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How to Get Started With Bullet Journaling

Conquer tasks big and small with a creative method of note-taking

AARP , bullet journaling has exploded in popularity as a powerful tool for organization and self-reflection. Unlike traditional planners, which come with preportioned layouts for the month or days of the week, Carroll's system is all about customizing the notebook of your choice to create a personal guidebook: Think an all-in-one calendar, to-do list and free space to record your thoughts or track everything from the week's groceries to your travel bucket list. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Any notebook with blank pages or ones with grids — a sketchbook, your trusty Filofax or the official Bullet Journal from German brand Leuchtturm1917 — can be used. Carroll says that while super-artistic designs (the kind that feature vibrant color schemes and expert calligraphy) tend to attract attention on social media, the method is designed to be a flexible “foundation” for whatever style people prefer, whether minimal or artistic. Kim Alvarez, who founded the popular bullet-journaling blog in 2014, would put herself “straight down the middle” of the spectrum between a simple and embellished style. She initially started bullet-journaling to stay on top of home and school obligations. “It's a great way to organize and keep track of your life, no matter what stage of life you're in,” she says. To get started, all you need is a notebook, pen and patience as you learn the “BuJo” basics: Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > AARP

Migrate reflect repeat

For many, personalizing the rest of your pages is where the fun really begins. Beyond the four basic logs above, you can keep track of, well, anything — a reading list, an exercise routine or progress toward a financial goal. AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS