Adopt the mindful practice of journalling to help organise your thoughts & life
There’s something about putting pen to paper. More and more people are rediscovering the joys of making scratches on paper, creating permanent marks (never mind the mistakes) in the form of bullet journalling (BUJO). In fact, there is an entire BUJO community on the Internet that is more than willing to share ideas, inspiration and tips.
What is BUJO?
Bullet journalling is touted as “the mindfulness practice disguised as a productivity system.” Devised by New York-based digital product designer Ryder Carroll, The Bullet Journal Method is a bullet journalling system that helps you get organised and stay productive.
The bullet journal methodology is meant "to help you track the past, organise the present, and plan for the future."Ryder Carroll
Methinks, now is a good time to start practising mindfulness through journalling.
Why BUJO
How does bullet journalling differ from the usual planners? A BUJO affords you the flexibility and creative space to put whatever you wish in your planner. Beyond birthdays, anniversaries and daily to-do lists, you can also add in your habit, mood, allergy or sleep trackers; use it as a brain dump, food log, gratitude journal, an allergy logbook; your reading, music and movie lists and more.
Benefits of bullet journalling
Beyond improving your handwriting, its psychological benefits include enhancing your memory and staying focused. Besides, reviewing your journal helps you track your progress and achievements and gain that sense of accomplishment at the end of the week/month/year.
How to get started
The fun part of BUJO? You get to set it up yourself and plan exactly how your journal looks. All you need to get started is a notebook and a pen. It can be blank, dot grid, or lined.
Do you prefer the week to be spread over a one or double-page spread? Do you wish to combine Saturday and Sunday? Do you like working on a theme, drawing and painting or sticking to simple, no-nonsense boxes? Would you prefer to hand draw or use a ruler? Go with a monotone or pastel colour scheme?
A simple online check for "bullet journalling” will set your inspiration on fire.
Pro-tip 1: Start with simple setups if you are new to the BUJO game. As the months progress, try referencing the set-ups or themes you prefer. Over time, you will learn which set-ups work for your lifestyle. And the best part? You get to choose how simple or creative you wish to be, based on how packed your schedule is or how you feel while planning your month's journal set-up.
Pro-tip 2: A bullet journal is meant to be a fun and effective way to get organised, so don't give yourself additional pressure to make it perfect. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.
Pro-tip 3: Washi tapes, stickers and the good-old liquid paper correct pens are your best friends to cover up mistakes.
Pro-tip 4: After all, it is your BUJO, and you do not have to account for anyone but yourself.
Read on to find out how you can get started. We also have some great suggestions for those who prefer ready-made journals with thought-provoking questions, ready for some contemplation in the new year.
Learn all about BUJO
The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future
Legend Planner – Deluxe Weekly & Monthly Life Planner to Hit Your Goals & Live Happier
Leuchtturm – the mother of all BUJO
Leuchtturm Softcover Composition B5 Dotted Notebook
Leuchtturm1917 Medium Size Hardcover A5 Notebook - Dotted
Moleskine – the classic journal of all time
Moleskine 2023 12M Frida Kahlo Limited Edition Planner
Moleskine 2023 12M Alice In Wonderland Limited Edition Weekly Notebook Planner Hard Cover
Moleskine Le Petit Prince Limited Edition Notebook & Cahier Journal Set
Shop Le Petit Prince journals
Moleskine Italy Notebook Limited Edition Sailor Moon
Shop Sakura-themed Moleskine.
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover, Large (5" x 8.25") Dotted
For those who love to write, draw and paint
Bullet Grid Journal Moon and Stars, Extra Thick Paper 160gsm
Premium Hard Cover Journal, Dotted Grid, 122 pages, 120gsm, Classic 5" x 8.3", S$16.38
Moleskine Smart Writing Set The Newest 3rd Generation
Prefer to safe keep your notes digitally? Moleskine's Smart Writing Set can help you effortlessly transcribe your hard-copy text and images into the digital realm. The new and improved Gen 3 has an upgraded charging time, standby time and enhanced touchscreen sensitivity for a smoother user experience. With eco-friendly paper and a smart pen, you can memorialise all your notes and scribbles in the digital realm. Compatible with Apple and Android gadgets.
Guided journals for result-oriented peeps
Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice
Wreck This Journal: Now in Color: Now in Color Edition
Let That Sh*T Go: A Journal For Leaving Your Bullsh*T Behind And Creating A Happy Life
Oprah's The Life You Want Love and Happiness Journal
Start Where You Are: A Journal For Self-Exploration
Stationery to accompany your BUJO journey
All you need are stickers, washi tape (or not) and a few pens to 'prettify' your journals. Here are a few stationery suggestions to get you on your way to bullet journalling. Most importantly, have fun!
Washi tape
Mildliner
Tombow brush pens
Tombow fudenosuke brush pen
Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliners
Meanwhile, if you're not an Amazon Prime member, you can take advantage of its deals with a 30-day free trial at amazon.sg/primeday. Also, take S$10 off S$60 your first purchase on App. Enter code NEWBIEAPP at checkout.
