journal could've been pretty tough for me but I didn't let those obstacles get in my way.
Because I'm terrible at drawing and not the greatest at lettering, I've utilized a lot of stickers, washi tape, and free printables from other blogs to make my bullet journal pretty (and purposeful).
Must Haves for Your Bullet Journal
There are some things I'm not dead set on (like if you use a journal that's different than the one I love, no biggie), but other things I feel you MUST have to make your bullet journal experience a positive one. Especially when you aren't artistically inclined.
Essentials Grid-Lined Notebook – This is the one I use!
Leuchtturm1917 – What most bullet journalers recommend, but is twice the price of the one I use.
Adorable Sticker Set (cheap!)
Washi Tape – I've purchased washi tape from Michael's when it's 50% off but I've found it's usually more affordable on Amazon. Look around to find the best prices.
Stickers – If you know me you know I love stickers!
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens – This is one of those NOT up for debate items! They're amazing. And trust me when I say I've tried all the others! None of them compared.
Free Bullet Journal Printables
You can grab my free bullet journal printables without opting in to my email list, but most of the time you'll have to sign up for a list to get the printables. I still think it's worth it, because many times the lists provide useful bullet journaling tips as well. If they don't, it's easy to unsubscribe!
Wundertastisch – Offers free bullet journal printables every month! I know this month she has like 17 pages and they're all FREE.
Twenty-Something Meltdown – Five free bullet journal printables: doodles, letters, headings, etc. Asks you to “favorite” her Etsy shop, but doesn't make you opt-in to any lists. Yay!
Life is Messy and Brilliant – Printables for spreads like what I'm reading, what I'm watching, blog stat tracker, and more. No opt-in required.
Free printables: Bullet Journal for Weight Loss
Adorable Coffee Planner Printables from DIY Candy
Bullet Journal Layout Ideas
Brain Dump – my favorite way to use my bullet journal
Daily “to do” list
Weekly goal tracker (same for monthly, yearly)
Daily FOCUS – one or two main things to focus on
Quotes – I love quotes!!
Memories – funny things kids say
Meditation log
Gratitude log
Random Acts of Kindness ideas
Finance tracking – paying down debt, keeping bills, etc
Spending log
Weight loss + Fitness
Mood tracker
Anxiety + Depression log
Sleep tracker
Water intake tracker
Menu planning
Period tracker
Home Organization
Homework assignments and notes
Meeting notes
Blog post ideas
Blog stats (social media numbers, pageviews, etc)
Dream board
Keep track of niche websites and domains (is that just me?)
Party planner
Wedding planner
Vacation planner
Travel – places you want to go, places you've been
Bullet journaling for teens
Bullet Journal Accounts to Follow on Instagram
When I'm looking for inspiration, I turn to Instagram and Pinterest. Sometimes I get intimidated because everyone seems SO great at bullet journaling and I'm over here looking like a third grader filled mine out. But you know what? At the end of the day as long as your bullet journal serves its purpose, be content with it! Try not to compare yourself to others.
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY! ENDS 1/11/17!
I love this post! Thank you more mentioning my blog :) <3
One of my many goals for 2017 is to eat healthier.
Wow! This would be cool. I am a haphazard journaler (and blogger), but I like to journal. This may be something that would help. I will Check out the links to the other pages. Thank you!
I have to confess, I got an old-man style, beige spiral-bound version to start with because 3rd-grade hand-writing is a WAY understatement here, lol.
So one of my 2017 goals is to get my new VA business off and running. It will happen, especially if I have a fancy bullet journal to jot down my daily to-do’s!
Goals for this year? Be more intentional.
I have a BuJo…. or a Would Be BuJo…. I put a cool quote on the front with my Cricut but that’s about where I ended! I’m lost on where and how to start and what I want to use it for.
I’ve thought about using it for Weekly Tarot Layouts and moon phases and such… I haven’t quite decided though.
Ooh I’ve contemplated this so I can remember things.
I am starting a weight loss journey this year. I plan to eat better and work out more. Last year I feel like I slacked and was lazy after giving birth to my son.
My BIG 2017 goal (which is being broken down into many tiny parts) is to grow my VA business!
Love Love your blog!
My 2017 goal is to get my depression under control so I can move on to better things.
Found great bullet journals at got2jot website. Am going to get fit and healthy. Happy New Year xxx
I would like to start creating more often. I have a $h!tload of supplies — sewing and paper — that needs to get used. I think the problem may be that I have no way to pass them on by selling or giving as gifts.
One of my goals is less computer more creating. I’d better get off here right now!!! But alas…I have stuff to take care of!
One of my goals for 2017 is to get healthier.
My goal is to be more organized in 2017.
I wanna keep track of my health goal I wanna loose weight
My goal in 2017 is to live more simply and be more creative which I’m not, I stopped making health a New Years resolution because that’s something I need to focus on all year round and just one time a month. It’s great more some people and I applaud them, it’s just not for me, I found I wouldn’t stick to it so I stopped.
Would be cool to journal without bitching so much – lol
If you’re worried more about the art and making it pretty than the functionality, it’s not a Bullet Journal. Go to the Bullet Journal site and start with the actual system.
Start with the basics of Bullet Journaling, and let it grow in an organic manner.
Thank you soooo much for this helpful guide!! This gave me so many ideas. I was gifted a blank notebook last Christmas. Will utilize it as a bullet journal now. :)