So, I just started a bullet journal. Is this worth looking into, or should I grasp the basics first?
this post was submitted on 05 Aug 2023
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Well, there is nothing wrong with checking it out. But if you ask me, I think, you should stick with the basics / original system. Like anything new, its easy to get bogged down by all the options and spend more time optimizing the system then the amount of time saved by using it. So, start with the actual system, and if after a while you want to explore more options, you would know what works or doesn't work for you.
Thanks. That’s what I was thinking. I’m curious of the reason why you’re looking for more.
Well, no system, no matter how nice, is perfect. And everyone is different with different needs. Not looking for more, just something that matches my needs more closely.
I originally started with just using dailies. No index, no future log, no monthly page. I slowly added them over the time. But the way my life and work is, I don't really have any need for future log, I pretty much only add birthdays, anniversaries and bill due dates on my monthly page. So I stopped using future log.
I came across Calendex a while back, it's like a monthly page, but covers the whole year (or half year, if smaller notebook). So it can help me remove my monthly pages and just make one page for multiple months. Since my usage is much less than official Calendex needs, I am going to modify it a bit for me. I haven't used it before because the notebook I am using has pre-made monthly pages, and I wanted to keep using those. Now that the notebook is almost finished, switching to an empty / blank one. So, thinking about giving Calendax a try.
Now, if Calendex is so nice, why shouldn't everyone use it? Well, like everything, it has it's drawbacks. It adds complications, and if you aren't used to journaling, can start to feel like a chore. So, better to get used to using your journal regularly, and then modify it if it doesn't meet your needs completely.
Just looking at Calendex makes me say nope haha. I’m keeping it simple to start. I have trouble starting new habits. I either overcomplicate them then lose interest from exhaustion or I forget to do it once and break the habit and never restart it. I like how simple and messy the base theory is. It allows for scribbles and forgotten days. I’m hoping it helps keep me motivated.
Yeah, there was a video by someone, who has apparently made some documentaries, that gave bullet journal a try for 30 days. He over-complicated it by not following the basics but going for stylish spreads he watched on YouTube, and this exhausted him, instead of making things easier. For instance, it took him 4 hours to set up first month, and then 2 hours to set up seconds one. He eventually realised this is too much, and gave up.
And yeah, I love how simple it is. It doesn't matter if you miss a day, a week, or a month, just turn to next empty page, and start writing.