Last Updated on April 16, 2023 by Andy Park
Ditching the Art Project for Practicality and Productivity
If you’ve been on the internet for any length of time and have a penchant for productivity hacks, you’ve probably stumbled upon the Bullet Journal (or BuJo, as the cool kids call it). Like a moth to a flame, I’ve been drawn to the idea of using the BuJo method for years. And yet, every time I attempted to dive in, I’d find myself drowning in a sea of intricate doodles, elaborate templates, and multi-colored spreads that were more akin to an artist’s portfolio than a practical tool for organization.
Enter Ali Abdaal’s podcast. In a serendipitous twist, I found myself listening to an interview with Ryder Carroll, the creator of the BuJo method. In it the creator expressed concerns that the artistic explosion surrounding his system may give new and interested users the wrong impressions. You don’t need to be an artist to use the BuJo method and you don’t need to decorate your pages. As it turns out, he keeps his own bullet journal as simple as possible.
Hearing this revelation reignited my interest, and I finally decided to take the plunge. I grabbed a copy of Carroll’s book, “The Bullet Journal Method,” and embarked on a month-long experiment in bullet journaling.
The first thing I discovered about the BuJo method is its incredible versatility. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of productivity tools – it can handle to-do lists, events, journaling, and even habit tracking all within the pages of a single notebook. The rapid logging technique, combined with symbols, makes it incredibly efficient to record and review information.
Perhaps my favorite part of the system is the built-in “forcing function” that ensures no task or activity gets left behind. At the end of each month, during the “migration” process, you’re prompted to either move open tasks to the next month, shift them to the future log, or discard them if they’re no longer relevant. It’s like a personal assistant who keeps tabs on your commitments and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Now, as much as I’ve enjoyed my BuJo experience, it hasn’t been without its challenges. In this age of smartphones and constant connectivity, I found myself occasionally separated from my physical notebook and pen when inspiration struck or an important note needed jotting down. In these instances, I’d resort to capturing the thought on my phone, only to have to transfer it to the bullet journal later. It was a bit like having two to-do lists, which felt counterproductive.
This conundrum led me to the world of digital BuJo solutions. I started using Microsoft OneNote to replicate the bullet journal method on my devices. And I’ve got to say, it’s been a game-changer. (If you’re curious about my setup, I’ve put together a video explaining the whole shebang.)
So, after a month of exploring the BuJo method – both analog and digital – would I recommend it to others? Absolutely! If you’re looking for an intentional, active way to manage your time, tasks, and activities, the Bullet Journal method might be your productivity soulmate. Just remember: you don’t have to be an artist to make this system work for you. It’s all about finding the balance between structure and flexibility that suits your individual needs.
In conclusion, my experience with the BuJo method has been overwhelmingly positive. I’ve finally found a productivity system that’s both practical and versatile. Plus, with the added convenience of a digital platform like OneNote, I can now easily access and update my journal on the go. If you’re on the fence about giving the Bullet Journal method a try, I highly recommend you take the leap – but remember, you can leave the art supplies at home.