1. Method

Bullet Journals are usually handwritten, and kept in a single notebook. The core tools of a Bullet Journal are:

• an index
• rapid logging
• logs
• collections
• and migration.^[1]

The index functions like the index to a book, or a table of contents, pointing to where information on different topics is located.

Rapid logging uses a system of symbols (e.g. dashes, asterisks, circles, etc.) to simplify, abbreviate, and organize information. These symbols are explained in a key, typically located in the front of the journal. Information can be organized into tasks, events, and notes, but the possibilities are endless.

Logs are to-do lists, organized on different time-scales, including daily, weekly, monthly, and future logs. Logs are often called spreads, since they typically spread across two adjacent pages.

Collections make up the bulk of a bullet journal, and organize information by content - these can be logs, lists, trackers, etc.

Other popular collections include habit and mood trackers, fitness or diet trackers, list of books to read, restaurants to try, etc.

Described as the "cornerstone" of bullet journaling,^[2] migration is the practice of periodically updating lists to new lists, such as carrying over unfinished tasks from one month's log to the next.^[1][3] This helps users stay organized, productive, and on task by allowing them to prioritize what things need to get done, and what can be placed on hold. Migration can also refer to the process of moving into a new notebook.

2. Tools

The method requires only a pen or pencil and a notebook, though many users are more elaborate. Commercially produced notebooks exist that are designed for Bullet Journaling, but any blank notebook will suffice.^[4] Users who focus on the creative element may use a variety of supplies, including a ruler, colored pens and markers, stickers, stencils, washi tape, etc.^[5]

The bullet journal system provides a framework for users to plan out their lives and increase productivity. Inherent to the bullet journaling system is flexibility - there is plenty of room for users to get creative and customize the system to their needs.

3. Reception

Proponents describe the Bullet Journal as both an effective planning method and a "creative outlet" with a focus on "simplicity and clarity."^[6] Good Housekeeping described it as "equal parts day planner, diary and written meditation."^[4]

4. Styles

Since the introduction of the original bullet journal method, the online community has morphed the bullet journal into all different styles: minimalistic, artsy, doodle, super-organized, and scrapbook, to name a few.^[7] What differentiates styles is how elaborate pages are, whether that's in terms of content or appearance, or in how the user approaches the system. For example, the bullet journal may be used for its functionality, organization, or as an outlet for creativity.

Digital bullet journaling has also become popular, especially in the online community. Although bullet journaling is traditionally done with pen and paper, many users have created digital bullet journals using a variety of note-taking apps or apps designed specifically for digital bullet journaling. Although the method is the same, there are a few reasons users prefer digital over paper, including:^[8]

• greater ease of customization - no need to buy various writing supplies;
• back up and sync feature - allowing users to bring it wherever they have an electronic device;
• built-in search function - easier to find information;
• audio recording feature - many note-taking apps have this feature, which can add another dimension to note-taking;
• paper use reduction - saving money and reducing environmental impact.

5. Uses

A bullet journal, or bullet journaling, is a creative way to schedule your day, week, month, or year. A bullet journal is also used to keep track of what you have done or what you haven't.

5.1. School

Many students have taken up bullet journaling to help them succeed in all levels of school - high school, college, graduate etc. On YouTube, there are many "study with me" videos, which feature YouTubers studying, as well as sharing tips, tricks, and favorite supplies. Closely related are studygrams, which are Instagram accounts dedicated to studying and taking effective, organized and aesthetically pleasing notes.^[9] Bullet journaling has been featured in many of these videos as a way to get organized and stay productive in school. In 2019, Study with Me: Effective Bullet Journaling Techniques, Habits, and Hacks To Be Successful, Productive, and Organized - With Special Strategies for Mathematics, Science, History, Languages, and More by Jasmine Shao and Alyssa Jagan was published.^[10] This book was inspired by the popular "study with me" or "studygram" phenomenon.^[10]

5.2. Work

Proponents of the bullet journal system have also used it to organize their work lives and careers, since the system promotes productivity and is easily customizable.^[11] Bullet journals can be used to keep track of tasks, schedule appointments and meetings, manage projects, take notes, track how time is being spent, etc.^[12] Some have even used it to keep track of goals for annual reviews.^[13] Thousands of videos can be found on YouTube on how to use a bullet journal for work.^[14]

5.3. Mental Health

Bullet journaling to manage mental health has also become very popular, due to the tracking features of the bullet journaling system. By recording information over time in one place, it can lead to insights about users' moods, habits, mental health triggers and more.^[15] Other helpful spreads include goal setting and gratitude logs, which can encourage users to stay motivated and positive.^[15] Additionally, a bullet journal can be a designated outlet to work through strong emotions or difficult times.^[15]

6. History

Ryder Carroll began looking for a simple method of personal organization in college in the late 1990s. Diagnosed with attention deficit disorder as a child, he wanted a system to help "move past his learning disabilities."^[16] By the time he graduated from college, he had devised the bullet journal method. A friend encouraged him to share his method, and he began sharing it online in 2013. It attracted attention on social media, earning $80,000 in Kickstarter funding to create a centralized online community of users. It was the subject of over 3 million Instagram posts by December 2018.^[16][17] The method has been influenced by Carroll's experience as an app, web, and game designer, as well as by his interest in scrapbooking.^[16]

Carroll gave a TED talk about bullet journaling at the 2017 TEDxYale event, titled "How to declutter your mind - keep a journal."^[18] Carroll also published a book on the system, The Bullet Journal Method, in 2018.^[19]

7. Economic Impact

Since the introduction of bullet journaling, its growing popularity has contributed to an increase in sales of traditional stationery products, such as notebooks, pens, etc. As of 2018, there was an 18% increase in the sale of notebooks in the US compared to the year before.^[20] There was also an increase ranging from 5% to 17% in the sale of various types of pens.^[20]