'Don't rob yourself of the joy of the process because you will spend most of your life in the process of making any kind of meaningful change.' Ryder Carroll- creator of the Bullet Journal Method {1}.
What is Bullet Journaling?
Ever wondered about what the Bullet Journal Method actually is? You may have heard of the Bullet Journal Method (also known as Bujo) from the thousands of creative people who have tried it and proclaimed its usefulness online. Approaching this highly flexible method for yourself may be confusing as it can look very different according to individual needs.
Bullet journaling is an organizational method that merges planning, note-taking, and reflection. It supports productivity and mindfulness by allowing users to capture, organize, and track tasks and goals.
From a neurological perspective, bullet journaling aligns with cognitive science principles, reducing mental load by offloading information from mind to page {2-3}, using a streamlined "rapid logging" system with symbols for tasks, events, and notes. This approach aids working memory and task prioritization, allowing users to review and adjust goals efficiently.
Unlike pre-structured planners, a bullet journal is a blank slate that you can tailor to fit your unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
The system's adaptability is a key strength. By creating "collections" for goals, tasks, or themes, users can "chunk" information for easy retrieval {4-5}. This customization also fosters a sense of ownership, increasing the likelihood of sustained engagement and consistency with journalling {6}.
A Brief History of how the Bullet Journal Method was developed
Carroll struggled with ADHD/ADD. He states that the Bullet Journal Method was developed 'to figure out ways to be less overwhelmed by the daily data deluge. …. It provided a simple process that helped me capture, filter, and channel information in a way that finally felt natural to my hyperactive mind' {7}.
He spent years trying out different tools and systems to help him capture his thoughts so he could focus, organize, and be productive. This method also helped him approach his life less from a place of judgment but from a place of curiosity and mindfulness. 'Why did this not work? What am I feeling? What would I do differently next time? What small step can I take right now to make things a little better?' {7}
When you start to ask why, you begin to view your responsibilities differently. You filter out useless distractions. When you have fewer tasks to complete, you have more time to concentrate on the things that bring you joy. Drive and focus become more painless when you believe in your actions. The purpose may not make things simple, but it helps with the motivation needed to keep going.
Benefits of Bullet Journaling
The original concept was to turn any notebook into a productivity tool customized to you and your life (see how set-up a bullet journal in 10 minutes here). One of the biggest appeals of bullet journaling is its adaptability. Whether you want a minimalist approach or a detailed, artistic layout, bullet journaling can meet you where you are. This flexibility makes it a highly effective tool for different types of users—from busy professionals needing a robust productivity system to creatives looking for a personal and expressive outlet.
Bullet journaling enhances productivity by helping you prioritize tasks and goals. The act of writing things down manually engages you with your intentions, making you more mindful of what you need to accomplish. Additionally, it encourages regular reflection as you look back at completed tasks, analyze progress, and migrate incomplete items to the future, helping you continuously refine your focus.
Beyond productivity, bullet journaling can be therapeutic and reflective. Many people use their journals for mindfulness practices, gratitude logs, habit tracking, or emotional reflections. This practice can foster a sense of achievement, reduce stress, and even improve mental health by providing an organized space to address goals, setbacks, and accomplishments.
Bullet journaling is more than just a way to stay organized; it's a dynamic system that adapts to your personal and professional needs. By combining functionality with creativity, bullet journaling can help you set and achieve goals, reflect on your progress, and find balance.
Whether you're looking for a structured productivity tool or a creative outlet for self-discovery, bullet journaling offers a possible way to stay mindful and engaged with your life.
TLDR
Bullet journaling is a versatile organizational method that aligns well with cognitive science principles {6}, particularly around productivity, attention management, and behavior change.
To summarize, bullet journalling could help you to:
•Tame mental chaos
•Get organized
•Set goals
•Capture, filter, and channel information
•Ground yourself
•Identify things that bring you joy, peace, and energy
Interested in trying it for yourself? Here’s a link to How to set up your Bullet Journal in 10 minutes.
I’d love to hear from you. Please comment/message if you find this interesting.
Tell me about your experiences with bullet journaling- has it worked for you?
Do you have any other journalling methods that you prefer to use?
Are there any other Productivity Tools that you would like me to summarize?
References
{1} The Bullet Journal Method Ryder Carroll
{2} Piolat, A., Olive, T., & Kellogg, R. T. (2005). Cognitive effort during note-taking. Applied cognitive psychology, 19(3), 291-312.
{3} Jansen, R. S., Lakens, D., & IJsselsteijn, W. A. (2017). An integrative review of the cognitive costs and benefits of note-taking. Educational Research Review, 22, 223-233.
{4} Gobet, F., Lane, P. C., Croker, S., Cheng, P. C., Jones, G., Oliver, I., & Pine, J. M. (2001). Chunking mechanisms in human learning. Trends in cognitive sciences, 5(6), 236-243.
{5} Fonollosa, J., Neftci, E., & Rabinovich, M. (2015). Learning of chunking sequences in cognition and behavior. PLoS Computational Biology, 11(11), e1004592.
{6} Rogers, T., Milkman, K. L., John, L. K., & Norton, M. I. (2015). Beyond good intentions: Prompting people to make plans improves follow-through on important tasks. Behavioral Science & Policy, 1(2), 33-41.
{7} Inside ADHD - Bullet Journal. https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/inside-adhd?ref=karohalik.pl
This substack article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for concerns about your health or well-being.