Now that you have the tools, it’s time to set up your bullet journal. Before we get started, a few things to remember:
You’ll figure out which spreads you need and like as you go.
Your bullet journal doesn’t have to follow the same spread layout throughout. For example, I’ll switch up my weekly spreads every week to best suit whatever I have going on that week.
Your bullet journal doesn’t have to be perfect. It should be functional, if nothing else. Pretty is a bonus. Only about 20 per cent of my pages are cute and those are the only ones I post publicly #itsallanillusion
Key
Your key is the legend you use to track item status or progress. As with all things bullet journal, your key should be whatever you need it to be. Here’s what my key looks like. Pinterest has lots of other examples.
Collections
Collections are a group of spreads that you may continuously add to over time or that you might refer to regularly. For example, I have a collection for Small Blonde Blog that includes several pages of different planning, content and partnership lists and spreads. I have another collection of well-being spreads that include a long-term habit tracker, meal planning and anxiety coping ideas. Keep these items together and mark them with a sticky tab for easy reference.
Monthly/Weekly/Daily Spreads
These spreads help me plan my life and keep me organized. I put appointments, meetings, to-do items and some habit trackers in these spreads. I use a big binder clip to mark my weekly spreads for easy reference.
Check out some of my favourite spreads on Pinterest.
Spreads
Monthly calendar
Monthly goals
Monthly to-do items
Weekly agenda
Habits tracker
Gratitude log
Travel itinerary details
Journaling
Annual goals
Birthdays
Important dates
Meal planner
Fitness tracker
TV shows and movies to watch
Books to read
Podcasts to listen to
DIY project ideas
Sleep habits
Home project ideas
Personal budget
Savings goals
Clothing sizes at favourite stores
Medical notes and prescription reminders
Pet supplies tracker
Cleaning schedule
Household products inventory
Grocery list
Content ideas and planner
Wardrobe inventory and planner
Motivation/inspiration
Funny moments to remember
Gift ideas
Businesses and brands to check out
Career inspiration and planning
Conversation starters
Travel bucket list
Mood tracker
Savings tracker or debt payment tracker