In my back pocket, I carry a small Moleskine notebook
This method is called bullet journaling. Ryder Carroll created the system. I learned about bullet journaling through an Evernote article on bullets.
Prior to this new method of taking notes and organizing calendars and tasks, my notebook was basically a mess with no organization and no sense of direction.
My messy journal
With this new method of taking notes, I dedicate pages to collections like books I want to read or applications I want to try, a calendar of upcoming events, and a list of tasks that I complete and need to complete each day of the month. Here is a video showing this method along with some websites that clearly explain how this method works:
- Bullet Journal – The analog system for the digital age
- How to Bullet Journal: The Absolute Ultimate Guide
- Planner Set Up | Bullet Journal + Evernote + Moleskine | Sept2015
As you can see, each individual can personalize their method and basically make it their own. Even though I am now using the bullet journaling method, I have adapted it to my way of working. Here are some essential elements of a bullet journal:
Index
One of the first pages you create is called the index page. The index page lists all the unique collections, calendars, special note pages, and daily logs you have created as you write your journal. This will allow you to find all these various pages rapidly so you can continue to add entries or find information quickly later.
Index page
Future Log
The future log lists the various upcoming months along with specific tasks needing to be completed in those months. You basically create a page and divide it into thirds indicating a month for each section. You create as many of these pages as necessary to reflect the entire year. Within each section, you add tasks as necessary, so when you work on your monthly pages, you will have the information that you need.
Future Log
Collections
In my case, after the future log, I created a collection page. I actually created a collection page to track my book wishlist. I have another collection page for applications I learn about. The nice thing about these collection pages is you can add a collection page to any blank page, as you come to it. You do not have to put them anywhere special. Naturally, ensure you add the collection page to your index page.
Collection Page
Month Page
On the month page, you number down the page for every day in that month. Next to each number, you annotate the day type, for example, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, etc. next to each number so that you understand what day it is. Next to these numbers and days, you will enter event entries or specific tasks you know you need to take care of on that day. Below the last day, add major tasks you carry over from your future logs that you know you need to take care of during that month.
Monthly Page
Daily Page
On the daily page, enter the month, day, and day type. You can either follow each previous section or start a new day on a blank page. You then start adding your various tasks, ideas, notes, research, contacts, etc. It is part to-do list and part daily log. Use it as you see fit. Add information as it occurs to you. I just realized, from looking at the picture below, I have a lot of stuff to do.
Daily Page
Before each entry, you indicate the entry type with a symbol. Here is a legend for the various types that I use in my journal:
My bullet journal legend
As you complete a task, mark the task symbol with an “X” to show you have finished it. If at the end of the month you need to carry over tasks, you then will make the appropriate annotation and ensure the tasks get listed on the monthly page so that you know that you’re going to continue to work on them. This will help you stay on track.
Additional Tips
As you create a new page, ensure you add a page number at the bottom of the page. You will add the new page to your index page so that you can find this information later.
As you can see from the various articles I shared, there are many ways that you can keep track of your information. If you so choose, you can color-code it, use stickers, save it into Evernote, etc. There are lots of great different ways of making the system work for you.
I’m excited to see how this works out for me. If anyone is doing this, or anyone does this, I would love to hear your experiences.
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