tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32444735028420605542024-02-02T11:13:11.251-06:00Universal JournalBullet Journal, ultra-streamlinedFox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-8776033566101656872021-05-21T23:52:00.000-05:002021-05-21T23:52:22.235-05:00Advice For Bullet Journal Newbies<p>So you're new to Bullet Journaling and don't quite know what to do. It's a bit intimidating, I know. And there is so much that can be done. So many ideas. As with many things, especially new things, expectations can change everything.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rYNf6p_j0BVU0cUIcYo_zbu2wRRQumfPZRHrdlYsSJJq3NgZkySoD9iugQn_3LyXrTXgf5zvMIyLvuVhTvrLFWneDqiGtjcJoPo1rWwrHKwDP2Y9YI2qjPFCd0kMoqs98VSqHaH36ag/s1800/advice+for+newbies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Universal Journal: Bullet Journal Advice for Newbies" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rYNf6p_j0BVU0cUIcYo_zbu2wRRQumfPZRHrdlYsSJJq3NgZkySoD9iugQn_3LyXrTXgf5zvMIyLvuVhTvrLFWneDqiGtjcJoPo1rWwrHKwDP2Y9YI2qjPFCd0kMoqs98VSqHaH36ag/s16000/advice+for+newbies.png" title="Universal Journal: Bullet Journal Advice for Newbies" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Does it have to be artistic?</h2><p>No you don't have to do things in an artistic way. The artful spreads that take hours to produce can be a pleasure to behold, sure, but if you don't want to take the time (or don't have that kind of time) to do that you don't have to. Short and sweet is the ultra-streamlined way.</p><p>The page/spread layout should work for you rather than you working for the layouts. Design should serve its purpose in the bullet journal and for me that purpose leans very heavily toward function. Form is good but I don't want keeping up with the journal to slow me down.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do I have to record everything?</h2><p>Why would you do that to yourself? If you need to track something, a tracker might be the thing for you. If you need to keep a record of stuff, a note/reminder/collection in the journal should work just fine. Ryder said in a video in the early bullet journal days that he often records things after the fact to keep a record of his productivity. Sometimes I do that, sometimes not. Record what you need/want. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do I have to prepare weeks/months in advance?</h2><p>No you don't. You could do this, of course. If you prefer to have months planned out and drawn up so they are all located in the same section, go ahead. I never know how many months will fit into a journal because unexpected things happen (such as collections or projects that require who-knows-how-many pages) so I don't plan these.</p><p>Journal planning is one thing, life planning is another. For life stuff that has to be planned in advance I use the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-to-use-streamlined-monthly-log.html">workflow</a> to manage that. This is essential for me and I think the whole point of the bullet journal. The original bullet journal method was all about workflow with minimal effort devoted to form. As far as monthly/weekly/daily spreads and such I simply proceed month by month, one day at a time. When the end of the book is near it's time to acquire a <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/new">new one</a>.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do I have to use a dotted notebook?</h2><p>No you don't. I use a dotted notebook, I really like it. It helps me to have an unobtrusive guide (such as dots rather than lined grids) so I can use the page in portrait or landscape orientation, or what ever suits me. A straight horizontally lined or even a blank notebook may fit your needs just fine.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Do I have to start a new journal at the new year?</h2><p>What for? The bullet journal system is eminently customizable. If your journal stretches from January to May of the following year, that's a great stretch! If it lasts from December to February, so be it (and may God help you if you are that busy). Of course, if you like a fresh journal each year (which is entirely understandable), go for it.</p><p>Make your bullet journal work for you (I'm assuming your journal is really for YOU rather than public consumption). Knowing what works for you will require experimentation, of course. Try things, see what fits and what doesn't.</p><p>This is merely a basic overview of issues that might scare away someone new to bullet journaling. Got any other questions? Please feel free to ask them here in the comments below.</p>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-37745082813193456592021-04-19T16:58:00.000-05:002021-04-19T16:58:35.056-05:00Streamlined Bullet Journal Index<p>The index is crucial for many of bullet journalers. Those who use the bullet journal method closer to its original design find the index useful (since returning to old content is a fairly regular thing) but there is always the matter of <i>how.</i> This is an ultra-streamlined take on the index.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ20rdHRzIJYKWyU6ke1ut7PZJsNHZj_wLRseJ98kp93TE1-ar_hG_1FX8LpIASFlQbVM_PY-_w8npKIVzmx3uxBkDWfXr4i4RKhaMEr38-gRxJl0GNo0TA6AOWjDIOAHC2kw9oLmGbqc/s1800/index_streamlined.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Universal Journal Index Streamlined" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ20rdHRzIJYKWyU6ke1ut7PZJsNHZj_wLRseJ98kp93TE1-ar_hG_1FX8LpIASFlQbVM_PY-_w8npKIVzmx3uxBkDWfXr4i4RKhaMEr38-gRxJl0GNo0TA6AOWjDIOAHC2kw9oLmGbqc/s16000/index_streamlined.jpg" title="Universal Journal Index Streamlined" /></a></div><br /><p>First, I wish I could remember where I saw this idea in order to give credit. It's brilliant and so simple to do. Given the uncertainty of required space for the index, and the uncertainty of the required space for the future log, why not separate these two things? Putting the index in the back of the book solves this issue with grace.</p><p>I can set up a spread or two for the future log in the front but in the back there is all the space I will ever need. When the index meets the content or even gets close to it, it's time to move to a new notebook.</p><p>Another trick (kudos to <a href="https://squarelimedesigns.com/blog//2017/02/6-index-hacks-for-your-bullet-journal.html" target="_blank">Christina77star</a>) is the separation of the index into categories. I might leave the regular things in one page of the index (a list of class lectures or meetings, for example) and the other page of the spread for everything else. This way the index doesn't get clogged with everything going on. I can scan the lectures list if that's all I need at the moment, or scan the general list for other stuff.</p><p>You could also sub-divide each page of the index. Perhaps one page could be split into columns, with maybe work related lists in one column and life stuff in the other. Personally, I keep the months separated from the rest of the index.</p><p>I also use the index for blank pages. My workflow involves a pattern of spreads, and a dash of OCD makes me prefer the pattern to remain unchanged throughout the notebook. On the occasion where something irregular happens (such as a list or collection) blank pages may occur. Each blank page is recorded in the index. Later, when I need a blank page (perhaps for a new list or collection) I pick one already recorded so there's no need to use a new page.</p><p>My <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/streamlined-color-coding.html">color coding system</a> also helps. I don't separate work and life stuff by columns in the index but by color. I have a 3-in-1 pen with two inks and mechanical pencil. This three color implement makes all sorts of options possible and I don't have to carry a bunch of stuff with me.</p><p>The official <a href="https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/the-index/" target="_blank">Bullet Journal website</a> also has some tips for using the index:</p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: adobe-garamond-pro; font-size: 20px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin-bottom: 20px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; text-align: left;">Indexing also provides a great visual timeline. Some people like to put a marker around their indexed monthly logs to provide a better birds-eye view.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 12px; text-align: left;">If you work on multiple complex or long-term projects, you can create a dedicated Index for each. Dedicated Indexes can also be a great way to help organize notes for different classes.</li></ul>
There is another, <a href="https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/index-mods-and-variations/" target="_blank">more in depth look</a> into the index also found on the Bullet Journal website. Check it out.<div><br /></div><div>Keeping an index is especially useful when searching through old notebooks for content you sort of remember you have but you just don't know where.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Got any tricks for customizing your bullet journal index? Please share those ideas with the rest of us by commenting below.</div></div>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-14901666073364385462021-02-22T10:00:00.001-06:002021-02-22T10:00:06.354-06:00Bookmarks as Bullet Journal Hack<p>Some of the free printables offered here at Universal Journal can be combined to suit different needs. Let's look at combining the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/calendar-thumbnails-printout.html">calendar</a> with the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/notemarks-note-bookmarks.html">Notemarks</a> (the note bookmarks) printable.</p>
<!--<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp7-TB0LnNKcDqsk5XD31yeMMBSaIAYWVZwK8wTR__pj7jTzEvVE_voxoLiy6l8vLOgzxrTgoS64CzKspyHe7F87kre3PAn838Svm6USCpWbx9-1AquSUXMRYs8g7rR5SBR1cLi8Khes/s1800/calendar+bookmark+bullet+journal+hack.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Calendar Bookmark Bullet Journal Hack" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp7-TB0LnNKcDqsk5XD31yeMMBSaIAYWVZwK8wTR__pj7jTzEvVE_voxoLiy6l8vLOgzxrTgoS64CzKspyHe7F87kre3PAn838Svm6USCpWbx9-1AquSUXMRYs8g7rR5SBR1cLi8Khes/s16000/calendar+bookmark+bullet+journal+hack.png" title="Calendar Bookmark Bullet Journal Hack" /></a></div>-->
<p>The Notemarks sheets are meant to be printed front and back, creating a dot grid bookmark ideal for notes of all sorts. Whether single column, folded, or doubled folded, these notemarks serve as a base for the calendar printable as well. For those who want floating notes that you can use on a monthly basis, this combo makes a quick way to create this sort of tool for yourself.</p><p>First, gather the calendar printable and cut out the pertinent month, and print out one of the notemark pages (front and back).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8ift8oiTaMF3tGkr6L8qQFe_c84zsZmS70R6tc8RnNhjRcrZWS-3NqrzknAfzqB6_Nph9laVqTKj9FJ23boiGKJxLMdOCeYlHEd0XWFRvL2RXnILtXGuamYKYuPmfLKyc8qs-PqA9-w/s2048/bookmark+hack01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc8ift8oiTaMF3tGkr6L8qQFe_c84zsZmS70R6tc8RnNhjRcrZWS-3NqrzknAfzqB6_Nph9laVqTKj9FJ23boiGKJxLMdOCeYlHEd0XWFRvL2RXnILtXGuamYKYuPmfLKyc8qs-PqA9-w/s16000/bookmark+hack01.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>Next, since most people would use a thin book mark the notemark page will need to be folded. First, fold in half by the long edge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiaaBC5hyphenhyphenTIbnj0pdteF3cdptpnRCdVloGGwBXzd6ah5IfgR4yY7tI6HsFr32LQcyA8_p8E3U9Pbvv7x2Tt3e5AJSP48IDp5BmKu14t1Oqq14gSw3aYezEyviW997Zz6-cHSWn8MJ8sU/s2048/bookmark+hack02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHiaaBC5hyphenhyphenTIbnj0pdteF3cdptpnRCdVloGGwBXzd6ah5IfgR4yY7tI6HsFr32LQcyA8_p8E3U9Pbvv7x2Tt3e5AJSP48IDp5BmKu14t1Oqq14gSw3aYezEyviW997Zz6-cHSWn8MJ8sU/s16000/bookmark+hack02.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>Fold the notemark again lengthwise. Alternatively you could cut the notemark page in half along the first fold, then fold the half page in half once more. You can make yourself two notemarks if you wish.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdgf1pE0a356G7KuoN7e6d2y5g50cGUu8185XfYqRK9jPn6J2O82On5S0CZbyhVYT3m32SwubfXHVM0vA9PnAVLvbG13ygq-qnX3p9N90y_aVZ4SQCG9qSqhPDtecXnsxsWJxh1pavKg/s2048/bookmark+hack03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdgf1pE0a356G7KuoN7e6d2y5g50cGUu8185XfYqRK9jPn6J2O82On5S0CZbyhVYT3m32SwubfXHVM0vA9PnAVLvbG13ygq-qnX3p9N90y_aVZ4SQCG9qSqhPDtecXnsxsWJxh1pavKg/s16000/bookmark+hack03.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>For the last step, attach the calendar to the notemark. I used double-sided tape.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P5H7vSC4EtFyaivEsMpyLQWEWo3WlPPbaJN1v8P02RkXQVf5inOFG-SaOSK8S7-j0iJee7Wc-glE4WqeAJBdG_i1zlt6XVZPuU-LqaKq60vlZBkQe9Ozjwqt5WsHwoJAr9kerFYx3GM/s2048/bookmark+hack04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7P5H7vSC4EtFyaivEsMpyLQWEWo3WlPPbaJN1v8P02RkXQVf5inOFG-SaOSK8S7-j0iJee7Wc-glE4WqeAJBdG_i1zlt6XVZPuU-LqaKq60vlZBkQe9Ozjwqt5WsHwoJAr9kerFYx3GM/s16000/bookmark+hack04.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>With this set up you'll have a multipaneled bookmark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tTiOAeYVRonCE-qwjYlPS_Tw8V5KByofOrJ2jhww8XavZW807T51tnvkDhlDoKrwLO5rKbuTBPBtikr4k_ANWCVNlUHKzmYWLCPslCW9EK2EshIFBlC8RnkVaOaYCJlq_FLoO0pRgaA/s2048/bookmark+hack05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tTiOAeYVRonCE-qwjYlPS_Tw8V5KByofOrJ2jhww8XavZW807T51tnvkDhlDoKrwLO5rKbuTBPBtikr4k_ANWCVNlUHKzmYWLCPslCW9EK2EshIFBlC8RnkVaOaYCJlq_FLoO0pRgaA/s16000/bookmark+hack05.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't cut the notemark in this example, it's just a quad folded sheet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTx1gNtgoRUKT_Zp7VbN-lic50LADTgPJWXz8mCU7QsIrPVhzuZdaYZexPsrKLxfIdnexJDTV-hIzPlAh8HlF65ZuRVCjQ8WsmGIXQxI9WmewK8ExsOCz_hGrlDm8etHcuUdKAWGjPJ8/s2048/bookmark+hack06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTx1gNtgoRUKT_Zp7VbN-lic50LADTgPJWXz8mCU7QsIrPVhzuZdaYZexPsrKLxfIdnexJDTV-hIzPlAh8HlF65ZuRVCjQ8WsmGIXQxI9WmewK8ExsOCz_hGrlDm8etHcuUdKAWGjPJ8/s16000/bookmark+hack06.jpg" title="Notemarks monthly bookmark hack" /></a></div><br /><p>The <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/calendar-thumbnails-printout.html">calendar</a> and the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/notemarks-note-bookmarks.html">Notemarks</a> printables are free to use as you wish. If you've got any other ideas for how to combine printables for bullet journal let the rest of us know below in the comments.</p><p>Megan over at CompassandInk.com has a similar idea combining a monthly calendar and a habit tracker on the same bookmark. Check out this post on this on that blog titled <a href="https://compassandink.com/how-to-use-bookmarks-as-a-bullet-journal-hack/" target="_blank">How to use bookmarks as a Bullet Journal Hack</a>.</p>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-76202990105152624752021-02-08T10:00:00.005-06:002021-02-09T14:23:29.770-06:00Review: Hustler's Classic Notebook<div>For so many of us the search for the "perfect" bullet journal is a never ending endeavor. The <a href="https://amzn.to/2R4SMLC" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Hustler's Classic Notebook'
