9 Game Changing Tips For Bullet Journaling Success
Bullet journaling has taken the world by storm—and for good reason! It’s more than just jotting down your schedule or creating a to-do list; it’s a flexible, personal system designed to help you organize your life and achieve your goals.
Whether you’re managing tasks, tracking habits, or letting your creativity shine with doodles and layouts, a Bullet Journal can be whatever you need it to be.
To truly make the most of it, though, having the right approach matters. That’s why I’ve rounded up some game-changing tips for Bullet Journaling to help you stay consistent, inspired, and effective.
Bullet Journaling has so many benefits, but it’s important to recognize that all that flexibility and personalization comes with a bit of effort.
On the plus side, a Bullet Journal can help you declutter your thoughts, focus on your goals, and even boost your creativity. It’s a system that keeps everything – from schedules to habits, to personal reflections – in one place. Not to mention, the act of writing things down can help improve memory and give you a stronger sense of clarity about your priorities.
That said, because it’s such an open-ended system, it does require some time and thought to figure out what works best for you. Unlike pre-printed planners that tell you where to write things and how to structure your focus, a Bullet Journal really relies on you to build it up in a way that suits your life. It’s incredibly rewarding, but it can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
I’ve been Bullet Journaling since 2018, and over time, I’ve learned a lot about how to make this system work. From figuring out layouts and spreads to staying consistent without feeling burnt out, there are some strategies that can really help you hit your journaling stride.
Here, I’ll be sharing some of my most important tips to help you unlock the full potential of your Bullet Journal and make it a tool you genuinely enjoy using. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your approach, I’m here to help you make a system that’s both effective and sustainable.
And be sure to scroll until the end since there you’ll find how to access 50+ FREE Bullet Journal printables that will help with your planning even more.
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Tip 1: Stay Simple to Avoid Overwhelm
Taking on too much at once when starting out isn’t just overwhelming—it’s counterproductive. Keeping layouts and designs basic in the beginning allows you to build a strong foundation for your journal.
The same applies even if you’re a journaling pro. Sometimes, when things feel busy or overwhelming, it helps to simplify. Scale back, focus on functionality, and fine-tune what you already have. Remember, your journal is there to serve you.
Stick to the essentials and build your pages, prioritizing their functionality and how they can help you. I know how exciting it is to try these crazy layouts and designs, but be sure you have your priority straight and don’t make using these pages more difficult than it should be.
As an example, here is the habit tracker for December. It looks great, and I love how well it fits with my theme. But what I learned in time is that circle trackers don’t really work that well for me.
So, as much as I love circle elements, I know now that when I do specifically need to work on some new habits, I won’t be using this format.
Tip 2: Make Journaling a Habit
Bullet journaling works best when it’s consistent. The key is to make it a habit that naturally fits into your day. Start small—set aside five minutes at the start or end of your day to jot things down.
I have a whole blog post about making Bullet Journal a habit. There is a link at the end of this post for you to check out.
But one of the best ways to start with it is to pair Bullet Journaling with an existing habit, like having your morning coffee or winding down at night.
Once it becomes a regular part of your routine, you’ll find it easier to stay organized and mindful. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about flipping back through pages of completed tasks and goals!
Tip 3: Use Printables
Let’s be honest here; hand drawing each page of your Bullet Journal can be extremely tiring and time-consuming. And sometimes, you just want to have something cute without spending too much time planning it out and creating the grids.
In situations like these, printables are your best friend. These are pre-made templates that can save you tons of time while still giving your journal that personalized touch.
You can find everything from habit trackers to artistic weekly spreads.
Looking for an easy way to get started? There are FREE printables available at the end of this post. Give them a try and see how much easier (and fun!) journaling can be.
Tip 4: Get Creative with Your Bullet Journal
Your Bullet Journal doesn’t have to be plain and boring. Adding a pinch of creativity can make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time journaling.
If you’re nervous, start small—try using colored pens, highlighters, or stickers for decoration. There are also washi tapes and stencils that will help you to easily add creativity to your layouts.
Want to level up? Experiment with brush lettering and doodling. It’s not about perfection—it’s about expressing yourself and finding the style that fits your character best.
Even if you like minimalist style, you can still learn a few tricks on how to make your pages look extra special. The goal here is to make journaling more fun and exciting so you want to use your journal more, and it becomes a source of joy rather than just another tool to help you reach your goals.
Tip 5: Get Inspired, But Don’t Compare
Scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram can provide great ideas for your Bullet Journal. From unique layouts to creative doodles, inspiration is everywhere.
You can explore other creators’ work to get some ideas on things that are possible and to check some elements of their pages that you like. It will help you not just think of your own pages but also come up with your own unique style.
