January Bullet Journal- SIMPLE

Starting off the new year a lot of us go full head of steam with our resolutions only to burn out by February... here's how I have not & achieved my goals.

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Back Track...To The Start.

In December my Fall 2021 bullet journal was yet again full and ready to keep for those later days of inspiration. With Christmas each year for five years I've asked for a bullet journal. Brand for me isn't too much of concern, Archer & Olive, Paper Mate, etc.

Though this year I received a Seqes Journal. From my little brother, which I have now spilled coffee on. Still works though and gives it character!

A new bullet journal can be daunting. I watch plenty of youtube, browse the internet for all these different ideas and aesthetic. My bullet journals however, do not last me an entire year. No idea how some people do it, yet with school a good thick boi lasts me only a semester which is equivalent to four months.

The previous semester was busy. With school + job + standards & expectations I needed a way to reset again and start with the right foot forward. I knew for me personally I could not start with a full head of steam. Being in my last semester of college, for most it gets easier. Yes, my class load is a lot lighter, but the focus of everyones' challenges changes. As does the motivation, which is completely normal. So rather than spend an egregious amount of making it perfect or extravagant... I chose to keep it simple.

Keep It Simple

So I stuck with the basic colors of grey. It also created a calmness in my bullet journal and I found out how pleasing it actually was. This wasn't minimal, however, I simplified my schedule and layouts as much as possible. The other keys was keeping it consistent and finding a balance to let myself remain creative as a stress reliever.

A bullet journal for me is my life line, has my entire schedule laid out to meetings, classes, and the occasional free time. It's a good way to sort through my life while also trying new things. By creating a simple layout, I found myself looking at things in a calm manner. No longer being stressed about random frantic changes. Instead this semester I was going with flow while still planning ahead at the same time.

It also is an outlet, journaling has been proven to release stress. Your Life Your Voice provides excellent articles and prompts for those just starting out. I'm not too much of prompt person, I enjoy making my own way. Though by no means is it easier or convenient, however, it gets me to think in a calm manner and reflect.

Find Inspiration

Finding inspiration can be daunting in today's age, but also its right at our finger tips! Its all right there a click of a button away. Yet, I've spent hours on YouTube, Pinterest, and honestly Google searching for ideas. Most I've found actually do come from blogs and people writing about their experiences.

Though I try to stay away from "ghost blogs" -- the ones that are written to get content out there fast and seem rushed. The research is good, yet there are tell-tale signs that give them away and don't make them seem as wholesome to me. I believe a bullet journal is unique and personal. So showing some vulnerability makes reading more interconnected. Gives a little tad of personality to the writing style.

However, before I go on another tangent inspiration is really based on you, and it is important to stay out of those rabbit holes and simplify the process. My go to method is broken down into three easy steps that still remain flexible. They don't have to go into a particular order but it helps me decide my theme.

1. Color

2. Statement/Quote

3. Goals

For January as mentioned above I stuck with grey, but throughout the month as you fill your journal I would caution you on confining yourself to a set of colors. Its good for discipline and consistency. But its also important to find a balance and let yourself change a little bit and see where you go over time.

This is why some of my pages I try to keep blank and I build them up over time. Overall they do keep the same theme, but there are small changes that I do take notice of and implement into next month.

Now its always good to have a statement or a saying to live by. It keeps you grounded as cheesy or cliché as it may be. Remember it is not something to live up to. That is a different concept. It should be something you want to bring into your life. For me that's calmness, but it can be anything. Let it be unique to you and your life style.

Some examples in include:

• Breath, and move on.

• Happiness starts with a smile.

• Love is what you make it.

• The way I see it if you want a rainbow you have to put up with the rain

• Do good and good will come to you

• Good things take time

Goals

These are vital and likely more daunting than a blank journal in front of you. They always are for me. But by the time I get to this step I have already done my previous year reflection (this year -- bad on me... 😬 I haven't yet and its February 15th by the time I'm writing this post)

Yet each month I only choose three. Five used to be my number of choice when I started back in 2019. Overtime, I noticed over a period of months for me I'd be scrambling at the end of each month to get all five done to have the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment. The reality was, that only made my next month feel sluggish and burnt out. That took me an entire year to realize!

So don't be afraid to adjust. Five is now only if I'm feeling ridiculously bold, brave, and I know my month is light and I have time to focus on it. Those are my summer months of August where my goals are centered around relaxation and enjoyment.

Now January is the start of a new hectic semester for me. So 3 goals is plenty for me. Which I tied in with school, physical fitness, and training. These are the three things that comprise my life in general anyways as a zoomie. (Cadet)

JANUARY GOALS:

1. Work out for 30 days

2. Get Jump Wings

3. Pass first GRs (tests)

Overall enjoy life, a bullet journal is don't over think it. It's helped me find a system that works for me. If you need some inspiration feel free to look at my January Mood Board here.

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STAY WARM MY FRIENDS!

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