});" target="_blank">Hustler's Classic Notebook</a> offers a very good hardcover dotted notebook currently rated at 4.5 stars over at Amazon.com. I've been using one since September 2020 and this is my take on it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvK01ZOePx1S4khU3J1pPmi3zfoTg4oQ9ROR5O7HQi7aDLbY4qb46vmZuei7rTUSOi7-CQZxRaFiTUnPGOf_5DHy9qAZQJkgzlvXgmwaoTWDTe1F32dLpKNJY6hH5BNRm5jwCO8t8O_Q/s1800/review_hustlers+classic+notebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Product review: Hustler's Classic Notebook" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvK01ZOePx1S4khU3J1pPmi3zfoTg4oQ9ROR5O7HQi7aDLbY4qb46vmZuei7rTUSOi7-CQZxRaFiTUnPGOf_5DHy9qAZQJkgzlvXgmwaoTWDTe1F32dLpKNJY6hH5BNRm5jwCO8t8O_Q/s16000/review_hustlers+classic+notebook.jpg" title="Product review: Hustler's Classic Notebook" /></a></div><br /><div><i>(this post includes affiliate links)</i></div><div><br /></div>
<div>First, some details. On Amazon the title of this journal mentions:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Thick Dotted Journal</li><li>A5 Hardcover</li><li>Premium 120 GSM Ink-Proof Paper</li><li>5mm Dot Grid</li><li>Numbered Pages</li><li>Pen Holder</li><li>Pocket and Ruler</li></ul></div>
<div>I would add the following details:</div>
<div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>160 off-white pages</li><li>built-in ribbon</li></ul>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Paper</h4><div>The pages are thick enough to handle my normal use. I don't typically use markers of any kind, only ball point pen and pencil and I have a fairly light touch. With the Hustler's Classic I don't see any bleed through with ballpoint pens or pencil.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I did use gel pens and highlighters for testing just for this post. Here is a comparison of the page where I marked for testing, and the reverse side of that same page to show minimal bleed through. The black word (TESTING) was written with a Sharpie pen, so of course it bleeds through a bit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_OMtNlisJL3A0OSWbv94HQ2fZhSyDXyMKUQ9gxKRyygPNjQrYGtqhdeTZZNnm5HgCHJ3ALUO8RKMHx6KnOOnTex41-2hH_RYcR3fyRT9pG9McXp3npHovqXIvFo-E1HvfvmofYjOVA4/s2048/hustlers01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hustler's Classic Notebook" border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI_OMtNlisJL3A0OSWbv94HQ2fZhSyDXyMKUQ9gxKRyygPNjQrYGtqhdeTZZNnm5HgCHJ3ALUO8RKMHx6KnOOnTex41-2hH_RYcR3fyRT9pG9McXp3npHovqXIvFo-E1HvfvmofYjOVA4/s16000/hustlers01.jpg" title="Hustler's Classic Notebook" /></a></div><br /><div>On the back of that page you can see a slight bleed from the highlighters and the gel pans, and a more conspicuous bleed from the Sharpie.</div><div><br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqmgUMdswkdIv8K6BR2Z46haQ3RMLK18gdXJEZOn8otvjU_ji8IgKvyW7wqbvrVFKpNkkw5XxjlHS5fmdTPfENXuCfTIqbCzLndTruAU4RPuYzk7TFT0aqiI_-6Xou7601fWYNAhWBhg/s2048/hustlers02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hustler's Classic Notebook" border="0" data-original-height="1245" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqmgUMdswkdIv8K6BR2Z46haQ3RMLK18gdXJEZOn8otvjU_ji8IgKvyW7wqbvrVFKpNkkw5XxjlHS5fmdTPfENXuCfTIqbCzLndTruAU4RPuYzk7TFT0aqiI_-6Xou7601fWYNAhWBhg/s16000/hustlers02.jpg" title="Hustler's Classic Notebook" /></a></div><div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Cover</h4>
<div>The cover is nice and durable. I haven't had any problems over these six months. I plan to try different journals just for experimentation but I hope the next journal has a cover as sturdy as this one.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Dot grid</h4>
<div>The 5mm grid is a nice size, not too small. I wouldn't mind a slightly larger grid but this size is perfectly adequate for my needs.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Pen holder</h4>
<div>The pen loop on the spine is in a convenient position. It's a natural place to keep the pen without getting in the way so I don't need anything extra to store writing implements. I'm a minimalist and my pen is the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LYFg8m" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Evolt 2+1'
});" target="_blank">Evolt 2+1</a> so I get 3 pens in one device.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>One thing I would caution you on is opening the notebook with anything in the pen loop. I think I stretched the spine a bit too much when I did that so I make sure to remove the pen before opening the journal now. That's my fault. Misusing anything can cause it to perform at less than optimum.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Pocket</h4>
<div>The pocket is large and durable and the included straight edge is a nice touch. I try not to use straight edges in the Universal Journal <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/bullet-journal-ultra-streamlined.html">ultra-streamlined style</a> but for those who might want to use a ruler this is a good addition.</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>The description on Amazon includes something about laying flat. This notebook does lay out flat (enough) for me but it would nice if it laid perfectly flat. It could be the damage I did (mentioned above with the pen holder) prevents it from laying flatter.</div><div><br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Over all</h4>
<div>Over all I think this is a well made notebook. In fact this may become the standard by which I compare all other journals I try in the future. I'm not really picky with journals since the ultra-streamlined style doesn't require much to work with. It will definitely make onto my favorites list. You can find the <a href="https://amzn.to/2R4SMLC" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Hustler's Classic Notebook'
});" target="_blank">Hustler's Classic Notebook</a> at Amazon.com.
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div><br /></div>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-2762103130112167692021-02-01T10:22:00.003-06:002021-02-01T11:44:16.421-06:00Bullet Journal for Teachers: Class Semester<p>A previous post (<a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/bullet-journal-for-hard-working-educator.html">Bullet Journal for the hard working educator</a>) linked to a now dead page. I've updated the post so it links to the archive.org version of a page on 16 layouts for teachers. Here is an ultra-streamlined take on one layout idea from that page, a class semester for the teacher. (affiliate links included in this post)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTInvnl1YpzGTjHQcbIbx1mqWGLKcuV2kpuNup7LXqopQ6wb6qWjIMWSVJ1IwDLY0RMVzpkuExwi5WMF9MwEarnQr4c7PXiXoix37p44CIZAgdwmY9U8X2Ylo0bOK-F5mXgDhdrH1JXQ/s1800/class+semster+for+teachers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Class Semester for Teachers bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTInvnl1YpzGTjHQcbIbx1mqWGLKcuV2kpuNup7LXqopQ6wb6qWjIMWSVJ1IwDLY0RMVzpkuExwi5WMF9MwEarnQr4c7PXiXoix37p44CIZAgdwmY9U8X2Ylo0bOK-F5mXgDhdrH1JXQ/s16000/class+semster+for+teachers.jpg" title="Class Semester for Teachers bullet journal" /></a></div><br /><p>As with the Universal Journal approach (minimal set up time) I've tried to incorporate placement, iconography, and colors to communicate as much information as possible with as little effort as possible.</p>
<p>The following description and included photos show a completely hypothetical semester, simply for illustration of the concepts.</p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCzD4t_kvlUwS-MFFG8yKmczVf9TqbqQJoRyNgcqAUAryzz41QGpqXxVXXbbTinFHSTejUxEB1Y4wfKGNjcK4oXr7umzOHueI8BfC-mRa8vvkbaqEPWrRxjZ9X0Cjd60mHX7OLrD6b1g/s1906/layout_class+semester+for+teachers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Class semester spread layout bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="1906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCzD4t_kvlUwS-MFFG8yKmczVf9TqbqQJoRyNgcqAUAryzz41QGpqXxVXXbbTinFHSTejUxEB1Y4wfKGNjcK4oXr7umzOHueI8BfC-mRa8vvkbaqEPWrRxjZ9X0Cjd60mHX7OLrD6b1g/s16000/layout_class+semester+for+teachers.jpg" title="Class semester spread layout bullet journal" /></a></div><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Layout</h4>
<p>The basic layout in the photo above places the semester weeks at the top of the spread. The class assignments, labs, exams, etc. are listed in the left column. So each item has its own row for any pertinent information.</p><p>The weeks are bit busy so let me unpack all that. The week number of the semester is listed on the top row. In my journal I had enough space to give each week a width of 3 columns. I don't know if each week would need to be even, I'm just channeling my inner <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312172/" target="_blank">Adrian Monk</a> here. Perhaps a more realistic semester overview might require only 2 columns per week with some especially busy weeks requiring 4 or 5. Who knows? Adapt this set up according to your schedule. The idea is that each hard date (an assignment or due date) is recognized.</p><p>Next, the month number is listed in the middle row, with the dates in the bottom row.</p><p><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKHSrlHrksszbSnVUI-poIthuy_O2o_Eahr-pVgfl_HEqdd6zWouM9lh3HI9V1PneF4ZD0Fdn5SaVt99OJePeolTLGj5_Flbt9hMV9a6T0YHZqLpDoGXTaf43t8vqIw1X_FRQXHyqbP0/s1906/layout_class+semester+for+teachers+header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="class semester layout header for bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="1906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKHSrlHrksszbSnVUI-poIthuy_O2o_Eahr-pVgfl_HEqdd6zWouM9lh3HI9V1PneF4ZD0Fdn5SaVt99OJePeolTLGj5_Flbt9hMV9a6T0YHZqLpDoGXTaf43t8vqIw1X_FRQXHyqbP0/s16000/layout_class+semester+for+teachers+header.jpg" title="class semester layout header for bullet journal" /></a></div><br />
<p>The ultra-streamlined style leans toward space as a separator rather than lines but this is an early iteration of a compact layout. So I used lines to separate each week. Notice the lines are only for the weeks section at the top of the spread so I didn't need to use a straight edge. Of course you can extend the lines all the way down the page if you wish.</p><p>Notice the items in the left column are spaced out with an empty row beneath each one. I find this helps to visually separate the items and improves the look of the page. I don't like a cramped looking spread. But if you don't mind making the effort of drawing the lines (if you want them), you could compress this layout with line separators and put a lot more items on this list. Perhaps your class needs that extra room for more assignments or you could have 2 or more classes on this one spread. On the other hand, it might help keep your brain spaces separated to place each class on its own spread.</p><p><br /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Iconography</h4>
<p>As with the original blog post that inspired this one, I've borrowed from that writer's clever and very simple scheme to track assignments. One thing I really like and that helps me read content easier and faster is data visualization.</p><p>The lines in the main area start on the date an assignment is given to the class. The filled square designates the due date of the assignment. And the line extending past the due date is the teacher's queue for grading. Adjust this system and iconography according to your needs.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_VBdwkq5HuMr75H7HJ7Hl7RpAZjiMyz_BUAZ4e1dw6XgTYzpA-Pk4oW2SgPQZMwl5LC_bfs2NFPc2gi0ylUyeHokriu3iATPatWFE6iaHdsn2s0rZWQrMh_3zVoQHpyeFI9NBGqxB0/s938/layout_class+semester+data+visualization.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="class semester data visualization" border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9y_VBdwkq5HuMr75H7HJ7Hl7RpAZjiMyz_BUAZ4e1dw6XgTYzpA-Pk4oW2SgPQZMwl5LC_bfs2NFPc2gi0ylUyeHokriu3iATPatWFE6iaHdsn2s0rZWQrMh_3zVoQHpyeFI9NBGqxB0/s16000/layout_class+semester+data+visualization.jpg" title="class semester data visualization" /></a></div><p><br /></p>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Color scheme</h4>
<p>The pen I use is an <a href="https://amzn.to/2LYFg8m" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Evolt 2+1'
});" target="_blank">Evolt 2+1</a>, with 2 ink colors and a mechanical pencil all in built into one implement. I like using different colors when it helps communicate information and this teacher's semester layout is definitely one of those instances.</p><p>The exams, quizzes, and similar events for the class are in red ink in this example. The labs are in black ink. All other assignments are in pencil. Of course you can choose any color scheme you want. Your class may require more than 3 colors for various assignments or maybe just one will work for you. Hopefully this model serves as good inspiration for you to devise your own system.</p>
If you want to try the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LYFg8m" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Evolt 2+1'
});" target="_blank">Evolt 2+1</a>, you'll probably need refills. Here are some more affiliate links.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2M3NpbC" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: black refill'
});" target="_blank">Black ink</a> (10 pack)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2M0VTQE" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: red refill'
});" target="_blank">Red ink</a> (10 pack)</li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/2tdIUDs" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: lead refill'
});" target="_blank">0.5 mm lead</a></li>
</ul><div>Got any minimalist semester ideas for educators? Others might appreciate the input so tell us about it in the comments.</div><div><br /></div><div>For full disclosure, I'm not a formal educator. I recognize I might have no idea what I'm talking about with this post. If you're a teacher and can improve upon this spread to make it more useful for the genuine educator please comment below or email me. I'm glad to address this topic again with a follow up post with new ideas. Or if this post was helpful already and you've put it to good use, please share here!</div>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-21275883389966049842021-01-27T21:54:00.004-06:002021-01-28T13:44:34.741-06:00DIY Phone Case/Pocket<p>I found this short video on a DIY paper phone case. It's sturdy enough to hold something as heavy as a smart phone (or multiple writing implements) but also light enough to include as part of your everyday journal carry. This origami item could be modified to suit any number of things.</p>
<p><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wevv5uXJjRs" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Want to try some Origami? Click this <a href="https://amzn.to/3a54rDO" imageanchor="1" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Amazon',
'event_label': 'Origami paper'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank">origami paper affiliate link</a> and you can help me out a little and get involved in a fantastic creative outlet.</p>
Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-33441294866849256532019-12-17T09:46:00.000-06:002019-12-17T09:46:22.842-06:00Ultra-Streamlined Style for bullet journalI might have a little time here and there to do creative designs with my journal. But usually I just need it to help manage the day. What's the fastest way to manage a bullet journal? As with many things in life, it depends. Let me offer an overview of the Universal Journal ultra-streamlined style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiLLFIO8DCl9tBh2c2hAmRwNX-0sUb0MI_yDRIVF32-hMWaqgyZWmtl2W3_0JzIZtcpP9TwQFXU27YETvDrC_UMNJdbLiS-3sMEgt9rBMWMT6rQXzb96EzwhlaO1Wy7p_2DOO_kOVQvs/s1600/ultra+streamlined+bullet+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ultra-streamlined bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQiLLFIO8DCl9tBh2c2hAmRwNX-0sUb0MI_yDRIVF32-hMWaqgyZWmtl2W3_0JzIZtcpP9TwQFXU27YETvDrC_UMNJdbLiS-3sMEgt9rBMWMT6rQXzb96EzwhlaO1Wy7p_2DOO_kOVQvs/s1600/ultra+streamlined+bullet+journal.jpg" title="ultra-streamlined bullet journal" /></a></div>
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The Universal Journal style intends to help you spend as little time as possible setting up and using your bullet journal. It's counter productive to get burned out on a tool that's supposed to help you avoid burning out. This graphic recaps the basics. Check out some other posts on the topic.</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/bullet-journal-ultra-streamlined.html">Bullet Journal Ultra-Streamlined</a></li>
<li><a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/minimalist-bullet-journal-future-log.html">Efficient workflow</a></li>
<li><a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/08/decluttering-your-bullet-journal-and.html">Decluttering your Journal</a></li>
<li><a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/streamlined-color-coding.html">Streamlined Color Coding</a></li>
<li><a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%80%A2%20Printables">Printables</a></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thanks for visiting Universal Journal. Got any minimalist ideas you'd like to share with the rest of us? Please comment here.</div>
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<br />Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-10278429062278945702019-07-24T23:21:00.002-05:002019-07-26T07:45:32.946-05:00Time for digital detox?Balance is a good thing. So is technology. Have you ever considered the extent to which you rely on technology? And not only to get stuff done, but for survival? Yes, even a good thing can be taken too far. When something useful and helpful becomes a focal point of life it can become unhealthy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfkiVue-FCpoDTS5fYLogY1GzASvniZ6zjIRURZvY3QTp44SIpST1m8VNymMsBwi0QlRd3CfEi82ONbncEhziqI-DYDdrFuhmwnIeBDBGmRWgLHANV4taC_r20F4FKcFNzDNjy7ml5FQ/s1600/bullet+journal-time+for+digital+detox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal-time for digital detox" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFfkiVue-FCpoDTS5fYLogY1GzASvniZ6zjIRURZvY3QTp44SIpST1m8VNymMsBwi0QlRd3CfEi82ONbncEhziqI-DYDdrFuhmwnIeBDBGmRWgLHANV4taC_r20F4FKcFNzDNjy7ml5FQ/s1600/bullet+journal-time+for+digital+detox.jpg" title="bullet journal-time for digital detox" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><i>Some of the following may contain affiliate links.</i></span><br />
<br />
It's weird, really. For some folks losing one's smart phone would be an inconvenience, sure, but for others it would make life unbearable. Seriously, lot's of people survived and accomplished significant things long before the cell phone was invented. <a href="https://amzn.to/2K3LyUP" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: The Princess Bride'
});" target="_blank">Incontheivable</a>, right?<br />
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I've caught myself, on more than one occasion, choosing a digital option for something when I could have experienced it in the real world instead. I've watched a fireworks celebration on screen when it was happening just a few miles away. I often read stuff on screen instead of paper for the convenience of it but sometimes a physical book is more satisfying. The downloadable books really are more convenient and I'll keep doing this, but I'll also read a physical book on occasion because reading on a screen is noticeably different from the real world experience. Likewise, I prefer going to live concerts because there is something missing in watching a performance on screen. Some of you will remember the old cassette/VHS tape commercials (those of you who know what cassette or VHS tapes are) who's catch phrase was "Is it live, or is it Memorex?". Yeah, it was Memorex.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1-IvTF0xUxM" style="align: center;" width="459"></iframe>
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This is one reason I use the Bullet Journal method on paper. Please forgive the shameless plug: I'm currently using the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/universal-journal-log.html">Universal Journal Log</a>, a 500 page dotted journal I offer via <a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/fox-enterprises-limited/universal-journal-log/hardcover/product-23797479.html" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Log'
});" target="_blank">Lulu.com</a> which should give me a full year of journaling. (<a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%80%A2%20Products">Check out the other journals</a>, too.) There are other valid reasons for <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/09/why-write-on-paper-in-digital-age.html">going old school</a> in bullet journaling but the first reason I chose this approach was simply because I enjoy the experience of writing in a physical book. Stationery is a marvelous invention. And keeping my journal this way has a built in effect of resisting the temptation to move my entire life online. Like it or not, a lot of us feel a push to do this (myself included).<br />
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Using a paper journal is one way of counteracting the pressure to digitize. An <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201801/5-ways-do-digital-detox" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Psychology Today Digital Detox'
});" target="_blank">article in Psychology Today</a> offers a few more ideas on how to implement a digital detox. Yeah, it's a digital article and I'm sharing it with you on a blog, the irony hasn't gone unnoticed. But you're reading a blog. I'm not saying we should all forego the use of electricity. I'm merely suggesting it's wise to keep a healthy life balance in mind. For some of us, that includes being more aware of our reliance on technology. Cheers.<br />
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Got any ideas for implementing a digital detox? Comment here.Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-37806254150503988862019-04-19T06:00:00.001-05:002021-05-16T22:01:54.638-05:00Minimalist Follow Up Methods for Bullet JournalWe've all been there. Something is initiated, you have to contribute to it in some way, and then you have to wait. Maybe you have to wait for some information, or for something to be delivered, or for an event to take place, etc. You can't finish what you're working on until someone else does something. This where following up could significantly improve your situation - if you remembered to follow up in the first place. Let me offer some ideas on that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPAZJjUCnbzvIExMUnRibiiRayJGmCvYZ_wVnb1MZ6f9xPv0mZpwuD0sXQhLyC5kVB6rEF29OSDwgAeP-oSdsVBNSy5_CedPmAlNPC4CFT8YxlnfbVlVta2WoS-UiSP03ZKTnE-cBPG0/s1600/minimalist+follow+up+methods+for+bullet+journal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="minimalist follow up methods for bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPAZJjUCnbzvIExMUnRibiiRayJGmCvYZ_wVnb1MZ6f9xPv0mZpwuD0sXQhLyC5kVB6rEF29OSDwgAeP-oSdsVBNSy5_CedPmAlNPC4CFT8YxlnfbVlVta2WoS-UiSP03ZKTnE-cBPG0/s1600/minimalist+follow+up+methods+for+bullet+journal.jpg" title="minimalist follow up methods for bullet journal" /></a></div>
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I use two methods to help me remember to follow up. Which method to be used depends on whether I'm working on a project with a deadline or if it's something else. One of the benefits of trying to keep things minimal is certain concepts can be used for multiple purposes. Here are two ideas already discussed on this blog.<br />
<h3>
Following up: for projects with deadlines</h3>
On a project with a deadline, stuff has to be done by a certain date and you've got skin in the game. For this sort of follow up I typically use a free printable I created called <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/notemarks-note-bookmarks.html">Notemarks, the note bookmarks</a>. I use a half sheet folded in half again for a weekly bookmark. On the back of this notemark I use <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/floating-lists-are-easy-and-disposable.html">floating notes</a> for follow up reminders, an idea I've found to be quite useful. <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/journal-ideas-for-using-notemarks.html">Here are some other ideas</a> for using notemarks.<br />
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Each week, I review the sticky notes for people I need to contact and set this up on my weekly schedule (see this <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/how-to-use-streamlined-monthly-log.html">bullet journal workflow</a>). This way all follow up items are addressed on a regular basis, it's written down, and I don't have to take up brain space fretting about whether I forgot something.<br />
<h3>
Following up: for non-projects</h3>
For anything other than a project, I don't normally have to do anything. This could be because someone else has to do something or maybe nothing in particular needs to be done. Things falling in this category could be:<br />
<ul>
<li>ordered/delivered items (great for online shopping)</li>
<li><a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/real-easy-borrowedlent-list-for-bullet.html">borrowed/lent items (library, friends, neighbors)</a></li>
<li>you need to remind others of an event</li>
<li>someone made a commitment to you that does not have immediate effect</li>
</ul>
For stuff like this I reuse my minimalist layout for a <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/real-easy-borrowedlent-list-for-bullet.html">Borrowed/lent list</a> written about in an earlier post. It's a quick and easy-to-maintain layout that can be adapted for any number of purposes.<br />
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Click the links above for a closer look at these ideas. Got any other ideas for reusing the borrowed/lent layout? Or to help people remember to follow up? Let us know in the comments.<br />
<br />Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-44646645553412411352019-01-25T23:45:00.000-06:002019-01-26T21:39:40.435-06:00Easiest collections for bullet journalSeveral times I've seen a question about adding collections to the bullet journal. The question usually goes something like this: do you move to the next available page, skip some pages to make a collection at an expected place, or something else?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay9yJtDtyPZsMg7OB7-sWDal8orShe15lyy5RODUuQLM1_dsNManEC0Lx6jeaJ5-VVHOnF_t3eBMLhjFOXVafDEKDLUXvr9Lie1FThc3pOcP4MSv_3BmWUDxYB7jNiZTko4viGKgbQGo/s1600/easiest+collections+for+bullet+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="easiest collections for bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay9yJtDtyPZsMg7OB7-sWDal8orShe15lyy5RODUuQLM1_dsNManEC0Lx6jeaJ5-VVHOnF_t3eBMLhjFOXVafDEKDLUXvr9Lie1FThc3pOcP4MSv_3BmWUDxYB7jNiZTko4viGKgbQGo/s1600/easiest+collections+for+bullet+journal.jpg" title="easiest collections for bullet journal" /></a></div>
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It's common in my journal to end up with a blank page here and there. As far as I can tell, most people don't want to waste pages in their journal. Even in the <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/universal-journal-log.html">500 page journal</a> I'm currently using I still try to avoid waste. And there's an easy way to deal with these intermittent blank pages.<br />
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Since I <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/6-hacks-for-bullet-journal-index.html">index the content</a> in my journal it's very convenient to simply record blank pages there. Later these blank pages can be converted into what ever I want. Most of the time they are turned into collections. This way my journal workflow is not interrupted and I still get to use every page. Easy.<br />
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How do you manage collections? Comment here and be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-4552961874299201412018-12-12T22:40:00.001-06:002021-02-05T11:49:09.812-06:00The Triple TrackerMany bullet journalers see the need (and I'm one of them) to track things. Be it medication, exercise, hydration, or something else, tracking certain details can be immensely helpful in keeping one's life in order. Often a simple tracker will do. But many times something more comprehensive is needed. Unfortunately these expanded trackers can quickly become a burden to construct and maintain, as the typical tracker is something that has to be built repeatedly. If you want a simpler way to deal with comprehensive trackers, welcome to the Triple Tracker system from Universal Journal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTVeSuRq1zaxTtzd4utAY-IRpJ7Z-KfVc0x7roI_-bhQ3I2gaLMefxpucOohyphenhyphenkD_datJUieKCd7OoPXt3zaoS4p3reJo1o-M_wzDnlIWYW8hu_s71wneknbaEA11AAd9qbgstTqweCs4/s1600/triple+tracker+circle+printable+for+bullet+journal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="triple tracker circle printable for bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRTVeSuRq1zaxTtzd4utAY-IRpJ7Z-KfVc0x7roI_-bhQ3I2gaLMefxpucOohyphenhyphenkD_datJUieKCd7OoPXt3zaoS4p3reJo1o-M_wzDnlIWYW8hu_s71wneknbaEA11AAd9qbgstTqweCs4/s1600/triple+tracker+circle+printable+for+bullet+journal.jpg" title="triple tracker circle printable for bullet journal" /></a></div>
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In the Universal Journal style, minimal effort is as important as minimal design. The <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261124/Universal-Journal-Triple-Tracker" target="_blank">Triple Tracker</a> is a PDF document made to print, cut, and paste in your journal. Its circular layout combines 3 tracker designs into one. Its minimalist design leaves plenty of options for customization. Intended for monthly use. The Triple Tracker includes:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 ten-degree level tracker</li>
<li>2 monthly progress trackers</li>
<li>3 daily digital tracker regions</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div>
This set includes one larger size tracker (ideal for 6x9 or A5 sized pages or larger) and two smaller size trackers. Use one or all three, or print more if needed.</div>
</div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261124/Universal-Journal-Triple-Tracker" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Downloads:product',
'event_label': 'Triple Tracker'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Price: $0.99 USD</a>Download the Triple Tracker now</h3>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