But here’s something important to remember—all those beautiful spreads you see are designed to suit someone else’s lifestyle and goals. And even more so – you have no idea what’s the story behind it.
You might see an intricate layout from a creator who is a professional artist or somebody who spent 8 years learning hand lettering. You can’t compare the final work of their journeys to your first tries.
Avoid comparing yourself or feeling like your journal doesn’t measure up. Your Bullet Journal should work for you and reflect your journey. And if you want to draw comparisons, look at how far you’ve come instead of looking at others.
Tip 6: Experiment
As time passes, your life changes, your goals change, and so do your planning needs. Therefore, as you grow, your Bullet Journal will grow and change with you.
What worked for you last year might no longer serve its purpose today. You might need some new pages to help you with your new needs. Or maybe it’s time to change the layout structure to fit your current life better. That’s why experimentation is crucial.
A good example for me is a vertical monthly log. I really didn’t like it, and it completely didn’t work for me.
But in 2023, my life changed a lot, so I needed something simple. I created this one with a few different changes and customizations, and it actually worked so well I used the same format several months in a row.
Trial and error are how you’ll discover what truly works best for your needs. And don’t forget—your journal is a living tool, so don’t be afraid to change things up!
Tip 7: Find Your Bullet Journal “Why”
With Bullet Journal becoming a trendy thing, a lot of people just jump into it to be a part of it. But the key to actually making it work for you and getting benefits is to know your “why”.
Why did you start your Bullet Journal? Do you want it to help you plan your days and achieve your goals? Is it a tool for you to express yourself creatively while organizing your thoughts and ideas?
Identifying your purpose will shape the way your journal looks and how you use it.
Understanding your why will give you an idea of what kind of pages to create and what formats to use. Moreover, it will help you pick the right supplies so you don’t get overwhelmed by all the choices out there.
More than anything, understanding your “why” will help you to keep on journaling even in the time when the habit is wavering.
Understanding the reasons behind your Bullet Journal will help you stay motivated and even come back to it after breaks, which we all need from time to time.
And just like with everything else, your “why” can change as your life goals, and that’s ok. Just be sure you check on yourself and ensure that you’re still clear on what your Bullet Journal is there for.
Tip 8: Get a Good Journal
We haven’t talked much about stationery yet, but it is something important when it comes to journaling.
The right tools make Bullet Journaling infinitely more enjoyable. Investing in good quality stationery is investing in this habit of planning that you’re building.
But of course, it all can cost a bit, so I would recommend starting by investing in one big thing – your journal. After all, this is the most important part of your Bullet Journal.
A lot of issues that you face with your BuJo, like bleeding or ghosting, is more to do with the quality of your journal than with the type of pen you’re using. And if you have a pen that damages a journal, you can walk around it. But if your journal literally falls apart (like my first journal did) there is nothing to be done, you won’t be able to use it.
As for all the other supplies, you don’t need to splurge right away. Take the time to figure out your style and preferences before upgrading your supplies. B
Tip 9: Sketch in Pencil First
Last but not least, I wanted to share with you my favorite trick that will help you create better pages and avoid oh so many mistakes.
Draft your layouts and any decorative elements in pencil first. Sketching layouts in pencil first allows flexibility and reduces the fear of making mistakes. Plus, it’s a great way to experiment with designs or decorations without worrying about committing right away.
From grids to doodles, a pencil layout boosts confidence and lets you finetune your creative vision before bringing out the pens.
It’s a simple little thing, and it does require a bit of extra work, but trust me, it’s a great change when it comes to creating cute pages. I’ve been at it since 2018, and I still take out my pencil first.
Bullet Journaling is a wonderful blend of organization, creativity, and personal expression. Whether you’re looking to optimize your planning system, explore a creative outlet, or both, the tips above can help you succeed.
Free Bullet Journal Printables
Printables are a great way to refresh, refocus, and generally easily add some spark to your Bullet Journal. And I’ve created plenty that you can already get in the Resources Vault.
If you don’t have access yet, you can always sign up in the form below.
Once you confirm your subscription, you’ll get the password to get 50+ free Bullet Journal printables, stickers, and worksheets to use right away.
If you’ve never used printables before, be sure to check my post How To Use Printables In Your Bullet Journal.
It’s pretty basic, and you can find all the supplies you need in my post Supplies For Using Bullet Journal Printables.
More Resources
Are you looking for more tips and tricks to help you make Bullet Journaling easy and helpful? I’ve got you covered!
Check out these blog posts next:
- 25 Bullet Journal Hacks To Try Right Away
- 17 Techniques To Stick To Bullet Journaling
- How To Bullet Journal When You Don’t Have The Time
>>> What are some tricks that have been helping you with your Bullet Journal? Share with us in the comments!
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And remember: Keep Bullet Journaling, and Don’t Be A Blob!