Life Editor’s Picks: Bullet Journal Basics

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ve heard of the planner craze known as the bullet journal.

While the “bullet” part might bring up images of mobsters shooting it out over a stash of girlie notebooks, it actually refers to bullet points, or little icons to indicate different properties of the list items.

Bullet journal planning is wildly popular because it’s so simple.

All you need is a notebook and a pen, and you can get started listing your to-dos, appointments, action items, and deep thoughts in whatever order they come to you.

Of course, many bullet journal junkies take their hobby to the next level with intricately drawn spreads, fancy journals, and the latest designer pens.

Those “bujo” experts can seem a bit intimidating . . . so you might not try a bullet journal out of fear of being an amateur.

Keep it simple, sister!

I’m here to give you permission to start a bullet journal without all the hubbub you might see on Instagram. No drawing experience or expensive tools needed.

Here are my picks for bullet journal basics supplies.

1. Minimalism Art Classic Notebook. A simple and colorful dot grid planner that’s half the price of other bullet journals. Available in 5 bright colors.

2. The Bullet Journal Method. The official book by the founder of the bullet journal planning system. Learn how it all began and how you can get started with this popular planning pastime.

3. Pencil Case. A gorgeous emerald bag to hold all your bujo accessories and tools.

4. Ballpoint Flower Pens. These pretty beauties will make you excited to watch your plans and dreams bloom this year.

5. 2019 Edited Year Planners. Did you know that my planners have dozens of dot grid pages for your bullet journal spreads?

6. Listful Thinking. I recommend this book constantly! Learn the importance of list making and get creative ideas for every kind of list imaginable.

7. Caligraphy Brush Marker Pens. Add a little pizzazz to your spreads with these dual tip brush pens.

8. Decorative Masking Washi Tapes. These are my FAVORITE teeny tiny washi tapes that are perfect for the thin lines of a bullet journal.

9. Lettering and Modern Calligraphy. Want to start a bullet journal but your handwriting is a mess? No worries! Learn how to create lovely calligraphy with this beginner’s guidebook.

Like these picks? Check out my favorite things on Pinterest.

This post focuses on Step 1 of the Life Editing Process, Create a Foundation. For more about life editing and what it can do for you, click here.