What Is a Bullet Journal?

Dubbed “the analog system for the digital age” by inventor and author Ryder Carroll, bullet journaling aims to simplify the planning process to the bare-boned basics. Diagnosed with learning disabilities at an early age, Carroll was driven to develop a way to focus on tasks and remain productive, all while practicing mindfulness. Unlike other planner systems that encourage stickers and washi tape, bullet journaling combines organization, intention and reflective writing. Carroll's book, "The Bullet Journal Method," outlines the basics on the BuJo trend.

As the name implies, bullet journaling uses bullet points as the core structure rather than lengthy, detailed reminders. Outside of being an organizational system, bullet journaling gives people a way to keep up with life in a productive and meaningful way. And while bullet journaling might not be for everyone, it’s great for those who love making lists, tracking progress and have a mild stationery-related obsession. Plus, BuJo purists say all you need is a notebook and pen to get started.

Bullet journaling allows you to combine elements of other planner systems, such as calendars, to-do lists, trackers and wish lists all into one. And since you create each page, there’s a lot of flexibility to turn your bullet journal into exactly what you want and need it to be.

Bullet journaling usually consists of three main parts: an index, tracker logs and lists. Start your bullet journal with a fun index page or drawing, similar to a table of contents. The middle of the journal is usually reserved for daily or monthly logs and calendars. And the last section is often referred to as a compilation of lists. To help get you started, check out the next slides for a collection of bullet journal themes.