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Adopt the mindful practice of journalling to help organise your thoughts & life

Cadence Loh

·Lifestyle Editor

Updated 30 December 2022 at 4:02 am·5-min read

Set your intentions for 2023 with bullet journalling. PHOTO: Getty Images

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.

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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.

Bullet Journal, Habit Tracker. PHOTO: Getty images

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 ShT Go: A Journal For Leaving Your BullshT 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!

Bujo stickers

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