Level Tracker</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsoBFhLVOfXyjZlqNrZJLsFhInwH_LWMrTjrJd_hCFTcHG5l12qya_QWH359ZSHWPYatItm-lhYt3hqWfUGMCRLjDdYAQbLGLDeUi6HEzSCnvcKtIXr9My_LvPUFLhTzBoljj4WvPa2s/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsoBFhLVOfXyjZlqNrZJLsFhInwH_LWMrTjrJd_hCFTcHG5l12qya_QWH359ZSHWPYatItm-lhYt3hqWfUGMCRLjDdYAQbLGLDeUi6HEzSCnvcKtIXr9My_LvPUFLhTzBoljj4WvPa2s/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker001.jpg" /></a></div>
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The right "half" of the circle shows a 31 day counter, with room for the labels adjoining from the left side.<br />
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Five double layered rows alternate between light gray and white. The included example shows a wellness tracker.<br />
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With 3 copies included in the set, you can track 3 items separately in this region. Or, as you see in this image, you could record 3 items in one tracker. If you wish, you can manually number each row from 1 to 10 at the beginning and end of the rows to help.<br />
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In the above example, hydration is tracked in number of glasses and sleep in number of hours. Headache is tracked in level of severity. All three fit nicely in this data visualization format. If you're wondering what those penciled squares are you can see a handy <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/ultra-streamlined-style-part-2.html">custom hydration counter</a> as it's used here.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACDDJOg3ov0L8e8cBCTm3D8DNC480LieDZbyhvCXJ7GsvXfXrGqUOyRogMSx6rZYw_VShVL4IShlTDoQ4deKOyukX23zgK2WNvKslLZo2ldQ3ILOK7pnEjE_YbkNoFkEpa_rDC_86X-8/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiACDDJOg3ov0L8e8cBCTm3D8DNC480LieDZbyhvCXJ7GsvXfXrGqUOyRogMSx6rZYw_VShVL4IShlTDoQ4deKOyukX23zgK2WNvKslLZo2ldQ3ILOK7pnEjE_YbkNoFkEpa_rDC_86X-8/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker002.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
The level tracker can also double as a digital tracker (for yes/no or done/not done items). With the 5 double layered rows, up to 10 items can be tracked in this way.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261124/Universal-Journal-Triple-Tracker" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Downloads:product',
'event_label': 'Triple Tracker'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Price: $0.99 USD</a>Download the Triple Tracker now</h3>
<h3>
Digital Trackers</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA1lG_-ktbsjT9-fDoDyLbyyapENhuX9B8nbBDiAaimbke5UPdVR_1l-uwguKcl4oLgad2kSWrCZJszCcoIa7yWtLp-yRRTiu-b3aEK82Y3RXardAVoUV0qY7z9lHRYTnLrYe_xgjfH0/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker.003jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1568" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZA1lG_-ktbsjT9-fDoDyLbyyapENhuX9B8nbBDiAaimbke5UPdVR_1l-uwguKcl4oLgad2kSWrCZJszCcoIa7yWtLp-yRRTiu-b3aEK82Y3RXardAVoUV0qY7z9lHRYTnLrYe_xgjfH0/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker.003jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
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The left side of the circle shows 3 daily trackers. These include 7 double layered blocks (days) for up to 5 rows (weeks). Also, there is a once-a-month slot for a singular done/not done item. As you can see, the days have been manually labeled for week. You can label these as you wish.<br />
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These monthlies are a simple yes/no type tracker, as shown here continuing with the wellness tracker example. The simplest way to track items is to simply fill in the block if that item/task has been accomplished that day, such as shown in the DOG section.<br />
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In some of these monthlies you might devise a code system. In this example, a system of \ or / is used in each block. If you end up doing both items the same day they form an X. Using dark ink for this allows for a third option where the block is filled by pencil. This way you can track 3 related items in one monthly tracker, such as shown in the OTHER section. (<a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/streamlined-color-coding.html">check out this post on a 3-in-1 pen I use</a>)<br />
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In the EXERCISE section you can see a split idea. The double layered block is used to tack 2 types of information in the same day. On the bottom half of the block you might use the same X and fill technique. But in the top half you can keep a record of some data you want to maintain over the course of the month.<br />
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If you have once-a-month items to track that are related to your digital tracker category, these are included in each section. If you have unrelated monthly items, these work just as well. Use them as you wish.<br />
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In the DOG section, you'll see a “2” written in the Trifexis zone. Ideally, this would be a simple yes/no item where the rectangle at the end is filled in. But in some cases, such as a pet's medication, you might want to note the day of the month that task was handled.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261124/Universal-Journal-Triple-Tracker" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Downloads:product',
'event_label': 'Triple Tracker'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank">Price: $0.99 USD</a>Download the Triple Tracker now</h3>
<h3>
Progress Trackers</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVXN1PHHQ_M6FOvHt52gyUlCydCF3KPIHjFYSHe7SohHge17y6VwBr_Oa1tbhoVy4d9weAQTU7i9ACJGOOEL4v0k3sxS5Nnpz0PSAMPhfBw9X65UygWKZyWMJjWT6lC0DD8TvcOqPKgA/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVXN1PHHQ_M6FOvHt52gyUlCydCF3KPIHjFYSHe7SohHge17y6VwBr_Oa1tbhoVy4d9weAQTU7i9ACJGOOEL4v0k3sxS5Nnpz0PSAMPhfBw9X65UygWKZyWMJjWT6lC0DD8TvcOqPKgA/s1600/UJ001_triple+tracker004.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
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Lastly, in the interior of the tracker you'll find 2 rings. Each of these can track your progress on a monthly item. Maybe you want to save a certain amount of money in the month, or read a certain number of books, or what have you. If you have a monthly goal or two, this printable can help you keep track of it by percentage.<br />
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You'll notice the progress trackers are divided such that it's easy to find each 25% mark. There are no labels in the progress tracker to allow maximum customizability.<br />
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The center area of the circle is left blank for your key code or any notes to self.</div>
<div>
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Print as many copies of the Triple Tracker as you need. But please refrain from sharing this document with others. For the modest fee I'm charging, they can get it for themselves.<style type="text/css">
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The $0.99 PDF file (was $4.99) is found at DriveThruRPG.com.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/261124/Universal-Journal-Triple-Tracker" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Downloads:product',
'event_label': 'Triple Tracker'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="588" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaACCaDU9uL6ZhvQjNeTHTIHnOSlvcl1s2VND8HLpNFpv41o7WB7065shGqB08rYlIdqIAyVZ6gljDf4hhwm0-rd-LnkU21VkjRXnKlovbRG7hKMOv_viWk28J4QrTTpNEsmczCBk2xIw/s400/click_download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you use this tracker I'd love to hear about how you use it. Comment here and be sure to subscribe!<br />
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Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-69612677780156120342018-10-15T22:33:00.001-05:002019-01-16T10:33:21.633-06:00How to use a streamlined monthly log workflowA lot of bullet journalers like to keep things minimal, and I'm one of them. But this can pose problems, such as where do you put stuff if the minimalist design leaves very limited space? That's the intersection between design and technique: how you layout your journal vs how you actually use it. This is the second in a series on the amalgam of these two things. (see the first installment on a <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/10/minimalist-bullet-journal-future-log.html">future log workflow</a>)<br />
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In Ryder Carroll's introductory video you'll see a minimalist monthly spread. It's pretty much the monthly spread I still use today. So if you want to keep things simple, how do you this and still keep it functional enough to accommodate real life? Easy: short hand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhfNGFS-MIAWMUN7yYzc2yZaeX7gwL2iNIQvRxSYcLV9A5OxOyNwTLkZCtgiEB288dXcQyt7EQlEj0Yzr-4pG4uQmdrokCzJWFQCERDDSfLI8zHwiEObjleBJFog1pDjq4A7cKVBVVu0/s1600/bullet+journal+minimalist+monthly+log+short+hand+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal minimalist monthly log short hand spread" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhfNGFS-MIAWMUN7yYzc2yZaeX7gwL2iNIQvRxSYcLV9A5OxOyNwTLkZCtgiEB288dXcQyt7EQlEj0Yzr-4pG4uQmdrokCzJWFQCERDDSfLI8zHwiEObjleBJFog1pDjq4A7cKVBVVu0/s1600/bullet+journal+minimalist+monthly+log+short+hand+spread.jpg" title="bullet journal minimalist monthly log short hand spread" /></a></div>
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In this monthly spread you'll notice my calendar printout in the upper right hand corner of the right page. Beneath that I put a task list for the month. This is a bird's eye view of the month. Nitty gritty tasks or multi-step tasks are handled elsewhere. The printout and task list use only one column of about half the page in my notebook. The left column, still on the same page, is for calendar details. I've given this area the highly creative label of "details column".<br />
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On the left page I use close to the same, simple calendar set up Ryder shows. But in each daily row, I'll use only shorthand notes (such as the time and a keyword). In the details column of the right hand page I can spell out any details needed for that item. This way I can keep the calendar minimalist, there is enough room for multiple items each day, I still have all pertinent details, and it all stays uncluttered.<br />
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I also use trackers for health, habits, and such. In the Universal Journal ultra-streamlined style, I used to design the monthly spread in such a way as to <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/utra-streamlined-style-part-1.html">minimize set up time</a>, which is why the calendar is numbered in the right side of the page. In my current experiment, the trackers were moved to the next spread using <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-triple-tracker.html">custom printouts</a> I designed. This makes less of a hassle in the monthly spread.<br />
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There you have it. As long as you stick to short hand in the calendar page, it should be enough to keep a minimalist layout.<br />
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What does your minimalist monthly layout look like? Comment here and be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-6429983726296710162018-10-07T23:34:00.008-05:002021-04-15T22:12:56.111-05:00Universal Journal Log<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/fox-enterprises-limited/universal-journal-log/hardcover/product-23797479.html" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Log'
});" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Universal Journal bullet journal notebook dotted pages hard cover" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="623" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimplh4OSkvcRjBx2CvboH4vyt7BO0HKdt6Nn8ROeOODO9mbtuLCjHZV5XBkYC_u8Lk54xsHXI8RIobFNIrCY_ypDffnN68N6dqBaWobwk8j0N-QsTFR9mo060fd0aNGbzqPtryGQzAdvk/s640/uj_log.jpg" title="Universal Journal bullet journal notebook dotted pages hard cover" width="248" /></a></div>
<h2>
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/fox-enterprises-limited/universal-journal-log/hardcover/product-23797479.html" target="_blank">Price: 22.25</a></h2>
Personalize your schedule with this 496 page bullet hardcover journal notebook. Light unobtrusive dotted grid paper, extra margin space for elegance.<br />
<br />
Good for left-right or right-left writing (rotate 180 degrees for other languages such as Hebrew).<br />
Cover image: starfield<br />
<br />
Hardcover: 496 pages
<div>118 GSM coated paper</div><div>5mm Dot Grid<br />
6in wide x 9in tall<br />
Prints in 3-5 business days at Lulu.com<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lulu.com/shop/fox-enterprises-limited/universal-journal-log/hardcover/product-23797479.html" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Lulu UJ Log'
});" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="588" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOiDqdDmTfQqprXXGK0WGWDmfUJpjxDpPBgT1YhcpOLvZ-LTx8gOPeCV7wE-fqMe4B2wmdLl3f55RAx_992lZefc4nqui7T9-qZG2p2VgeKjUrEjsbA0ObMzmo8YzK7ry9qtGTag1Eb6M/s320/click_get.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-80594926277025251162018-10-03T22:09:00.002-05:002021-03-11T13:45:27.048-06:00Minimalist Bullet Journal Future Log WorkflowSo you've spent some time building your bullet journal layouts and getting yourself organized. But it's just not quite working like you want it to. What's going on here? As is often the case, the <i>what</i> to do is only part of the question. <i>How</i> to do it is another. This is the first in a series of an amalgam between design and technique. Let's take a look at future log workflow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ2aK-_la2h_ZURHiz6WxuX9QYq5iXBZTyWwvTW6_0Bln3i8Jnjranmlgm7GJt6vAeVjjNdghUL257y50Jf4nJJQrPmMn_igjnZpvoq1sE5hgwGx-lOMMTi1Xq_fHl46wRM3iB-26zGI/s1600/minimalist+future+log+workflow+bullet+journal+system.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="minimalist future log workflow bullet journal system" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZ2aK-_la2h_ZURHiz6WxuX9QYq5iXBZTyWwvTW6_0Bln3i8Jnjranmlgm7GJt6vAeVjjNdghUL257y50Jf4nJJQrPmMn_igjnZpvoq1sE5hgwGx-lOMMTi1Xq_fHl46wRM3iB-26zGI/s1600/minimalist+future+log+workflow+bullet+journal+system.jpg" title="minimalist future log workflow bullet journal system" /></a></div>
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<br />
In this ultra-streamlined approach to bullet journaling, it's not only the layouts and designs that are minimalist, but the techniques for using the system as well. The flow of your tasks, appointments, etc. from one module to another can be tricky. Or it can be simple. It's all a matter of how you manage these things.<br />
