5 Quick Tips for New Planners and Journalists

 1.  Track Habits in Your Journal.

If you want to accomplish a goal or become healthier, try a habit tracker!   There are a world of beautiful layouts you can try and they really are motivating.   It’s like the little spark of joy you get from marking off a to-do list magnified over and over again.   If you’re starting out, add a 7 day habit tracker to your weekly spread page.

 

bullet journal tracker

2.  Plan a Little in Advance

It really helps to have the next 2-4 weeks planned out in monthly or weekly spreads.   That way when an appointment or task comes up, you can immediate add it in.  Also, if you run into a time crunch you won’t risk abandoning your journal or planner entirely, but will instead be able to use it to help you stay organized and focused!

3.  … But Not TOO Far in Advance!

Let’s say this month you are doing a series of spreads using purple highlights and lilacs around the border of the pages.  Don’t plan the next three months with the same purple pens.   You may find that you’re get bored or see a beautiful layout you want to use.   Give yourself the freedom to try new themes, colors and spread layouts as you go.  That way you can experiment and learn what works best for you!

4.  Washi Can Work Wonders

Starting out, I was frustrated with little mistakes.   I didn’t want to scratch through my handwritten analog “typos” and ruin an otherwise beautiful/functional layout.   Enter washi tape.   If you seek out the opaque kinds or use multiple layers, washi can cover any number of mistakes and make your page even more beautiful.   Stickers can have the same effect!

Here are a few pretty sets:

 

5.  Connect with Others Online for Inspiration

Check out Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for vibrant communities of users and follow those that inspire you!   If you are inspired by a new layout or design, tag your source of inspiration and give credit when you post your own layouts.  Connect with others and don’t hesitate to reach out.   It is such a great community!

 

Planning and journaling can be just a fun hobby!  If you have questions, don’t hesitate to comment and ask below!  Happy journaling!

 

* Note: Some links above are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through the links here, at no cost to you. These are all products that I use and love, and any purchases made help support my site and newly-found stationary addiction. Thank you so much for your support and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions!

4 Easy Steps to Achieving Your Goals + Floral Tracker Weekly Spread Video

It’s been a busy week here at Productive Style! I wanted to share with you a new weekly spread, and my method for goal setting!

Weekly Spread Time!

First, the new weekly spread I’m calling the Floral Tracker Spread! I’ve been enamored recently with all of the beautiful floral and botanical line drawings and doodles popping up on Instagram (partially due to this awesome book by Peggy Dean!). I tried out drawing a flower as part of the weekly spread. This one has space for lots of items each day, a roomy to-do list, and a mega tracker for all the good habits I want to follow each week!   I also used my new favorite tool – the Helix Circle and Angle Maker.   Check it out below and over at YouTube!

 

 

Note: My YouTube channel is still in it’s baby phase, so please like, subscribe, and follow along. I still have a lot to learn, and am planning to do a weekly video release over the next several months!

 

 

Goals, goals, goals….

Next up, is goal setting!   I love setting big (scary) goals and trying to achieve them.   This week I’m going to share a journaling spread that helps out in breaking big, difficult goals into little, easy actions.

I also added lots of color to this one for fun!

 

1. Let’s break it down.   First, you choose one BIG goal and put here:

 

2. Next, think about how this could break down into phases or smaller goals.  Maybe each of these smaller goals take a week or a month to accomplish.   For each of the smaller goals, think about a deadline.   Be kind to yourself and set a realistic and specific deadline.   The deadline should not be so tight that it makes you stress.

3. Now, break apart the first small goal into logical steps.   Each of these should be something well-defined and easy.   If smaller tasks still seem too big, make them a small goal and break them apart again!

4. Finally, use the action items section as your to-do list and add the next set of actions you want to focus on!

Happy goal planning!    For this, I’m planning an exciting new project I’ll be releasing this fall.   I can’t share too many details yet, but it will be centered around holidays and I CANNOT wait to share with you all!

Supplies Used:

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Dot Grid Hardcover in Emerald: http://amzn.to/2vgFPof

Faber Castell Pitt Artist Pens http://amzn.to/2fGOjzK

Tombo Dual Brush Pens – Bright http://amzn.to/2fG9hi4

Helix Angle and Circle Maker: http://amzn.to/2vhc0UM

 

* Note: Some links above are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you purchase something through the links here, at no cost to you. These are all products that I use and love, and any purchases made help support my site and newly-found stationary addiction. Thank you so much for your support and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have questions!

Now a question for you – what big goal are you working toward?     Let me know in the comments!!

New YouTube Channel and Weekly Spread!

I’m so excited that I finally get to share some exciting news with you!   I’ve been working on making space to film videos and am learning to film and edit.   This week, I recorded my weekly spread and have shared it on YouTube!   Please let me know any videos you would like to see and any feedback!   I’m trying to find my first 100 YouTube subscribers so I can do fancy things like have an easy to read channel name and address, so please subscribe!

Spread:

Video:

I’m calling this spread “Believe in Dreams” because of the quote included.    Please check it out!!

 

 

The Giant List of 102 Bullet Journal Lists

Starting out with my bullet journal, I sometimes struggled for the right page to post.    I’d done monthly, weekly and sometimes daily spread pages that captured all of the typical planner-style entries.   What I hadn’t realized was that bullet journals are so much more than planners!   The real power in bullet journaling and journaling in general is that it is an open framework to capture ideas, thoughts, important ideas, and useful information about just about every aspect of life.

I thought it would be useful to capture a giant list of page ideas as a reference for the bullet journal community, so here we go!    In this posts, I’ll focus on lists to potentially keep in your bujo!

