Life is so hectic today that it is difficult for one to be organized. One of the best ways to be up to date and increase your productivity is by using a tool known as the bullet journal. What is a bullet journal?

Ryder Caroll, the digital product designer who founded the process, describes a bullet journal as a customizable and forgiving organization system. According to Caroll, you can use the tool as your to-do list, sketchbook, notebook, diary, or combination of all the above purposes. It is an alternative productivity tool that has emerged recently that helps you to stay organized. Whether you're a student or business person, bullet journaling is the place to start if you want to stay productive. It has four key elements:

• A page number journal which helps in building an index,

• A key of symbols used in the notebook such as a bullet, dash, or circles for different types of ideas that you want to put down,

• An index of what is on each page of your journal which helps you to keep track of where you have written,

• Collections - It is where your future logs, monthly logs, daily logs are found.

How then can a bullet journal improve your productivity?

Now that you have a brief overview of a Bullet Journal, here are some ways you can use it to boost your productivity at school, home, or work.

1.   Tracking your goals

What is your personal or business goal? Most businesses have something they want to achieve. A bullet journal has a part for future log where you can write your personal or business goals. Some bullet journals have a vision board which is a page of goals. It includes yearly, monthly or daily objectives. Having your goal in that one place makes it easy to track the progress and also keeps you motivated to achieve them, thus improving your productivity.

2.   It helps you plan ahead

Next, you can split the goals into daily and manageable tasks. These help you think ahead about what you should be doing instead of wasting time wondering where to start every morning. The journal gives you a platform where you can plan what to do next in a more productive manner. It will give you an overview of your daily to-do list, hence boosting progress and productivity.

3.   It motivates you to complete tasks

Keeping a record of daily tasks gives you the motivation to do them. Instead of sitting at your desk wondering where to start or what tasks to complete first, you will be doing more productive tasks. The daily to-do list will make you work harder to complete all tasks assigned for that day. According to the Zeigarnik Effect, nothing feels more satisfying than crossing off your daily list. It makes the brain feel free when you call it a day. A bullet journal ensures your day is fully productive and no time goes to waste.

4.   Helps you manage time

If you want to boost your productivity at work, home, or school, time management is an integral aspect. Luckily, with a bullet journal, you can plan tasks ahead of time, prioritize and execute them according to their importance and urgency. All tasks are then completed within their designated schedule. As a result, you will feel the urge to work harder to ensure all stuff is done as planned.

5.   You can reflect on your Bullet Journal record

The daily record on the bullet journal is a great place to know what you have accomplished, what is working, and what needs improvement. Productivity is not about non-stop working. It also requires you to take a break for you to go through weekly or monthly records. Analyze the notes and determine which tasks and processes need improvement and which one needs to stop. John Hall in a 2019 article about productivity says that reflecting on today's tasks can make you more prepared for tomorrow's tasks.

6.   Helps you feel better mentally and physically

According to a study at the University of Texas by James Pennebaker found that writing helps one to feel happier, less depressed, and less anxious. Aside from that, the study also found out that participants who wrote had better relationships, improved memory, and were more successful at work. Hence, if you want to be more productive, then write more. Write whatever closes your mind, and it will enhance your mental and physical health.

Conclusion

You now know what a bullet journal is and how it can improve your productivity. It is time you got one. Don't forget that bullet journaling requires commitment, and you will have to make writing in it a habit. It might take time to get used to offloading all your thoughts and plans on a piece of paper, but it will make you have happier days. You can plan your tasks, prioritize them accordingly, and execute them in a more organized way. Thus, load all your plans, thoughts, including the fun memories, there. You will be surprised how writing about them boosts your productivity.

Images Credit: https://bulletjournal.com/pages/learn

Author’s Bio:

Randolph Bunnell is an experienced copywriter and blogger. He has a deep interest in informational technologies and aims at becoming an expert in this niche. Randolph also has a medical background. In his blog Skin Answer, he provides tips regarding dealing with health problems, as well as explains how to avoid and treat common diseases.