Skip to main content

Ultra-Streamlined Style Part 3

In part 1 and part 2 of our Ultra-Streamlined bullet journal series we looked at a minimal effort approach to the Monthly Module. In this installment we'll look at horizontal design found on the official Bullet Journal website under the entry Top 5 Bujo Ideas in 2017.


In this horizontal timeline we still see ample space to write what we need, but perhaps in a more spacious design. In the Ultra-Streamlined style, if we take this horizontal design and try to keep effort to a minimum while still including everything needed, how would we do that? Here are some suggestions.

Placement

We all wear different hats from time to time. Our personal and professional lives are two of the most obvious examples. Add a side business, school, or any other category to the list, and you see how a journaling system of any kind can get messy. With this horizontal design, placement can help your calendar stay organized and easy to keep up with. An efficient technique can make all the difference.

Perhaps regular weekly events can be written close to the timeline, and irregular events written further away (to better grab your attention). Maybe personal and family stuff can be written below the line, and professional, hobby, business, school stuff on the top. What ever your preference, thoughtful placement of your information can put some method to the madness.

Color

Notice in the included photo, the Saturdays and Sundays are a different color from the rest of the week. This simple technique makes it easy to quickly separate the weeks while setting up the module and while using it during the month. As for content, I personally use one color for work stuff, one for a side business, and one for everything else. A multi-color pen accommodates this easily.

In the example above, you'll see an area to the right side of the timeline. In the Ultra-Streamlined style, this would be used as your monthly tasks list, but obviously you can use it to suit your needs.

Combining placement and color can make for a quick and easy system to accommodate your life.

Habit Tracker

In the previous posts on the Ultra-Streamlined style, a habit tracker was included. This can still be accomplished with the horizontal timeline. Just move the timeline lower or higher on the page, or place it where ever you may need it. One side of the timeline (top or bottom) would be devoted to the normal calendar use, and the other to your habit tracker.

See part 1 and part 2 of the Ultra-Streamlined style.

If you've tried a horizontal timeline for your monthly log, comment here and tell us about it.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment



Popular posts from this blog

DIY Adding a band around your journal

If your notebook doesn't have a built in band, here are some DIY videos demonstrating two different methods to remedy that - building in a band. On YouTube, Sea Lemon offers a simple and quick way to add a rubber band around your journal. This particular method works best for a book with a thin, easy to puncture cover. It involves a hole-punch and a rubber band . (affiliate links) Also from Sea Lemon, for those who might want to try a more hard-core method of adding a band around your journal, here is a method for a hard cover book . It involves dismantling part of the back cover, cutting an elastic band , attaching it into the cover, and repairing the cover alteration from the first step. This method uses the following tools: (more affiliate links) Pencil Straight edge Cutting mat Bone folder Awl Xacto knife Utility knife Scissors Glue gun Do you have some other ideas for adding or techniques for using a band to a notebook? How do you keep track of yo...
Post a Comment
Read more

DIY Add a paper pocket to your journal

Got a plain old notebook? There are plenty of options out there and you may not find one with all the features you like. But journalers are already familiar with customizing their journals and we tend to like that. Here's a super easy DIY option for a pocket. Not everyone needs a pocket in their journal. If you want a pocket but don't have one, here is a very simple method using one Legal or A4 size sheet of paper and double-sided tape. (Affiliate links included.) The Universal Journals are printed by Lulu.com Any print on demand service will be limited compared to a traditional printer. As capable as Lulu.com is (with quick turn around, worldwide availability, lots of product options for customers, and more), there are lots of things journalers might want in their  Universal Journal  that Lulu just can't do. At least not at this time. But this also makes for ideal customization. Make it your own. Got any other ideas for adding a pocket to a book? Comment h...
Post a Comment
Read more

Quick minimalist note page for bullet journal

When you need to take notes for a meeting/class/sermon/etc., try this minimalist two column approach to keep the information organized and quickly accessible in your bullet journal. In this method, a 1:2 ratio has worked very well for me. In the left column, taking a third of the page width, I keep non-content related details. The type of event or title (such as class name) begins the column and serves as the page title. Perhaps the room name or number may be relevant for some events such as a new class. In many cases the date of the event can be important. Also, any reference material can be named in this column such as books, chapters, videos, authors, etc. Lastly, any notes to self or action points fit here as well. In right column, taking 2 thirds of the page width, I keep the content of the meeting itself. There is plenty of uninterrupted space to take notes in this wider column. This is basically my event note spread. If I expect the event to require a lot of notes I...
Post a Comment
Read more