If you’ve ever looked at someone’s perfectly color-coded bullet journal and thought, “There’s no way I could keep up with that” — you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: bullet journaling doesn’t have to be complicated, artistic, or even particularly pretty to be effective.

In fact, a bullet journal can be one of the simplest and most flexible ways to organize your life — if you know how to make it work for you.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of starting your own bullet journal, what to include, and how to customize it for your lifestyle. Whether you're a busy parent, a creative soul, or just someone trying to keep track of all the things, you’ll find ideas here to help you get started.

What Is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal (or "BuJo") is a DIY planning system that helps you keep everything — tasks, goals, habits, thoughts, memories — in one place. It combines elements of a traditional planner, a diary, a to-do list, and a sketchbook into one personalized tool.

Originally created by Ryder Carroll, the method is based on simple bullet points and short-form notes, but people around the world have adapted the concept to fit their own needs, from minimalists to maximalists and everyone in between.

Why Bullet Journaling Works

Bullet journaling is more than just writing things down — it’s a method that promotes:

Clarity: Get everything out of your head and onto the page.
Customization: You’re not locked into someone else’s system. Create your own layouts, trackers, and routines.
Mindfulness: Track your habits, moods, and thoughts to spot patterns and make intentional changes.
Progress: Celebrate what you’ve accomplished and adjust as needed.

What You Need to Get Started

You don’t need a fancy notebook or art supplies to begin. Here's what you'll need:

A notebook (blank, dotted, or lined — your choice)
A pen or pencil
Optional: highlighters, washi tape, stickers, or stencils for creative flair

Or, if you prefer to skip the setup, you can use a printable bullet journal that gives you pre-made layouts while still letting you customize the experience. (We’ll link to our favorite printable resource at the end of this post.)

Popular Bullet Journal Pages to Include

The best part about bullet journaling is that there’s no “right” way to do it. But if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some popular pages people love to use:

1. Index + Key

This is the table of contents for your journal. Number your pages and jot down where everything is so you can find it quickly.

2. Monthly Calendar

A simple month-at-a-glance spread can help you see deadlines, events, and holidays in one place.

3. Daily or Weekly Logs

These are your day-to-day plans and to-dos. Keep it simple with a task list, or block out your time by the hour.

4. Habit Trackers

Want to drink more water? Exercise regularly? Track your habits visually to build consistency.

5. Mood Trackers

Color-code your emotions to spot patterns and take care of your mental health.

6. Gratitude Logs

Write down one thing you’re thankful for each day. It’s a small habit that can have a big impact on your mindset.

7. Savings & Budget Trackers

Get a handle on your finances with spending logs, savings jars, or debt payoff charts.

8. Reading + Movie Lists

Track your entertainment so you always know what to watch or read next.

9. Vision Board or Goal Pages

Set intentions for the month or year. Break big goals into manageable steps and track your progress.

10. Self-Care + Wellness Logs

Journal about your routines, wins, and struggles. Use this space to recharge and reflect.

How to Customize Your Bullet Journal (Without Overwhelm)

Customization is part of the magic — but it’s also where people get stuck.

If the idea of designing layouts from scratch feels like too much, here are some tips to make it easier:

Start small. Choose 2–3 pages to begin with. You can always add more later.
Use printables. Pre-made pages save time and help you avoid decision fatigue. Print only what you need.
Pick a theme. Want a floral vibe? Minimalist design? Seasonal layout? Match your journal to your mood or goals.
Don’t compare. Your bullet journal is for you, not Instagram. Function beats perfection every time.

Bullet Journaling for Different Lifestyles

Here’s how different people use their bullet journal in real life:

Moms use it to track meal plans, kids' schedules, and school projects.
Students manage study schedules, exams, and reading assignments.
Crafters log creative projects, supply lists, and inspiration ideas.
Entrepreneurs keep track of marketing plans, content calendars, and business expenses.
Wellness seekers use it for tracking sleep, exercise, and gratitude.

Final Thoughts: Just Start

The beauty of bullet journaling is that you can begin anytime — not just on January 1st or the first of the month. You don’t need to fill in every tracker or follow every layout.

Start with what you need most right now.

And if you’re ready to dive in with a printable set of beautifully designed, ready-to-use bullet journal pages, we’ve got a link for that below.

Here’s to planning with purpose — and making space for what matters most.

How to Start a Bullet Journal (Even If You’re Not “That” Organized)