how bullet journaling helped organize my life
how bullet journaling helped organize my life
satin wrap top & high-waisted jeans
satin wrap top & high-waisted jeans
chic French cafe in Washington, DC

wearing chain necklace, vintage satin wrap blouse (similar), vintage Escada blazer (similar), Ferragamo belt, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Miista boots, Louis Vuitton bag

I used to religiously use day planners and I’m really not sure why I stopped (I honestly think I was trying to use less paper, which is dumb if using a little 100 page notebook once a year generally improves my quality of life). Sometime last year, I felt really frustrated after a family vacation, because I felt I had a hazy memory of what we had done and felt scatterbrained about life in general. So I decided to look into bullet journaling and was pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy it is to pick up the system. It didn’t take long for me to see the benefits. I’m able to prioritize better, no longer feeling like I’m pingponging through a million menial tasks throughout the day, but actually accomplishing a streamlined list of items by order of importance. I also find keeping a log of completed tasks and projects is super satisfying and motivates me to accomplish more. For life events, it’s a great way to create a timeline of memories for things like vacations and visits from loved ones.

Now I’m sure you’ve all seen the insta-worthy bullet journals with beautiful illustrations and colors throughout, but I like to keep mine as simple as possible. The goal here is to save time, not add another item I have to maintain to perfection. I pretty much follow the original guidelines set by Ryder Carroll to a T. He created a nice abbreviated system for organizing one’s time with flexibility to readjust as priorities inevitably change. Since I’ve been using this system, I’ve noticed a huge dip in my work-related stress and general anxiety. I actually look forward to setting up my tasks and schedule first thing in the morning and I feel prepared to tackle my day. It’s a huge confidence boost when you’re on top of your sh*t.

A quick google search will show you loads of pre-fab bullet journals you can buy, but I find a simple lined moleskin notebook to be the best. The nice thing about this system is the flexibility to make it your own.

Got questions about bullet journaling? Shoot me a question in the comments!

Photos shot by Pablo Raya at Le Diplomate.

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11 comments

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Yes, putting things to do on a paper helps…

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I find the same, that my setting up the day (and week, and month, etc) helps my anxiety considerably…I’m curious, though, how you use it to document memories. Tell us more!

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I will have to try this. I often feel kind of overwhelmed like I did not accomplish enough at the end of the day. This could help. Thanks for posting!

Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com

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My phone calendar and notes are what keep my sanity.

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Putting everything down on paper really helps me stay organized too! I haven’t tried bullet journaling yet, but I definitely want to start soon! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

melissakacar.blogspot.com

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Love this top on you, so pretty, and this system sounds wonderful. I need to check it out.

http://www.ninakobi.com/2020/02/white-puffer-jacket-and-black-combat.html

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Thank you so much for sharing your bullet journal journey! I used to have a bullet journal, but I would spent hours obsessing over how straight the lines where and whether it looked nice. I switched to a traditional planner to keep track of my college schedule, but I miss my bullet journal. Maybe I just need to simplify it! Also, these pictures are so dreamy! This outfit is giving me some major french girl vibes!

Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/

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Yes, it’s so hard not to be pulled into the culture of perfection that’s somehow evolved out a system that was designed to be simple and quick! If you watch the original Ted Talk by Ryder Carroll, the whole point is to declutter and streamline your thoughts, not make a super pretty work of art. Just get a pre-lined journal and you won’t have to worry about the lines :-).

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It’s nice to read this kind of post this time of the year where everyone is done with the holidays and started thinking what lies ahead. Thanks for the inspo dear!

http://www.busyandfab.com

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How I love the quality of the pics and the French look!

http://carmelatte.co/5-cool-things-to-do-in-lanzarote/

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I love that the bullet journal is working for you! And this outfit is fabulous, jealous the blouse is vintage!
Chic on the Cheap

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