What is Bullet Journaling? A Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to bullet journaling, you’re in the right place! I’ve been working on my 2025 bullet journal setup and just uploaded a flip-through video on YouTube to give you a firsthand look at how it all comes together. Be sure to check it out!

In this post, we’ll cover the essentials of bullet journaling, why it’s become so popular, and how you can get started.

What is Bullet Journaling?

Bullet journaling is a method of organization created by Ryder Carroll. Think of it as a hybrid between a planner, journal, to-do list, and sketchbook. Rather than being limited to pre-made templates, bullet journaling lets you create a fully customized system that reflects your needs, goals, and creativity.

At its core, bullet journaling is based on a simple structure of rapid logging: quick, concise notes organized with different symbols for tasks, events, and ideas. Over time, it becomes a powerful way to track goals, remember important dates, manage projects, and reflect on daily life.

Key Components of a Bullet Journal

Here are the core elements of any bullet journal:

1. Index: The first few pages serve as a table of contents, helping you quickly find what you need.

2. Future Log: A year-at-a-glance section where you jot down big events, birthdays, deadlines, or future tasks.

3. Monthly Log: An overview of each month, usually split into two pages: one for a calendar view and one for a monthly task list.

4. Daily Log: Where you track day-to-day events, tasks, and notes. This section is often the most customizable and can be adjusted to your personal needs.

5. Collections: These are themed pages dedicated to anything you want to track, like books you want to read, exercise routines, or even recipes you love.

Why Bullet Journaling is So Popular

Bullet journaling has exploded in popularity for several reasons:

Flexibility: Unlike standard planners, bullet journals are customizable. You can add or remove sections based on what works best for you.

Mindfulness: The intentionality of bullet journaling encourages you to reflect on your days and goals. It’s not just about organizing but also about self-discovery.

Creativity: Many people use their bullet journals as a creative outlet, decorating their pages with doodles, color coding, and calligraphy.

Getting Started with Bullet Journaling

1. Choose Your Supplies: All you really need to start a bullet journal is a notebook and a pen. However, if you enjoy doodling or planning with colors, consider adding some markers or highlighters to your collection.

2. Start Simple: When you’re just starting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Begin with the basics, like the index, future log, monthly log, and daily log. You can always add more sections as you get comfortable.

3.  Experiment with Layouts: Every bullet journal is unique, and layouts can be adapted to your preferences. Some people love minimalist designs, while others enjoy intricate spreads. Don’t be afraid to try different layouts to see what you enjoy.

4. Build a Routine: Regularly updating your bullet journal, whether daily or weekly, will help you stay on top of your tasks and goals. It’s a great way to stay mindful of what’s happening in your life.

Bullet Journaling in 2025: My Setup

As I get ready for the new year, I’ve set up my 2025 bullet journal with all the essentials—and a few personal touches that make it unique to me. You can see my full setup in my YouTube video [link to video], where I go over each section and share some of my favorite layouts and themes for the year ahead.

Final Thoughts

Bullet journaling is whatever you make it. Whether you’re looking for a tool to manage your to-do lists, a creative outlet, or a mindfulness practice, bullet journaling can be an incredibly rewarding habit to build. I hope this guide helps you get started and feel inspired to try it out! Don’t forget to check out my 2025 bullet journal flip-through on YouTube if you’re looking for some setup ideas to make your journal your own.