How I’m Using My Bullet Journal Differently in 2021
If you followed my previous blog, then you know that my bullet journal is a much-needed extension of my brain. This year, I decided to do my bullet journal differently. I’ve gone through countless spreads, layouts, and page ideas since I started bullet journalling four years ago, but this is a whole new system!
Wondering about what else I’m doing differently in 2021? Spend some time with my 2021 goals, words for the year, and 101 in 1,001 list!
Bullet journaling has been a crucial part of my organization system for over four years now. I first discovered it back in 2017 when one of my dearest friends took on bullet journaling in their own life. Coincidentally, I was searching for a better way to keep track of my chaotic schedule and never-ending to-do lists. I had tried regular planners and apps, but few stuck. When I came across the flexibility of bullet journaling and saw those artsy, color-coded spreads, I knew I had to give it a try!
It was a bit daunting at first. I went through so many failed layouts and abandoned journals before finding a groove. I’ve experimented with a monthly rolling to-do section, habit trackers, sleep logs, and much more. There’s been plenty of trial and error! But bullet journaling has allowed me to customize my organization style in a way no store-bought planner could.
I do love my Passion Planners, though—if you want to try bullet journaling but want a bit more structure, these really do offer the best of both worlds!
After a few years though, I felt like it was time for a refresh. As I planned out my goals and intentions for 2021, I decided to revamp my bullet journal system too. Read on for a peek inside my new and improved bujo!
My Bullet Journal Supplies
Before getting into the system I’m using this year, I want to give a shoutout to some of my favourite bullet journal supplies!
For my journal itself, it’s hard to beat an Artist’s Loft dot grid notebook. It’s a super budget-friendly option, which is a must for me. I also love the subtle dot grid, soft but smooth cover, and number of pages—perfect for an entire year’s worth of planning and decorating!
My mildliners and pigma microns are also staples, even as I work on using my bullet journal differently. The mildliners allow me to color code anything and everything in my vibrant spreads. And the microns provide crisp lines in multiple sizes, ideal for titles, calendars, trackers and more. I’ve built up my mildliner collection over the years, picking up individual colors when I need them. Now I’ve finally completed the full 25-pack rainbow set!
The most significant difference in my 2021 bullet journal is my categorisation process. Over the past several months, I’ve been structuring my daily, weekly, monthly, and more extended plans based on a categorised five-year plan. For my bullet journal this year, I’ve decided to copy those same categories. Before I took to creating bullet journal spreads, I took the time to count out an equal number of pages for each section. There are even a few extras at the end and room for my Level 10 Life spread at the front.
For each category, I chose a mildliner and marked the index. Then, I colour-coded the edges of each section to coordinate. I’m so pleased with how beautifully it turned out!
I won’t go into an in-depth, page-by-page look at how I’m using my 2021 bullet journal differently. But a few examples are definitely in order.
A look inside:
My blogging section includes pages for my passwords, affiliate links, schedule. Plus, I’ve included pages for tracking stats on the site and across social media. With the shades of pink strewn across the site, it should come as no surprise that this section is marked by a pink (technically, coral!) mildliner!
Similarly, my freelancing section tracks invoices and remittance payments, pitches, and my wish list of dream publications. This section is labelled in red to match my calendar. Well before I started using my bullet journal differently this year, I’ve long since marked deadlines in red to make sure they stand out!
Of course, my 2021 bullet journal isn’t limited to work-related spreads. I have entire sections for health, recreation, and spirituality, to name a few. This means I’ve got spreads for the books I read, TV shows I watch, workouts I complete, events I’ll celebrate, and more! These sections are brown, orange (vermillion), and gold, respectively.
How do you use your bullet journal differently than the typical set-up? Share your most unique ideas in the comments!
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