Skip to main content

Minimalist Follow Up Methods for Bullet Journal

We'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.

minimalist follow up methods for bullet journal

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.

Following up: for projects with deadlines

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 Notemarks, the note bookmarks. I use a half sheet folded in half again for a weekly bookmark. On the back of this notemark I use floating notes for follow up reminders, an idea I've found to be quite useful. Here are some other ideas for using notemarks.

Each week, I review the sticky notes for people I need to contact and set this up on my weekly schedule (see this bullet journal workflow). 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.

Following up: for non-projects

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:
For stuff like this I reuse my minimalist layout for a Borrowed/lent list written about in an earlier post. It's a quick and easy-to-maintain layout that can be adapted for any number of purposes.

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.

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