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In my journal, most items end up in the daily log for the day I intend to handle them. That may or may not happen on the actual day assigned but the most important thing is I don't lose track of stuff. The daily log is the last stage of a task/event filtering technique. The further out an item may be, the deeper it's starting place in my system. The most distant items begin in the Future Log. It's very much like the minimalist Ryder Carroll approach, except mine includes a weekly log. Here's the breakdown of the steps a task or event might take:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Future Log</li>
<li>Monthly Log</li>
<li>Weekly Log</li>
<li>Daily Log</li>
</ul>
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<h3>
Future Log</h3>
In an <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/ultra-streamlined-style-part-4.html">earlier post you can see details of the minimalist variant on the Alastair method</a> of future log. Anything further out than the current month gets placed here.<br />
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<h3>
Monthly Log</h3>
Since most tasks or events I deal with crop up during the month, these don't take up space in the future log spread at the beginning of my journal. At the end of the month I peruse the future log and transfer any tasks/events that apply. During the month I'll use the monthly log as a short term future log. <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/plan-with-me-july-2018-ultra-streamlined.html">Check out my minimalist monthly log</a> with 2 trackers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgwiIDKKEVVp13RLB7WeSZM9r9TLUXVoQml2mRIYzBSCGWs_Ijm8QGoLZug31iLU-hjLfzN9HB1pX0rQAPFPO0lScFuASS6TQSy_fsfZQpF_GYv6aA3O_C9CdL1ohvGe-ZA5UrVo0wmk/s1600/monthly+log+minimalist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monthly log minimalist" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgwiIDKKEVVp13RLB7WeSZM9r9TLUXVoQml2mRIYzBSCGWs_Ijm8QGoLZug31iLU-hjLfzN9HB1pX0rQAPFPO0lScFuASS6TQSy_fsfZQpF_GYv6aA3O_C9CdL1ohvGe-ZA5UrVo0wmk/s1600/monthly+log+minimalist.jpg" title="monthly log minimalist" /></a></div>
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In this minimalist monthly spread (above) I've got a calendar on the left page with short hand notes of events. In the right page I've expanded the short hand notes with all relevant details (some of it blurred out of this image) and I included a calendar thumbnail printout (<a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/calendar-thumbnails-printout.html">which you can download for free</a>) and the month's tasks.<br />
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<h3>
Weekly Log</h3>
Next, during the week, some things crop up that were not previously recorded in the monthly log. I recently added the weekly log to my system mainly because I needed a designated place for budgeting. See <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/08/weekly-spread-with-expenses-tracking.html">this post on a weekly spread</a> designed for a weekly future log plus financial tracking.<br />
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Here is a single page version of a weekly log. Since most day-to-day items are recorded in the daily logs, the weekly doesn't have to maintain much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PgvpoUE_sa2rcexSq07ZS7lJgbChL7TWjK2JayU6xM4yagmsi0dgNSiClZXE0sFPFDz9J-Dl4XY-tamqrD0znHW4ArdG4wgQYaFTkOacvJLPxWcif4fjze5PlvwDCYOp2gs1vkPMsZk/s1600/daily+log+minimalist.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="daily and weekly log minimalism" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PgvpoUE_sa2rcexSq07ZS7lJgbChL7TWjK2JayU6xM4yagmsi0dgNSiClZXE0sFPFDz9J-Dl4XY-tamqrD0znHW4ArdG4wgQYaFTkOacvJLPxWcif4fjze5PlvwDCYOp2gs1vkPMsZk/s1600/daily+log+minimalist.jpg" title="daily and weekly log minimalism" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Daily Log</h3>
As you see in the above image, the daily logs track all the stuff I need to handle now. I don't usually fill in a daily until that day. If I need advance notice of something it goes on the weekly. My <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/quick-easy-two-column-layout-for-daily.html">two column daily logs are described in detail here</a>. I set up each daily log the night before as part of the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/making-your-journal-work-for-you.html">reflection aspect of bullet journaling Ryder Carroll recommends</a>.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Three modules (future, monthly, and weekly logs) serve as a future log workflow. The daily logs are the destination. The future log is basically reviewed once a month, the monthly log several times during the month, and the weekly log is basically a short guide to the dailies, along with financial info. I may expand the weeklies back to a two page spread and put more detail in the budgeting aspect of the system.<br />
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How does your workflow work for your journal? Please commend here and be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-58057047111590663352018-09-19T23:26:00.000-05:002019-04-17T15:04:37.184-05:00Bullet Journal, Ultra-StreamlinedDid you make a note and still forget? So you realize you need a system. Did you try a system that just didn't work for you? So did I. But when I tried the Bullet Journal system I kept it minimalist and it worked. While the capabilities of the bullet journal system are impressive, one of the best features is its customizability. If you don't want to spend hours preparing an organizational method that's supposed to save you time, keep reading.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg6CO5UbeQkXINdbED254rCj04iIdlvBCOK818BXVE1LNVFqU_Lv1DLdktv_nvi1rWHxQKkmDbjVqu0kGLcEDehHkY4T6F7p08M3i6BixWK35FOlOt4sIY_clE8jN5ejxRtEWgTBfjjo/s1600/bullet+journal+ultra-streamlined+minimalist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal minimalist style ultra-streamlined" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg6CO5UbeQkXINdbED254rCj04iIdlvBCOK818BXVE1LNVFqU_Lv1DLdktv_nvi1rWHxQKkmDbjVqu0kGLcEDehHkY4T6F7p08M3i6BixWK35FOlOt4sIY_clE8jN5ejxRtEWgTBfjjo/s1600/bullet+journal+ultra-streamlined+minimalist.jpg" title="bullet journal minimalist style ultra-streamlined" /></a></div>
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Over at the official <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/" target="_blank">BulletJournal.com</a> you'll see a short video describing the basics of the Bullet Journal method. There are also some good technique ideas on their <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/blog/" target="_blank">blog</a>.<br />
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You can search on <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/foxenterprisesl/universal-journal/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>, Instagram, Youtube, and many other places to find ideas for your journal. There are a lot of ideas to personalize your journal that look great. But for those who want a quick, streamlined way to set up your Bullet Journal, and don't need it to be an expressive space, you're in the right place.<br />
<h3>
Style Basics</h3>
What is the ultra-streamlined style? Essentially, it's an approach to bullet journaling intended to minimize the time to set up and use the method. Some tips for the ultra-streamlined style:<br />
<ul>
<li>avoid using unnecessary tools (extra tools require extra time to use)</li>
<li>avoid drawing lines when space can be used instead</li>
<li>write no more than necessary (purely functional use)</li>
</ul>
The ultra-streamlined style is all about quick and easy, both for set up and for using your journal. If you don't have a lot of time or don't want to spend a lot of time on maintaining your journal, this blog is for you. If you keep it simple enough to stay the course, you'll enjoy bullet journaling for a long time. Check out this short set up of an <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/plan-with-me-july-2018-ultra-streamlined.html">ultra minimalist monthly log</a>.<br />
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Find the labels in the hamburger icon (upper right corner) to navigate this blog, or start with <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/utra-streamlined-style-part-1.html">Ultra-Streamlined Style Part 1</a>.<br />
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Posts can be navigated best by labels found under the hamburger icon in the top right corner. Comment here for questions and requests. And be sure to check the <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/p/tips.html">Resources page</a>.Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-75512085837920172632018-09-03T03:00:00.000-05:002018-09-03T21:41:21.852-05:00Why write on paper in a digital age?There are many obvious benefits to keeping a bullet journal. But why keep a pen and paper journal in this digital age? This post will focus mainly on the advantages of the old school approach.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP17Y1EDQwjYUVlPYS1h_VY_ebnzpT-aXxH3gh9b1vO4lKEsnmpcGUzL4hKAMbgO1Dts1O95W8Stbj2zkbxPm_XBxPteRHDfIply-9cLLyf7lGBdEWvHn78tKaaeAdZgDBAXdDXBeyoU/s1600/why+journal+on+paper+in+our+digital+age.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="why journal on paper in our digital age.jpg" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP17Y1EDQwjYUVlPYS1h_VY_ebnzpT-aXxH3gh9b1vO4lKEsnmpcGUzL4hKAMbgO1Dts1O95W8Stbj2zkbxPm_XBxPteRHDfIply-9cLLyf7lGBdEWvHn78tKaaeAdZgDBAXdDXBeyoU/s1600/why+journal+on+paper+in+our+digital+age.jpg" title="why journal on paper in our digital age.jpg" /></a></div>
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Let's look at a few disadvantages first.<br />
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<i>Some of the following may contain affiliate links</i><br />
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<h3>
Replacing</h3>
<h3>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
When your paper journal is filled up you have to get a new one. Then again, it's common practice to replace digital devices as well. These devices are often acquired with a multi-year contract and you pay for it over the term. But sometimes, such as with tablets, you just have buy it. At least the data transfer from one device to a new one is easy, sometimes</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
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<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
It should be mentioned one advantage of having to manually transfer information is the culling evaluation. Maybe you really don't need to transfer something, and the effort of manually rewriting information makes you take a more deliberate look at the information. Plus, doing so reinforces your awareness of your specific information whereas you would likely miss this experience with an easy digital transfer. I can tell you I've found forgotten treasures going through my old journals to see what I wanted to copy to a new journal.</div>
<div style="font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">
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</h3>
<h3>
Losing</h3>
If you lose your journal or it's stolen, obviously that's a problem. You've lost a lot of information you needed, though some people say the simple act of writing stuff on paper helped them retain a lot more of it than in keeping a digital record. There is also the fact that whoever finds your journal will have access your information.<br />
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But losing a digital journal has it's own pitfalls. For instance, if you lose your device someone can hack into your profile and ALL your data it accessed is compromised. And that doesn't even address the issue that <a href="https://amzn.to/2Piy20s" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: The Matrix'
});" target="_blank">The Matrix</a> is watching, which is true regardless of where your digital device happens to be. As long as you don't lose it and keep it with you, the paper journal is arguably a very secure method of maintaining your information.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Piy20s" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: The Matrix'
});" target="_blank"><img alt="what is the matrix" border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmGfj2rsLHDPWuBETILJJNu4YeyyxkR9T9t-moJ5uzzKxDa82GYtdYe_nncU1dvBjAwJGbDlrzQJU1oMRfOCXCqJ-or7DvrxP5Yy7a_zMBjsQhbg43rLJ2S3ZXeq2Wpz3jmhU1KsJLjo/s1600/the_matrix.jpg" title="the matrix is watching" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Digital Detox</h3>
You didn't know you could survive unplugging from technology for a few hours? Sounds like a problem. There is a lot of talk out there about taking a <a href="https://amzn.to/2NDSTuB" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Digital Detox'
});" target="_blank">digital detox</a>. The very idea can be uncomfortable, I know. Even scary. But what have you got to lose by just taking a look?<br />
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Now a positive perspective.<br />
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<h3>
Why you should journal on paper</h3>
Matthew Kent at Medium.com offers an article where he discusses several reasons in favor of <a href="https://medium.com/@thematthewkent/you-should-write-in-a-journal-every-day-heres-why-31cb6fe4c9dc" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Medium: Matthew Kent'
});" target="_blank">writing in a paper journal</a>. Matthew touches on matters of how the mind works with journaling and much more. He also includes a video where he shows a detailed look into his own bullet journal. Check it out.<br />
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Why do you write in a paper journal? Comment here and be sure to subscribe!<br />
<br />Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-12379596031822097392018-08-28T22:19:00.000-05:002018-08-29T21:18:49.130-05:00Weekly spread with expenses trackingSo I've never used a weekly spread before but have <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/weekly%20log">kept an eye out for ideas</a>. With the way I've used the dailies and monthly spread it just wasn't needed. But with combining a few things to make bullet journaling easier it's now time to try an experiment. So how to do this in a minimalist fashion while getting maximum use for my time? Multi-tasking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_bIdwfCrdK6Ej3xDE8uFJvGOyDzPg76oQl1F9cF3H7EZw4ihzb5_eI21ZzeHwNlvrPqlALAU4luld8IKpYFVKWq-DY301vpXPKZJwDYWR3aibAr-xOlc3fJf8d_lfd7X082QcxltL8/s1600/bullet+journal+weekly+expenses+tracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal weekly expenses tracker" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k_bIdwfCrdK6Ej3xDE8uFJvGOyDzPg76oQl1F9cF3H7EZw4ihzb5_eI21ZzeHwNlvrPqlALAU4luld8IKpYFVKWq-DY301vpXPKZJwDYWR3aibAr-xOlc3fJf8d_lfd7X082QcxltL8/s1600/bullet+journal+weekly+expenses+tracker.jpg" title="bullet journal weekly expenses tracker" /></a></div>
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In this set up I'm combining a weekly overview, short term (weekly) future log, and expenses tracking. I'll keep the calendar related stuff in the bottom half of the page and financial stuff in the top half.<br />
