BULLET JOURNAL: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll (A Review)
As my first post in 2019 (I missed Tuesday due to work and bar exam reviewing), I'm going to review a book that I've been rereading at least twice, especially given the matter. Back in 2016, I got into the Bullet Journal Method (I'll abbreviate as BuJo on occasion) as an alternative to expensive planners and being able to customize it as I see fit. I don't remember if I've written in extensive detail about my experiences with Bullet Journals and the method but I started out watching tutorials in the instagram/youtube arena and to be very honest? I got so overwhelmed by everything being displayed. It was just...so much artistry, so many doodles, so many collections. It even seemed like one of those trends that would evaporate as soon as the next big thing came along. But something I noticed was the underlying message of the Bullet Journal System: collecting all the thoughts, events and tasks as they happened throughout the day. And that's where The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll comes along.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation nor any affiliation codes with any of the links being shared here. All rights reserved to the Author of the Book Ryder Carroll, BULLET JOURNAL®. LIGHCAGE LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
At first glance, The Bullet Journal Method seems like a somewhat deeper dive into the deceptively simple note-taking system, with a how-to guide on what goes where. Chances are, if you're reading this blog, you're somehow familiar with the BuJo method, from its simple key to the concept of collections. And like me, your first experience with the BuJo method may have come from social media, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, seeing the beautiful works of art and varied collections that people come up with. The book itself comes from the creator of the method, one Ryder Carroll, as he got his notes, and in a way, his life together by simply writing things down in a simple, easy to follow method.
The book elaborates on Carroll's life experiences from going through planner to planner, making a mess of to-do lists, sticky notes and lost documents that just never found a home and eventually were forgotten. This I can relate very strongly as before discovering the BuJo Method, I would have multiple planners for multiple purposes and I still messed up and forgot things that needed to be done or events that needed my attention. Carroll explains his methods and his reasoning in an approachable tone and language that doesn't over-complicate the process of writing down or logging things as they happen or as they come up. It even has excerpts from Bullet Journal users and their experiences with the process.
I personally got the Kindle version of the book, and taking full advantage of that portability, I began to read the book. As I read the book, I found myself smiling and looking at my bullet journal with care. In a way, it's a book that reminds the reader to not strive for perfection. Ryder Carroll put his Bullet Journal Method out there as an open and flexible alternative to planners and other note-taking systems that emphasize on structure rather than utility. The author makes very clear that his system can take some getting used to, but allows the user to be more forgiving if they mess up or want to change their system out. It's a method that adapts to life, but trying to keep it all in one easily accessible place to reference and seek out. He adds his own experiences that while I won't spoil, did enable me to understand the process even better and maybe have a small laugh.
I frankly enjoyed the book the first time around so much, I started to bookmark and reference certain topics that I still have trouble with (I somehow always have problems with migration, ha) or passages that I found resonated with me. Because I've been that person, that lugged around so many notebooks and apps...and still managed to finish things photo-finish. I still forget things, and I still have more productivity apps than I actually use (I should do a phone declutter blog post in the future), but I at least have a firm reference point to read and see what needs to be remembered.
My BuJo for 2019 takes a lot of inspiration from The Bullet Journal Method in that it's the most standard version of what it could be. It's merely an Index (on a discbound notebook just so I have reference), a Future Log, a Monthly Spread for January and the Daily Logs. That's it. It's been working so far, as I still manage to keep a daily recounting of my day while forgiving myself if I miss anything.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to start out with the Bullet Journal Method, or a veteran BuJo enthusiast who would appreciate the backstories that constructed this simple yet powerful and malleable system
Credit: BULLET JOURNAL®. LIGHCAGE LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation nor any affiliation codes with any of the links being shared here. All rights reserved to the Author of the Book Ryder Carroll, BULLET JOURNAL®. LIGHCAGE LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
At first glance, The Bullet Journal Method seems like a somewhat deeper dive into the deceptively simple note-taking system, with a how-to guide on what goes where. Chances are, if you're reading this blog, you're somehow familiar with the BuJo method, from its simple key to the concept of collections. And like me, your first experience with the BuJo method may have come from social media, particularly Instagram and Pinterest, seeing the beautiful works of art and varied collections that people come up with. The book itself comes from the creator of the method, one Ryder Carroll, as he got his notes, and in a way, his life together by simply writing things down in a simple, easy to follow method.
The book elaborates on Carroll's life experiences from going through planner to planner, making a mess of to-do lists, sticky notes and lost documents that just never found a home and eventually were forgotten. This I can relate very strongly as before discovering the BuJo Method, I would have multiple planners for multiple purposes and I still messed up and forgot things that needed to be done or events that needed my attention. Carroll explains his methods and his reasoning in an approachable tone and language that doesn't over-complicate the process of writing down or logging things as they happen or as they come up. It even has excerpts from Bullet Journal users and their experiences with the process.
I personally got the Kindle version of the book, and taking full advantage of that portability, I began to read the book. As I read the book, I found myself smiling and looking at my bullet journal with care. In a way, it's a book that reminds the reader to not strive for perfection. Ryder Carroll put his Bullet Journal Method out there as an open and flexible alternative to planners and other note-taking systems that emphasize on structure rather than utility. The author makes very clear that his system can take some getting used to, but allows the user to be more forgiving if they mess up or want to change their system out. It's a method that adapts to life, but trying to keep it all in one easily accessible place to reference and seek out. He adds his own experiences that while I won't spoil, did enable me to understand the process even better and maybe have a small laugh.
I frankly enjoyed the book the first time around so much, I started to bookmark and reference certain topics that I still have trouble with (I somehow always have problems with migration, ha) or passages that I found resonated with me. Because I've been that person, that lugged around so many notebooks and apps...and still managed to finish things photo-finish. I still forget things, and I still have more productivity apps than I actually use (I should do a phone declutter blog post in the future), but I at least have a firm reference point to read and see what needs to be remembered.
My BuJo for 2019 takes a lot of inspiration from The Bullet Journal Method in that it's the most standard version of what it could be. It's merely an Index (on a discbound notebook just so I have reference), a Future Log, a Monthly Spread for January and the Daily Logs. That's it. It's been working so far, as I still manage to keep a daily recounting of my day while forgiving myself if I miss anything.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to start out with the Bullet Journal Method, or a veteran BuJo enthusiast who would appreciate the backstories that constructed this simple yet powerful and malleable system
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