The Productivity Method Where Organisation Meets Creativity
Because adulting requires a plan (and some doodles)
Welcome to the 6th edition of Stationery Square!
Today, we’re talking about the Bullet Journal productivity method, which despite having been around for a decade people are still (re)discovering and creating content around.
I also asked ChatGPT for suggestions on notebooks for bullet journaling. Do we think the AI got it right?
Happy reading!
- Aliyyah
Featured Topic
The Bullet Journal Method 10 Years On
It was in 2013 when we were first introduced to Bullet Journal - a productivity method for organising tasks, events, goals and everything else in life. What started out as something to help you be more organised has quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon. The bullet journal method amassed a wide and loyal following that has filled the internet with videos and photos of their spreads and layouts, ranging from minimalist monochromatic ones to bright, colourful and artistic designs.
Some fans of the method might be critical of this. After all, it’s supposed to be about productivity and simplifying the process - not about creating ‘aesthetic’ spreads. But, I think that’s a huge part why the bullet journal grew as popular as it did. The method not only allows for flexibility and customisation where people can adopt the system to fit the demands of their own lives but it also provides space for creativity and self-expression. Whilst some may find the creative elements distracting, others might find joy and inspiration in showcasing their personal style through their bullet journals.
Bottom line is: there’s no right or wrong answer. When it comes to the bullet journal, you do you.
With that being said, there are some key components for setting up your own bullet journal:
Index: a.k.a the table of contents. This makes it easy to locate specific sections in your bullet journal.
Future Log: The future log provides a broad overview of upcoming months or a specific period in the future.
Signifiers and Symbols: These are used to categorize and denote different types of entries. Common symbols include an empty bullet for tasks, a circle for events, a dash for notes, and various signifiers like exclamation marks, stars, or arrows to indicate priority, completion, or migration of tasks.
Daily Log: This is where you record your tasks, events, and notes for each day. It follows a rapid logging system, where each entry is denoted with the predetermined symbols.
Collections: Collections are thematic groupings of related information. They can include things like projects, habit trackers, travel plans, or anything else you want to keep together. Collections provide a way to organise and track specific topics or areas of interest beyond the basic task management.
To learn more about the bullet journal, this video is a good starting point.
Product Recommendations
Getting Started with a Bullet Journal
You only need two things to get started: a notebook and a pen.
To make it more interesting, I asked ChatGPT to suggest me some notebooks that would be good for bullet journaling.
Here’s the scoop:
Leuchtturm1917 Classic Notebook
My thoughts: This is known as the original bullet journal, what the creator used to implement the method. No surprise that they’ve since collaborated to created a version specifically for bullet journal.
My thoughts: A solid alternative with a wide range of sizes but the lack of numbered pages means you’ll have to number them yourself.
My thoughts: The Rhodiarama features 90gsm paper, a heavier stock than both the Leuchtturm1917 and Moleskin notebooks. But, it doesn’t have numbered pages plus it has 89 pages less than the Leuchtturn1917.
Scribbles That Matter Dotted Notebook
My thoughts: 120 and 160gsm paper, pre-numbered pages, index, symbols and pen test pages. It might be bulkier but it can withstand different pens for those artistic spreads.
Do you agree with ChatGPT’s suggestions? Let me know!
In the News
Moleskine x Van Gogh Museum
Moleskine recently collaborated with the Van Gogh Museum to launch a limited edition notebook collection. The notebooks feature a cover designs inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s iconic paintings of Irises and Sunflowers.
Stationery Finds Around The Internet
Sticker Labels for the Ink Connoisseurs
I don’t personally use fountain pens but I though these label stickers are a great way to organise and label your ink collection.
Other Cool Stuff
More interesting things spotted around the Internet:
📣 Calling all Filofax lovers! Mark your calendar for a virtual meet up with other Filofax fans this weekend.
Review of the Sakae Tomeo River Notebook.
The 2023 July Start Hobonichi Avec Book has arrived.
Gift Guide
Father’s Day is only one weekend away.
If you’re stumped on gifting front, here are some ideas that might lead you to the perfect gift for the father figures in your life:
Personalised Watch Holder - my personal favourite
Printable Escape Room Puzzles - great as a last minute DIY gift
What To Watch
Notebooks but ✨extra✨
Japanese stationery brands really have thought of everything.
Until next week,
Aliyyah
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