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The weekly overview will use only keywords for events or tasks. The details will be either in my monthly or daily logs. This is only an overview. The short term future log is what makes this worth the effort for me. This way I don't have to take up space in my handy <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/quick-easy-two-column-layout-for-daily.html">two column dailies</a> for stuff later in the week. In my routine the daily log is created the night before. I was using <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/rolling-weeks-with-daily-log.html">Rolling Weeks</a> for short term future logs, which is still a good idea even if I'm trying something else right now.<br />
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Within the same month, the monthly spread serves as a future log as well. Anything beyond the current month gets put in the official <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/ultra-streamlined-style-part-4.html">future log</a>.<br />
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Keeping track of expenses is an irritating responsibility but it must be done. I'm currently working on a new <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%80%A2%20Printables">printable</a> tracker which has some stuff organized by weeks. It was surprising to find how useful it was to see the data laid out comparing a week at a time or week to week. <a href="https://amzn.to/2BUSZN4" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Data Visualization'
});" target="_blank">Dataviz</a> works! (affiliate link) In this set up the financial info won't be vizualized as yet, though I may eventually need a way to do that. For now the info will be plainly written out so I can at least see the numbers on a weekly basis.<br />
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So there you have it: a 3 function, minimalist weekly spread. What method do you use for tracking expenses? Comment here and be sure to subscribe to the UJ Newsletter!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-23659899149482790652018-08-27T04:00:00.000-05:002019-01-31T22:17:57.674-06:00Minimalist bullet journal for studentsSo you have a lot of classes spread out over campus. Maybe you have labs, rehearsals, group sessions, and more, but you also have homework and studying to do. And you're not a robot, you're a human being who has other needs as well (you'll have to fit in food and sleep somewhere, right?). What is the quickest, easiest way your bullet journal can help with all this?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf5gko_k4nUXby94deFPAVKQGjYQMP20QJ6qGS_1H3MVkQ-TqCq9wMct-L2wKn7R4A_MBXfZRWC5Cd3h3hD7Xh_qLIH6NQFL1-reveM8xbz5DP1ndZ_ukuMs4htzvQExzk1IE-prqlFs/s1600/minimalist+bullet+journal+for+students+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="minimalist bullet journal for students school" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf5gko_k4nUXby94deFPAVKQGjYQMP20QJ6qGS_1H3MVkQ-TqCq9wMct-L2wKn7R4A_MBXfZRWC5Cd3h3hD7Xh_qLIH6NQFL1-reveM8xbz5DP1ndZ_ukuMs4htzvQExzk1IE-prqlFs/s1600/minimalist+bullet+journal+for+students+school.jpg" title="minimalist bullet journal for students school" /></a></div>
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Let's start off with an understanding: this minimalist's approach to bullet journaling is all about function but in a sleek, elegant way. I have plenty of creative outlets so I don't need my bullet journal for that. The following recommendations certainly leave room for you to artistically express yourself all you want. But for students who want a quick and painless way to manage your academic life, try the following ideas on the basics.<br />
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<h3>
Master Syllabus</h3>
In <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/bullet-journal-for-students-master.html">this post on a Master Syllabus</a> you'll see a spread for a quick syllabus where you can keep an overview of all major assignments and their due dates. I don't need to explain to you the value of having all this information in one place. This design also makes for a good weekly layout if you use weeklies. The master syllabus can also help avoid cluttering your future log if you use one. Keeping brain spaces separate is useful for me.<br />
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<h3>
Daily Log: Blocked Schedule</h3>
For the overbooked student (which seems to be the norm in higher education these days) a blocked schedule may be the trick to keeping your day properly organized. In <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/bullet-journal-for-students-daily-log.html">this post on a blocked daily log</a> you'll see how to set up your daily schedule in 5 minutes or less, depending on how much you try to cram in each day. Daily logs also serve as a good opportunity for <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/making-your-journal-work-for-you.html">reflection</a>, which is an important part of the bullet journal system.<br />
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<h3>
Notes</h3>
What about class notes? <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/08/quick-minimalist-note-page-for-bullet.html">This post on minimalist note taking</a> shows how to easily separate content from non-content information. This layout works for class notes, study notes, group sessions, labs, etc. If you have room in your master syllabus perhaps that could be used to index the notes pages to avoid cluttering your front index if you use one. Maybe a second index just for school stuff would help. Organizing these notes for easy access will reduce page flip lag. And don't forget about <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/simple-threading-technique-for-bullet.html">threading</a>.<br />
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<h3>
Monthly Spread</h3>
Even with all this organization you may still need a monthly spread. I use a very <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/plan-with-me-july-2018-ultra-streamlined.html">minimal but highly functional monthly spread</a> including a couple trackers.<br />
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Do you have any minimalist bullet journal suggestions for students? Or do you want to see other spread ideas? Comment here and be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-30701412776506912532018-08-22T03:00:00.000-05:002018-08-22T22:12:07.046-05:00Can keeping a bullet journal improve your life?Yes. Keeping a bullet journal can help improve your life. It's happened to me and to many others. Being disorganized is a common curse of the human condition. We all need a way to cope with this. Some are better at it than others Thankfully there is more than one way journaling can help us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dn1qgF6EkFV8VybrjLOFO9m7WbV6f2J9E6VqwFzH19z_vrfyQ5yedx8tnCIGltTwtWy-fhTbo2iccMTbjEGFX27qaa-5vD5aD4g0ka4y9Jglsh0bP1hpIpu4of3ksg_KUABfVE4cBf8/s1600/can+bujo+improve+your+life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="can bujo improve your life" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dn1qgF6EkFV8VybrjLOFO9m7WbV6f2J9E6VqwFzH19z_vrfyQ5yedx8tnCIGltTwtWy-fhTbo2iccMTbjEGFX27qaa-5vD5aD4g0ka4y9Jglsh0bP1hpIpu4of3ksg_KUABfVE4cBf8/s1600/can+bujo+improve+your+life.jpg" title="can bujo improve your life" /></a></div>
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Be careful when any sentence contains a phrase such as "studies show". Having said that, <a href="http://bit.ly/2MAKU4x" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Expressive Writing - health'
});" target="_blank">studies show the act of writing</a> about heavy concerns can help one cope. The mere act of processing and recognizing a situation can have beneficial effects. Writing is an accessible way to do that. The official Bullet Journal website also has a <a href="http://bulletjournal.com/self-care-and-bullet-journaling/" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Bullet Journal - self care'
});" target="_blank">good article on self care</a>.<br />
<br />
Eddy at the Calendex has a <a href="http://thecalendex.com/10-ways-keeping-a-bullet-journal-can-improve-your-life/" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Calendex - improve your life'
});" target="_blank">good list of 10 pragmatic ways</a> the bullet journal can help you organize including journaling, time tracking, wellness tracking, and more.<br />
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Trang Le at Medium.com has more of a meta take on <a href="https://medium.com/@lethutrang101/5-reasons-why-bullet-journal-will-improve-your-life-46f09f191aa9" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'Medium - meta improve your life'
});" target="_blank">5 reasons the bullet journal can improve your life</a>.<br />
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That's enough external reading for this post. This one is just meant as food for thought. As always, what makes the bullet journal system work for you is whatever works for you. But that requires knowing what works for you, and that may take some trial and error <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/08/decluttering-your-bullet-journal-and.html">as mentioned here in a recent post</a>.<br />
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There are probably other good reasons as to how bullet journaling can help improve life. Tell other people about it by commenting here. And be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-85661216156599972502018-08-20T02:00:00.000-05:002018-08-20T21:00:52.794-05:00Practical stickers for your bullet journalThose who have used printouts for your journal know the value in reducing set up time. Since the <a href="https://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/bullet-journal-ultra-streamlined.html">Universal Journal style</a> strives for an ultra-efficient way of bullet journaling, let's take a closer look at another trick for reducing upkeep time in journaling: stickers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7rPBQxRUqZROCf1Vnny0ecq0PX3CE2IKrePJJ2659Vb6rnkfW2QIgRfgpg07dtZcQGBVKuxjUfvsBlFmItGt89ikyo6OlZFpV2_IgCJigBuNaasGIVH56zKZO6_VEcXcUEuuJLQXaiA/s1600/practical+stickers+for+bullet+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="practical bullet journal stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO7rPBQxRUqZROCf1Vnny0ecq0PX3CE2IKrePJJ2659Vb6rnkfW2QIgRfgpg07dtZcQGBVKuxjUfvsBlFmItGt89ikyo6OlZFpV2_IgCJigBuNaasGIVH56zKZO6_VEcXcUEuuJLQXaiA/s1600/practical+stickers+for+bullet+journal.jpg" title="practical bullet journal stickers" /></a></div>
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If you're in the habit of drawing highly creative layouts or attention getters in your journal but want to try something less time consuming, consider using stickers as a substitute. The following are functionally minded stickers (with affiliate links) which I think could serve you well in your bullet journal.<br />
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<h3>
1. Simple Elephant</h3>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2vVQ8xW" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Simple Elephant stickers'
});" target="_blank">The Simple Elephant Productivity Planner stickers</a>. These stickers are a premium for functionality. They feature event stickers, flag stickers, call outs, and calendar tabs. Almost 400 stickers in this set.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T8Bd2BZwqQpJDnH5hYI8gPLsKQxKydkuLr5q1GReOUMsqgCgwasfyyV8Jp9oViY-VsH7ynQhxdsMqb77RowijCbzuwQIss5-vTXTLvwmBAsAFh0Txxe2KPUuA8Hszzrx_ma7I1AyEsQ/s1600/simple+elephant+productivity+planner+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="simple elephant productivity planner stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7T8Bd2BZwqQpJDnH5hYI8gPLsKQxKydkuLr5q1GReOUMsqgCgwasfyyV8Jp9oViY-VsH7ynQhxdsMqb77RowijCbzuwQIss5-vTXTLvwmBAsAFh0Txxe2KPUuA8Hszzrx_ma7I1AyEsQ/s1600/simple+elephant+productivity+planner+stickers.jpg" title="simple elephant productivity planner stickers" /></a></div>
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Get the <a href="https://amzn.to/2vVQ8xW" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Simple Elephant stickers'
});" target="_blank">Simple Elephant Productivity Planner stickers</a> at Amazon.com.<br />
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<h3>
2. Weekly Planning</h3>
Next is a black and gold set of <a href="https://amzn.to/2PeUrMQ" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Weekly Planning stickers'
});" target="_blank">Weekly Planning stickers</a> including almost 600. It's a fantastic collection of productivity stickers.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU39gTXT2ntJeAaXHl9qKuVBPMP0qadfS-hfNalJ6-X9iRlSTa55S6JluC3_Jkw9jKVkXnU__PYx2AwZ_0ntn_FhwopVtSliN5qW94lV4SZx4_DjOIO_zjnxHUOka5ikF-Y2pfC3PeqM/s1600/black+and+gold+weekly+planning+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="black and gold weekly planning stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU39gTXT2ntJeAaXHl9qKuVBPMP0qadfS-hfNalJ6-X9iRlSTa55S6JluC3_Jkw9jKVkXnU__PYx2AwZ_0ntn_FhwopVtSliN5qW94lV4SZx4_DjOIO_zjnxHUOka5ikF-Y2pfC3PeqM/s1600/black+and+gold+weekly+planning+stickers.jpg" title="black and gold weekly planning stickers" /></a></div>
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Get the <a href="https://amzn.to/2PeUrMQ" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: black and gold weekly stickers'
});" target="_blank">Black and Gold Weekly Planning stickers</a> also at Amazon.com.<br />
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<h3>
3. Educator's Planner</h3>
These <a href="https://amzn.to/2N6nqks" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Creative Teaching Press Lesson Planner stickers'
});" target="_blank">Creative Teaching Press Lesson Planner Stickers</a> include more than 850 stickers for the bullet journaling educator. A collection of many various, sundry stickers for any number of events and assignments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTBJ7RxHDr6b88Acjrnqr6RujoeM906W6T4eWUCGIdH-H-XTVK7AjBCC1wklney8NKfj5DZssg6ELl_qPklddfwXgM9tj8-0VHZQekk9P-IdPlv4gGFT_HtMQVsWVhRzeB-cVVEzsEak/s1600/teachers+bullet+journal+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="teacher educator bullet journal lesson plan stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNTBJ7RxHDr6b88Acjrnqr6RujoeM906W6T4eWUCGIdH-H-XTVK7AjBCC1wklney8NKfj5DZssg6ELl_qPklddfwXgM9tj8-0VHZQekk9P-IdPlv4gGFT_HtMQVsWVhRzeB-cVVEzsEak/s1600/teachers+bullet+journal+stickers.jpg" title="teacher educator bullet journal lesson plan stickers" /></a></div>
Get your <a href="https://amzn.to/2N6nqks" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Creative Teaching Press Lesson Planner stickers'
});" target="_blank">Creative Teaching Press Lesson Planner Stickers</a> from Amazon.com.<br />
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<h3>
4. For the students</h3>
Apart from using stickers in your journal, many teaches know very well incentive stickers are a great tool for dealing with children. Check out these <a href="https://amzn.to/2BtKW9W" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Purple Ladybug Novelty Teacher stickers'
});" target="_blank">Purple Ladybug Novelty Teacher stickers</a>. This collection includes almost 5000 stickers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwbs4yB8dee6L-jj7ZUIt3kLtW4OXpTE-xxZOP2VmTyCef3n9X3ezglEVlQv6fbT1aNkrA-aclHVHnd0-lDnYmGCpe-wJhVvme-bpgpKCLfiepcvcvyruD_3c2or8WQmStE59MXv-S4/s1600/teachers+students+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="teacher stickers for students" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUwbs4yB8dee6L-jj7ZUIt3kLtW4OXpTE-xxZOP2VmTyCef3n9X3ezglEVlQv6fbT1aNkrA-aclHVHnd0-lDnYmGCpe-wJhVvme-bpgpKCLfiepcvcvyruD_3c2or8WQmStE59MXv-S4/s1600/teachers+students+stickers.jpg" title="teacher stickers for students" /></a></div>