The Giant List of 102 Bullet Journal Lists

  1. Address List – be ready when it’s time to send out cards!
  2. Birthday List – track birthdays for friends and families.
  3. Call Me List – for distant friends that  you need to remember to keep in touch with.
  4. Pantry Inventory – what staples do you have?   Which do you need to get?
  5. Grocery List – A master list to shop from.
  6. Packing List – Typical packing list to help you get ready quickly.
  7. Morning Routine – what is your current morning must-dos?
  8. Evening Routine – how do you wind down?

  1. Bucket Lists – what do you want to do by a particular time.
  2. Memories – favorite memories from each day.
  3. Favorite Restaurants – to help pick where to go.
  4. Favorite Activities – find fun on a free afternoon.
  5. Rainy Day Activities – what do you want to do inside?
  6. Movies to See – current list of movies you want to see.
  7. Package List – what are you expecting in the mail?
  8. TV to Watch – what to clear off the DVR.
  9. NetFlix Watch List – what to watch before it goes away.
  10. Books to Read – books that you want to read.
  11. Favorite Authors – who are your go-tos?
  12. Shopping List – items you’re on the look-out for (with dimensions, sizes, etc. if needed).
  13. Size List – keep the list of sizes for your family for shopping help.
  14. Favorites List – keep a list of your family and friend’s favorite things to help with gift ideas.
  15. Favorite Recipes – for quick meal ideas.
  16. Meal Planner – map out meals for the week.

  1. Favorite Clothes – for quick outfit ideas.
  2. Gift List – list of gifts given.
  3. Gifts to Buy – list of gifts to give.
  4. Favorite Songs – a list of favorite music.
  5. Favorite Musicians – favorites to listen to on repeat.
  6. Favorite Workouts – a list of workouts to try (again).
  7. Past Events – a list of past events to reminisce on.
  8. Future Events – a list of upcoming events.
  9. Gratitude – a list of things you’re greatful for.
  10. To-Dos – a list of recurring to-dos.
  11. Places to Visit – where you would like to travel.
  12. Places You’ve Traveled – where have you been?

  1. Greatest Accomplishments – what are you proud of/grateful for?
  2. What Makes You You – what is unique about you?
  3. Self Affirmations – what do you like about yourself?
  4. Goals – What do you want to accomplish this month, year, decade?
  5. Skills – what would you like to learn?

  1. Hobbies – what do I like to do?
  2. Hobbies to Try – what new hobbies should I try?
  3. Favorite Quotes – inspiring or funny quotations.
  4. Favorite Memes – good to cheer you up.
  5. Favorite Jokes – ready for an instant laugh.
  6. Family Traditions – what makes your family unique?
  7. Vehicle Info – when do you need an oil change or new license tags?
  8. Home Maintenance – when do you need to change filters, etc.?
  9. Home Repair Contacts – who are your go-to contractors for repairs?
  10. Ways to Relax – what calms your down?
  11. Cleaning – schedule of chores.
  12. Healthy Snacks – quick healthy ideas.
  13. Family Quote Board – funny things the family says.
  14. Favorite Games – favorite board games for a rainy day.

  1. Favorite Video Games – what are your favorites?
  2. Favorite Web Sites – great for downtime.
  3. Fitness Goals – how will you get or stay fit?
  4. Financial Goals – how do you want to make your money work for you.
  5. Milestones – for kids or self.
  6. Wishlist – good for you or your loved ones.
  7. Medical Info – all in one place.
  8. Donation List – items to donate.
  9. Freezer inventory – so you (I) don’t buy the 5th bag of frozen vegetables…
  10. Borrowed Items – items you need to return.
  11. Lending List – items you have on loan.
  12. Renovation Ideas – how you would like to improve your home.
  13. Emergency Contacts – a great first page.
  14. Pet Medical Info – track vaccinations, medications, etc.
  15. Doctor Contacts – list of medical professionals and phone numbers.
  16. Upcoming Doctor/Dentist/Optometrist Appointments – when is your next appointment?
  17. Things that Make Me Happy – for a quick pick-me-up.
  18. Things to Avoid – what makes you less happy/healthy.
  19. Frequent Flyer Info – a snapshot for traveling.
  20. Party Ideas – themes for your next event.
  21. Bullet Journal List Ideas – ideas for more lists.
  22. Holidays – a list of things to celebrate.
  23. Pen Test Lists – a page showing ink colors, thickness, etc.
  24. Self-Care Activities – ideas to help you renew.

  1. Ways to Be Healthier – ideas to help you grow stronger.
  2. Journal Prompts – to help with creative writing.
  3. Letters/Thank You Notes to Write – a nice way to be thoughtful.
  4. Favorite Apps – in case of catastrophe or new technology in your life.
  5. Projects – those in the works, or those that are complete.
  6. Organizing – what needs to be organized at home or work.
  7. Bills to Pay – and due dates!
  8. Appointments to Schedule – don’t forget your next dental exam.
  9. Gifts to Buy – keep a list ahead and find things on sale.
  10. Daily Affirmations – or mantras to keep you happy and focused.
  11. Favorite Bible Verses – for inspiration.
  12. Things to Fix – remember what needs to be done when you have spare time.
  13. Restaurants to Try – when you want to find a new favorite.
  14. Favorite 5 Minute Activities – bonus if they can be done while waiting in line.
  15. Prayer List – those to remember.
  16. Best Things About Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter – to cheer you any time of year.
  17. Favorite Flowers – for special occasions (also a great list for doodling).

  1. Favorite Planner Supplies – pens, notebook, washi, other essentials.
  2. Washi Catalogue – a snippet of each of your favorites.
  3. Header Ideas – for other areas of your bujo.
  4. Passwords List – only if your bullet journal is top-secret.
  5. Dreams – to record and remember silly or nice dreams.
  6. Acts of Kindess – ways to be kind to those around you.