The key to getting ahead is getting started.
All you need – to start your bullet journal – is a notebook and a pen. If you are a bit confused as to the purpose of a bullet journal, see What is Bullet Journaling. If you know what a BuJo is but have doubts about its system, see my other blog Basics of Bullet Journaling.
Moving on…
Okay, so firstly, you don’t need to bother yourself by trying to get the perfect set of pens and markers yet, neither do you need to worry yourself about washi-tapes and all those other decorative things.
You might be thinking: Well, okay, but then how do I get my bullet journal to look good? The answer to that is easy. You see, if you start worrying yourself about all the niceties and details, you’re never going to end up starting your bullet journal in the first place. Also, you’ll get so muddled and overwhelmed by all the requirements that you’ll eventually begin thinking that you’re better off without a bullet journal.
If you want your bullet journal to look nice and decorative, you can deal with it later on, not right at the beginning. As I mentioned above, the key to getting ahead is getting started. You’re not going to get anywhere if you delay starting on your bullet journal.
Keep in mind that not everyone is perfect, so it’s fine if you make mistakes and errors in your notebook. After all, practice makes a person perfect! Once you get into the habit of journaling, you’ll naturally begin to get better at it. Don’t feel too anxious about sticking to the bullet journal system, you can customize your journal just the way you like.
Most of the time, people get overwhelmed by the things they see other skilled people doing on the Internet, and resort to accepting that they can’t do what others do. However, that’s not right. Everyone is capable of everything, and it’s just us that says we can’t.
When I started bullet journaling, I had no clue about the system or about the pens required. Thus, I didn’t get too over anxious or overwhelmed … and I was able to get on with my bullet journaling quite smoothly.
I actually began with a normal Pilot black-ink pen and a lined notebook. Lined notebooks are not really the best thing to start with, but if it’s all you have then that’s not a problem.
Generally, for those who’d like the right materials, I would recommend a Leuchtturm1917 book and a set of Faber-Castell Pitt artist pens, as they do not bleed-through. I’d also advise you to get a set of Maped coloured fineliners as they’re pretty long-lasting and do not bleed-through as well. For calligraphy and hand-lettering, the best pens are the Tombow Dual Brush-pens.
But let’s put all of that aside for now. Let’s summarize all the main tips:
- Start in a journal that’s practical and easy to use.
- Start with the basics, don’t worry about the intricacies. (Basics of Bullet Journaling)
- Keep it simple, and leave the embellishments and decorations for later on.
- Sketch/draw in pencil first, so that you can easily erase your mistakes.
- Don’t worry if mistakes happen, just move on.
- Start generating new and unique ideas for your bullet journaling
Lastly, always stay confident in yourself and your abilities. Don’t downgrade yourself in your mind by saying: But what if I’m not creative, not the drawing type, not good enough or not skilled? No one is perfect and not everyone has the skills, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you refrain yourself from at least trying.
Click here to download and print your very own copy of The Ultimate Guide to Bullet Journaling.
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