Get your <a href="https://amzn.to/2BtKW9W" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Purple Ladybug Novelty Teacher stickers'
});" target="_blank">Purple Ladybug Novelty Teacher stickers</a> from Amazon.com.<br />
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<h3>
5. Simple Dots</h3>
Sometimes a few simple stickers is all you need, especially if you're going for a minimalist journal. This three color set of <a href="https://amzn.to/2vXTMrr" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Color Coding Dot stickers'
});" target="_blank">Color Coding Dot Stickers</a> of black, red, and the white stickers make for perfect custom labels. This is set includes 1500 stickers measuring .75 inches.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGDgBXWpKhsIlAG_7kcIT2JqiXShc2ff-_pprpP2JDTiaI5vRU5l6Ea30ieDBf_urtodqgpGktLJRA92t1NcjnTJmzAd_Zz26OykpHNW_bVx3fNwv0M7K7B3gBonOo8oYYwBfTj2rs1M/s1600/color+coded+dot+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="color coded dot stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGDgBXWpKhsIlAG_7kcIT2JqiXShc2ff-_pprpP2JDTiaI5vRU5l6Ea30ieDBf_urtodqgpGktLJRA92t1NcjnTJmzAd_Zz26OykpHNW_bVx3fNwv0M7K7B3gBonOo8oYYwBfTj2rs1M/s1600/color+coded+dot+stickers.jpg" title="color coded dot stickers" /></a></div>
Get your simple <a href="https://amzn.to/2vXTMrr" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Color Coding Dot stickers'
});" target="_blank">Color Coding Dot Stickers</a> from Amazon.com.<br />
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<h3>
6. Monthly Calendar Tabs</h3>
Need a micro monthly sticker tab for your bullet journal? Try the 15 month <a href="https://amzn.to/2L9iJEK" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Cordliya Calendar Monthly Tab Stickerss'
});" target="_blank">Cordliya Calendar Monthly Tab Stickers</a>. This set features February 2018 through April 2019.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoZk020DO2cvTHoJJzXOprKfH-cgpW9ihz5AhCBOd6qgldiklptCKVmx2WxjyXvOGQmLlh0oJSt0JFB7bh8WIrbXc-qybNsriREQO40uoJdtMCC2cOt5DONx1PbBEeCueYIjelpHomwg/s1600/monthly+tab+calendar+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="monthly tab calendar stickers" border="0" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="1402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGoZk020DO2cvTHoJJzXOprKfH-cgpW9ihz5AhCBOd6qgldiklptCKVmx2WxjyXvOGQmLlh0oJSt0JFB7bh8WIrbXc-qybNsriREQO40uoJdtMCC2cOt5DONx1PbBEeCueYIjelpHomwg/s1600/monthly+tab+calendar+stickers.jpg" title="monthly tab calendar stickers" /></a></div>
Get your <a href="https://amzn.to/2L9iJEK" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Cordliya Calendar Monthly Tab Stickerss'
});" target="_blank">Cordliya Calendar Monthly Tab Stickers</a> from Amazon.com.<br />
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So if you're looking for ways to reduce the time investment in maintaining or setting up your journal I hope you find some of these sticker sets useful. It would be good to update this post with more options. If you know of a sticker set that would fit well with this list please comment here. And be sure to subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-42120102208010610162018-08-17T03:00:00.000-05:002018-08-17T22:58:40.927-05:00Decluttering your bullet journal, and maybe your lifeAs in any area of life, your bullet journal is a place that can get messy even while helping you. An organized schedule involves more than just keeping something on record. It's also a matter of making that record easy to find when you need it. Your approach to journaling is often a reflection of your mindset for life. Do you want a less cluttered mind? You can cultivate this very thing with your journal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdpF-7NEcLuFH0pgVTnPlBQxilQ9DRlIZc0cspBgeKwjyMGGgO3sjRbfucTz6FANOSxju2tRjDtoS8QNvnbIEDmreoMuEJ0vEdaW70sL4STQbvVFvAVeEUl0zTNWZ1RsoglKJNAwYTI/s1600/decluttering+your+life+and+bullet+journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decluttering your bullet journal and your life" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUsdpF-7NEcLuFH0pgVTnPlBQxilQ9DRlIZc0cspBgeKwjyMGGgO3sjRbfucTz6FANOSxju2tRjDtoS8QNvnbIEDmreoMuEJ0vEdaW70sL4STQbvVFvAVeEUl0zTNWZ1RsoglKJNAwYTI/s1600/decluttering+your+life+and+bullet+journal.jpg" title="decluttering your bullet journal and your life" /></a></div>
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In case you haven't noticed, a minimalist approach, by definition, is meant to keep the unnecessary to a minimum. Mind boggling, I know. But you have stuff you need to keep track of. Sometimes a lot of stuff. So let's look at some details where we might be able to declutter your journal.<br />
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<h3>
Margins</h3>
Have you ever seen a book where every possible inch of space is printed on every single page? I saw a page like this once in a presentation that was about the value of margin space. This was about margin space in life, not merely on the page. Filling every possible second with something to do, every day, was a lifestyle for me. And I was getting burned out. The page without margins showed me the value of resting. Even the simple practice of reading on a page with no margins and comparing to a page with margins showed the value of rest.<br />
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Sometimes you're going to be ridiculously busy and you have to find a way to make it work. But life doesn't have to be that way for 60 years straight. Find your margins where you can. You can probably find some margin space if you look for it. It takes a mindset, an intentional awareness to do this. You can practice this mindset in little things such as your journal.<br />
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This should be a guilt-free endeavor. Yes, you have stuff to do. But if you get burned out or lose your mind, you won't be doing any of that stuff will you? At the very least your productivity will suffer. Life should not be all about the stuff you have to do. Mostly perhaps, perhaps not, but certainly not all.<br />
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If you want to build a mindset of margin space, try using <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/bullet-journal-ultra-streamlined.html">empty space to separate things</a> in your journal where you can. This is a main feature in the Universal Journal style. Sometimes you need to actually draw a line, but many times some empty space will do the job. Looking for the resting places is the trick, where you write what you need but in a way that keeps it clear where everything is without unnecessary stuff intruding. Looking for these opportunities in your journal can help build a habit of seeking moments of rest. And that's a good habit to build in your life.<br />
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<h3>
Layout</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrnmSvlqYAyCyluYB5lGgfDhaCU9i-LTJsHMzAbU5Y7u17OPBJuSjgBqkQRl_9TDp6aD6yh-TjM_-K2RgXTbhakjnP_vztuYjpHjyl19KOv5JG1aIgRWDcLRbe6WGfk_wACbY7SQeoV0/s1600/20180717_164603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="minimalist daily log bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrnmSvlqYAyCyluYB5lGgfDhaCU9i-LTJsHMzAbU5Y7u17OPBJuSjgBqkQRl_9TDp6aD6yh-TjM_-K2RgXTbhakjnP_vztuYjpHjyl19KOv5JG1aIgRWDcLRbe6WGfk_wACbY7SQeoV0/s1600/20180717_164603.jpg" title="minimalist daily log bullet journal" /></a></div>
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To use space more intentionally may require changing up your layouts. This blog showcases numerous layouts on any number of purposes, from the <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%80%A2%20Plan%20with%20me">monthly spread</a> to the <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/future%20log">future log</a>, to the <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/daily%20log">daily logs</a>, and more. Check out the categories in the right side menu (if you don't see it on screen try the hamburger icon).<br />
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A layout that allows for margin space will help facilitate this margin-awareness mindset. When your journal content is split up intentionally into certain spaces, close proximity is fine as long as it's clear to you where everything is. You don't need to fill up every possible inch as that would seem to encourage a cluttered mindset.<br />
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It's a very similar thing for your schedule. If you can set up your schedule, even part of it, in a way that allows for rest, you should. Your mind needs some breathing room just like your body needs sleep, food, and other stuff. For me, life gets very stressful if I don't have any thinking time where I can ruminate on ideas. Constant, wall-to-wall input and a 24 hour dose of go-go-go is not healthy for me.<br />
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Also, a layout that requires a lot of lines may add to the clutter. If you can <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%80%A2%20Printables">use printables</a> instead, that's a good alternative to manually writing things out. It could be, as in many things, less is more.<br />
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<h3>
Color</h3>
Perhaps a simpler color scheme could help declutter your journal. Personally, I use a <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/streamlined-color-coding.html">3 color scheme with one pen</a>. A lot of supplies can make for very appealing layouts, or they can slow you down and add clutter. If you need something that POPs to help with your journaling but you don't feel very creative, a lot of people use <a href="https://amzn.to/2PeUrMQ" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: stickers'
});" target="_blank">stickers instead</a> (I hope you don't mind an affiliate link).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-w417FfVRd_O8e-stsWbZQ0lkJ8d9hovIiI-qFNrwzPsJZBr4-0BP29HGVk-HzQhU2AiR9dR5oIgVnRTrSDCJFCHjNk6IcqJAMvj3-uIEhJkMyT3dLL4ARhGxrG-I5_mIp1sLwAEnU4/s1600/bullet+journal+set+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal system 3 color pen" border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-w417FfVRd_O8e-stsWbZQ0lkJ8d9hovIiI-qFNrwzPsJZBr4-0BP29HGVk-HzQhU2AiR9dR5oIgVnRTrSDCJFCHjNk6IcqJAMvj3-uIEhJkMyT3dLL4ARhGxrG-I5_mIp1sLwAEnU4/s1600/bullet+journal+set+up.jpg" title="bullet journal system 3 color pen" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Culling</h3>
Maybe, just maybe, you're trying to manage too much stuff in your journal. Do you really need to include ALL that stuff? If it's something that absolutely must be done, but it has a good chance of falling through the cracks, by all means manage it in your journal. But are you putting stuff in your journal just to put something in there? Surely you can find a better use of your time and journal.<br />
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Along the lines of reducing what you really NEED to put in your journal, perhaps a more functionalist approach will help. The bullet journal is, of course, a creative outlet for many. As <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/08/remembering-to-use-your-bullet-journal.html">I've mentioned before</a>, you can designate pages specifically for that purpose where you can work on your artistic endeavors at a more amenable time. On the other hand, reducing what you put in the journal in the first place could prove beneficial.<br />
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Keep in mind some people find the task of creating their layouts and content relaxing and therapeutic. That's fine. The ultimate rule for the bullet journal system is do what works for you. But that assumes you know what works for you. If bullet journaling is for you anything like it is for me, it's largely a process of experimentation and discovery. If what you're doing in your journal causes stress rather than relieves stress, that's probably not working for you.<br />
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However you slice it, simply keeping less content can be a way of decluttering your bullet journal.<br />
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If you've got the time and the inclination to do the fancy artistic work in your journal, more power to you. I always find it tragic when someone posts that they've quit the bullet journal system because _________________ reason. Often the reason ends up being the style they chose to implement, not the system itself.<br />
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I hope these suggestions help. Got any other ideas for decluttering the bullet journal? Please comment here, and be sure to subscribe!<br />
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<br />Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-74791081522412249792018-08-15T02:00:00.000-05:002018-08-15T22:30:19.989-05:00Bullet Journal Brainstorming for WritersSo you're a writer or you want to be (which means you might already be one at heart). And you see the beauty of the bullet journal system. Are you looking for a way to put these two things together?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSHkpjhfnM_Jq7MfSV2SxGTJ3EDh7h8_1JMbd_TGMQLptlwwvHE2Z9yAa8s594AlpHbu1MOwOC2pBQqHDSlYxapsdtbKJGIdODIpjTkcqwZeSit5Obp02_bXztEuU_3F-zgr1heHSyYI/s1600/bullet+journal+brainstorming+for+creative+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal brainstorming for writers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSHkpjhfnM_Jq7MfSV2SxGTJ3EDh7h8_1JMbd_TGMQLptlwwvHE2Z9yAa8s594AlpHbu1MOwOC2pBQqHDSlYxapsdtbKJGIdODIpjTkcqwZeSit5Obp02_bXztEuU_3F-zgr1heHSyYI/s1600/bullet+journal+brainstorming+for+creative+writing.jpg" title="bullet journal brainstorming for writers" /></a></div>
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I'm looking for ways to use the bullet journal system to develop some writing ideas. There are a lot of ideas already, but organizing them in a way that can then be used to tell a story is not easy (at least not for someone who hasn't done this before).<br />
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The website On Demand Instruction has a good blog post for people struggling with this very thing titled <a href="https://www.ondemandinstruction.com/newest-post/journal-writing-brainstorming-bullet-journal-for-creativity" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'On Demand Instruction'
});" target="_blank">JOURNAL WRITING & BRAINSTORMING: BULLET JOURNAL FOR CREATIVITY</a>.<br />
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That post addresses a little bit about brainstorming then gives 5 quick points to list and help develop a story. It's a pretty logical approach to flesh out a few major aspects of a story:<br />
<ol>
<li>Characters</li>
<li>Plot, Conflict, Problems</li>
<li>Settings and Scenes</li>
<li>Dialogue, Lines, and Quotes</li>
<li>Tone, Mood, and Style</li>
</ol>
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This is an approach I've started with and it's helped a lot so far. Only time will tell. The post even has a half hour video on setting up a writing space. <a href="https://www.ondemandinstruction.com/newest-post/journal-writing-brainstorming-bullet-journal-for-creativity" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'On Demand Instruction'
});" target="_blank">Check it out</a>.<br />
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What advice would you offer new writers for utilizing our bullet journals? Comment here and be sure to subscribe!</div>
Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-71551378855341565462018-08-13T03:00:00.000-05:002018-08-13T21:14:51.605-05:00Remembering to use your bullet journalWhat is it about writing on paper that is so fascinating? Writing in a journal, even if for pure function, has an appeal I can't explain that is fun in and of itself. Then there is the pragmatic value of bullet journaling: you keep track of stuff you need to get done. But what if you keep forgetting to even use the brilliant bullet journal system? Or what if you've lost the joy you once had using it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDkb9qRIVveYFJFEUTwCeiJTctHfzDK5H-gD88hqdBBqNaJD835gzr4-z7VkFJHjRpm-ctIauY_KJ3Xbh9_AwpQLdpDUyK2CAkXzdre5KHVGjL1SzGggBL7nph67Nzn0lcm9wOwWZPXo/s1600/remembering+and+enjoying+bullet+journal+advice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="remembering and enjoying bullet journal" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuDkb9qRIVveYFJFEUTwCeiJTctHfzDK5H-gD88hqdBBqNaJD835gzr4-z7VkFJHjRpm-ctIauY_KJ3Xbh9_AwpQLdpDUyK2CAkXzdre5KHVGjL1SzGggBL7nph67Nzn0lcm9wOwWZPXo/s1600/remembering+and+enjoying+bullet+journal+advice.jpg" title="remembering and enjoying bullet journal" /></a></div>
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There are myriad reasons people may neglect using their bullet journal. I don't know your situation and maybe the following is useless to you. But let me mention a few ideas that might help keep the habit.<br />
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<h3>
Forgetfulness - Pick a time</h3>
For those who neglect your journal because you keep forgetting, set an alarm right now. Pick a time either today or tomorrow (or maybe later in the week) when you expect to have a few minutes to think about this. You may need to tap the snooze button a few times, but keep that reminder active until you can sit down and go through your journal. You know being so busy keeps you distracted. And stuff often doesn't get done for a simple reason: because you haven't set aside a time for it. So do that. Set aside some time for your journal.<br />
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You may need to continue that alarm tactic for a while, or maybe not. I'm not talking about a medical condition like dementia, I'm only talking to the scatter-brained people out there. Maybe you don't need an actual alarm. The trick here is to make a reminder for yourself, something hard to forget. Having a specific time set for journaling may be what you need. This tactic works best if you can keep it consistent from day to day.<br />
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<h3>
Forgetfulness - Keep it with you</h3>
Never leave home without it. If you're out and about, you might have a to do list or two. If you've written down these lists, but left the journal at home or locked away somewhere, what good does it do? What if you're discussing something and someone else brings up a good idea, or mentions a source you want to check out, or you agree to do something? It sure would be nice to have a good place to write that down, wouldn't it? Especially if you don't lose or forget the note before acting on it, right? Just make the journal part of your everyday carry and keep it with the stuff you bring with you everyday.<br />
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<h3>
Burdened - Keep it simple</h3>
For those who neglect their journal because it's too burdensome or overwhelming to keep up with, you must be doing more than what we could call <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/bullet-journal-ultra-streamlined.html">minimally necessary</a>.<br />
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I spoke with someone who said she was in the habit of spending 10 hours to set up her journal. I can't imagine spending that much time setting up something that's supposed to save me time. A minimalist, functional approach to journaling would reduce set up time to well under an hour each week. And who knows, maybe a basic bullet journal approach could spark a reevaluation of what you really need in your journal.<br />
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"But, but, I need my journal as a creative outlet". You can designate some pages to do that, and you can do your artistic thing when you have some down time (if you already add a lot of decoration in your journal, guess what: you have down time). Maybe you can set up the functional aspects of your journal at first and leave room for embellishment later - in a less time sensitive moment. If you feel journal stress trying to get it right and get it done, that seems to suck the fun out the journaling experience. Surely there is a <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-clear-and-fearless-bullet-journal.html">less stressful way</a> of doing what you want to do with your journal.<br />
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Setting up months in advance is also likely to feel burdensome when you run out of all the stuff you've prepared and have to set up a lot of pages once more. This sounds like unfun to me. I want the payoff of having completed something useful without pressuring myself, and I get that after spending <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/plan-with-me-july-2018-ultra-streamlined.html">10 minutes or less setting up my monthly spread</a> during the last couple days each month. My future log or a master list helps me set up each month when it's time to do so. Returning to a basic bullet journal style may be the solution for you.<br />
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Lugging around multiple supplies may also sap some of the fun out bullet journaling. If you adopt a style that makes room for that at a certain time, but during the hustle and bustle of the day requires <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/streamlined-color-coding.html">only one pen</a>, that can reduce the burden of maintaining your journal.<br />
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<h3>
Reflection</h3>
I can't stress enough how valuable <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/making-your-journal-work-for-you.html">reflection</a> is. Whether you set up daily, weekly, or monthly, reviewing what you've got in your journal will help keep your mind synchronized with your schedule. From what I've gathered, reflection was intended to be done at the end of the day. That's when I do this. I review the stuff from the daily log and review my schedule for the next day, and set up a quick log for tomorrow. I may also start doing a weekly log at the beginning of the week.<br />
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The trick here is not to transfer your mind to paper so you don't have to think; quite the opposite. It's meant to help you think through your schedule and keep it straight in your head. This is especially helpful for scatter-brained people, like me, myself, and I. All three of us appreciate it.<br />
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A lot of keeping your journal habit is just finding solutions to problems. Let's do that together with other journalers. What problems keep you from journaling? Comment here, and remember to subscribe!<br />
<br />Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-57544096070222731312018-08-09T21:30:00.001-05:002018-08-10T21:34:22.125-05:00Minimalist bullet journal savings layoutWe all recognize the importance of managing our finances responsibly and the bullet journal is a good place to do that. Finance is an area where I want to gather/create useful streamlined layouts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh0XI9xcGLXs5ZkQi-C2WhT-9G17vXq_2bTDaeYqi_nNBtwQnhQF9i2uvmY7eTvM-9R-1cleT_fvLaY7btNPdcz63FYWPXsJdtqc4ALZje_KZkslXLCv6ExlZhl-Er_RcXULIoY1o5p0/s1600/bullet+journal+minimalist+savings+bujo+tracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal minimalist savings bujo tracker" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="889" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFh0XI9xcGLXs5ZkQi-C2WhT-9G17vXq_2bTDaeYqi_nNBtwQnhQF9i2uvmY7eTvM-9R-1cleT_fvLaY7btNPdcz63FYWPXsJdtqc4ALZje_KZkslXLCv6ExlZhl-Er_RcXULIoY1o5p0/s1600/bullet+journal+minimalist+savings+bujo+tracker.jpg" title="bullet journal minimalist savings bujo tracker" /></a></div>
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In our financial lives we have budgets (telling ourselves what our money should do), expenses (tracking the reality of what we did the with that money), and savings (more long term planning). For the Universal Journal, if any of this is to be kept in the bullet journal, it must be streamlined to take as little time as possible to set up.<br />
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In an earlier post you can see what is essentially a <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/how-to-use-monthly-spread-interior-door.html">check list/tracker for financial items that must be done on a monthly basis</a>. That example doesn't involve any numbers, it's just whether something has been done, such as paying bills.<br />
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In this installment I'm experimenting with a minimalist savings chart. I will probably try out a landscape version but for now this portrait version is a first attempt. The idea is to keep a short term list of savings in several categories. Short term in this case is annual, as you see the Christmas and vacation savings categories.<br />
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In this streamlined approach I wanted to track several savings categories but didn't want to crowd the layout with a bunch of numbers. The exact amounts for things are already kept elsewhere in electronic format. But if I'm out and about I may need a reminder of the general amount I've got saved in a particular category. Unfortunately, I'm just not feeling it with this layout.<br />
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Any suggestions for this tracker? What financial trackers do you use? If you've got any photos of yours I'd like to see them. Comment here and please subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3244473502842060554.post-11402104866479921322018-08-08T03:00:00.000-05:002018-08-24T11:38:33.634-05:00The ultimate minimalist weekly spreadTo weekly or not to weekly, that is the question for some. For others, the question is <i>how</i> to weekly. Earlier posts on this blog featured some <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/05/streamlined-weekly-log.html">streamlined weekly spreads</a> and some <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/07/bullet-journal-with-elegant-weekly.html">elegant weekly layouts</a> all of which are minimalist and easy to implement. In this installment I've got something for you creatives and something for you functionalists.<br />
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<h3>
Creative</h3>
For those who like to create your own weekly spreads, Emily Tarver has a video featuring 5 minimalist and 5 not-so minimalist weekly spreads for your inspirational pleasure. The first five designs can be created more quickly than the latter five. Check out this 9 minute video where she explains as she writes out these 10 weekly spread ideas.<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tYbSKz4CQrw" width="560"></iframe>
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<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Ultimate Minimalist Weekly Spread</h3>
For you functionalists, for whom minimalism is a priority, I found this amazing weekly spread at the Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/BulletJournalJunkies/" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'FB: Bullet Journal Junkies'
});" target="_blank">Bullet Journal Junkies</a>. As we functionalists know, minimal effort, time, and maintenance is key in this approach to bullet journaling. One user in the Bullet Journal Junkies group posted a photo of a reusable weekly spread.<br />
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This brilliant concept combines two ideas mentioned here before. Earlier posts mentioned <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/new-journal-tip-up-front-spreads.html">up-front spreads</a> when starting a new journal, making it easy to find something I plan to frequently reference, and <a href="http://universalbujo.blogspot.com/2018/06/floating-lists-are-easy-and-disposable.html">disposable floating lists</a> which are very easy to work with. I don't use weekly spreads at this time so it never occurred to me to put these two things together in this way. This reusable spread features nothing more than a frame for <a href="https://amzn.to/2LVZxeq" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Post-it'
});" target="_blank">sticky notes</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC8sB0-p6TL4V5doDikjiIznGONQhmSh-zxXU02Z0YHorXd0ILnZvgaHOf5l7BBa3JlgIA8auW94hyosJW5nKRaTHe3tS8EGMDRDyNfAc-ugb6377l3hGK-lNa_WnKQ15ifFbwQDWqKw/s1600/bujo+weekly+spread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bullet journal minimalist weekly spread post it notes" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC8sB0-p6TL4V5doDikjiIznGONQhmSh-zxXU02Z0YHorXd0ILnZvgaHOf5l7BBa3JlgIA8auW94hyosJW5nKRaTHe3tS8EGMDRDyNfAc-ugb6377l3hGK-lNa_WnKQ15ifFbwQDWqKw/s1600/bujo+weekly+spread.jpg" title="bullet journal minimalist weekly spread post it notes" /></a></div>
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What could be more minimalist in the bullet journal system than writing something only once yet get repeated use out of it? A <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/BulletJournalJunkies/permalink/2258219480860254/" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Outbound',
'event_label': 'FB: weekly spread'
});" target="_blank">reusable spread</a> is a fantastic idea! <a href="https://amzn.to/2LVZxeq" onclick="gtag('event', 'click', {
'event_category': 'Affiliate',
'event_label': 'Amazon: Post-it'
});" target="_blank">Post-It notes</a> are so easy to apply and after a week you replace them, if you don't need to keep a record of your weeklies.<br />
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I'm a little paranoid about using long term sticky notes as eventually the adhesive wears out or something else could cause them to fall out, especially if there repeated flipping back and forth between pages. But for a short term thing, like a weekly list, this is perfect. I hope you don't mind clicking an affiliate link.<br />
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If you want to add a splash of color, the sticky notes are already designed to do that for you. No colored markers required.<br />
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Do you use weekly layouts? What do you think of this layout idea? Comment here and please subscribe!Fox Enterprises Limitedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06079881160510150489noreply@blogger.com0