A lazy and not-so-cute alternative to bullet journaling...

[@jenniferconnolly2691]

This method is incredibly close to the original bullet journal method by Ryder Carroll. The migration and schedule is similar to his method. What most folk see on the Internet is way more complicated than the original method. It doesn't need arty spreads and small boxes. I use a page a day and while it takes up more space, it works way better than having a small box for each day. If I want to draw, I just take another page, but I keep planning and art separate as that's what I need.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for sharing this, Jennifer!

[@TheFeldhamster]

^^ this. I find it kind of sad that the artsy people have totally taken over the name of the method while doing something very different. They've basically stolen his method's name. I don't mind people going crazy in their notebooks at all but why did they have to steal his name? They do NOT bullet journal and they hide the original method from people who look for an efficient practical system. Because if you google for it, you get swamped with the artsy stuff and never find the OG method. And then these folks always have posts on their channels where they go "oh, I got so busy last week, I didn't get to keeping up with my journal"... that's because it's not a BJ but an arts project! My planner gets used *more* when I get crazy busy.

[@ashleyalexandermorris9645]

I agree-I originally watched bullet journaling from a channel called How To ADHD and it’s been AMAZING. Why? Because she talked to the actual creator and laid out how *simple* it actually is versus what I was seeing on the internet.

[@barryeylle9760]

@@ashleyalexandermorris9645 SAME

[@luniasta]

Thiiiis, when the video started with "you need a notebook, a pen and a highlighter" I was like oh, OK, so already one thing more than a bujo then. And then I saw that bujo was deemed to not work because of being too measured and complex and I could tell what this video says did not work was the insta-ready art bujo, not the core system, which is simpler than the one in this video and is literally just a way of organizing random notes to help manage ADHD lol

[@libbyspaur605]

Through the years of minimalism I have found that incorporating the right level of lazy is SUPER helpful in staying motivated 🤣 lots of ♥️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Yes yes yes!! I completely agree, Libby!

[@happygardener442]

Is is really laziness or actually simplicity?

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

@@happygardener442 It can be either or both!

[@bookishkat.3390]

I've actually just started a bullet journal and I'm also almost done reading Ryder Carroll's book. I think his system is super simple, but I see that a lot of content creators on YT and IG are very aesthetic in their journals which makes bullet journalling look complicated and time-consuming. The original system ready does favour speed and simplicity!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks, Kat!

[@MiaBlaha]

This is the comment I’m here for 👍 original system is very simple and minimalistic.

[@syddlinden8966]

This IS literally bullet journaling. Just your system is different. The original system developed by Ryder Carol can be used in ANY notebook and is SUPER minimal and quick to set up. And Ryder is super clear in his rundowns of the basics of the system is that it is meant to be flexible to each individual person, and there is no right or wrong way to use it or modify it to fit your needs. The main focus of Ryder's original system is to log things, meant to help folks like himself with adhd have a single place to look for that note about the thing they needed to remember, and having an index for other forms of flexibility. I don't do a ton of art or even use the bullet system of symbols or indexing. Loads of folks like to have all kinds of goal setting things, but I like having trackers so i can look at patterns in my week, month, time, spending, etc. I have a hard time remembering things so that's what I use it for.

[@barryeylle9760]

EXACTLY!!! i was expecting a new method, not practically the original method (which i use)

[@barryeylle9760]

EXACTLY!!! i was expecting a new method, not practically the original method (which i use)

[@raemckay]

Exactly. In fact, Carroll specifies that bujo does *not* involve pre-made spreads. If you need to write something down, you turn to the next page and write it down. You don't set aside spreads and sections in advance. Then you list that page and its title in the index. If you're making your "monthly spread" and "weekly spreads" in advance, you're not bullet journalling.

[@tinamurphy2915]

I think you’re talking about the super elaborate bullet journalling where people use stencils etc. The original BUJO is very simple and streamlined. It is still brilliant but doesn’t rely on elaborate set ups. You have a nice system but it doesn’t take into account random notes. BUJO index is inspired. What I like about your system is the priority list

[@neferkiti]

"not super cute and kind of lazy" = 100% accurate description of myself

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Haha SAME!

[@AT-ox9np]

Yep. Same.

[@pink1970girl]

Same here!

[@MelindaPlainandSimple]

I know people who love those fancy journals and think everyone should have one. To me, they seem like a commitment and something I wouldn't actually use. I remember someone raving to me about hers. It was pretty, but I felt overwhelmed and anxious as she described how it worked. I can't even remember to flip the pages on a calendar. Your idea seems much more reasonable and I like the price. I don't need to list out my tasks right now, but if I need to start, I will definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's very true!

[@jennacrystalblue2244]

You touched on something right at the end that bugs me about planners: many people are creating loads of "work" for themselves, that they call planning, which in a circular fashion they use to justify the need for planning. My grandma called it busy work. The work you invent to pretend you are busy. Kind of the opposite of productive.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's very true!

[@no_peace]

It's their hobby

[@christinecortese9973]

This all came up with the internet. People constantly have to perform in videos to make money so they switch planners and develop complex layouts just for video content. It’s no longer real people sharing their own organizing and planning systems (Except for this video, which is a breath of fresh air and a rare jewel). I’m going back to books for my motivation.

[@samueltremblay275]

This is the most insightful comment I've seen about bullet journaling for the vast majority of post I see on the internet.

[@riquelmista6153]

Finally a truely minimalist and simple way of jounalism. Thanks

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you for being here!

[@sandipeterson3242]

I really like how you think Sarah! Using items I already have brings me such joy. And I feel less wasteful. Your simple and easy notebook method isfantastic! Thanks for sharing😀

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Sandi! That is so true!

[@ClearBlueSky1]

Ryders original Bujo method which I love , is essentially as simple as your system ☺️☺️ . I understand everyone journals the way they want and that's kind of the point of the bujo too , it can be as minimal or as artistic as we want.

[@rebeccagreen692]

I prefer a simpler system too. I do exactly the same thing with highlighter pens. Then you can see what you have crossed off but still read what it said.:)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's awesome, Rebecca! Great minds think alike :)

[@pragashni_adhd_duchess]

fully agree this is exactly as the bullet journal system without the art element that was never part of the original creators intentions.

[@saloni.sharma]

i follow a bare bones og bullet journalling method that was given by Ryder Caroll with a few tweaks and this system is more or less same to it. as a student, while i love to see what other people do creatively in their journals, i find it unnecessary and time consuming. with the original method and methods like you showed, i feel like i can maintain my life better. i love how simple and quick it is.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear it's been helpful!

[@saloni.sharma]

Yeah. Thank you :)

[@aussenbords4984]

Finally, journalling for grown-up people. Thanks!

[@francinehogsett3065]

I do a to do list every night....cross off as I finish and throw the paper away when it’s all crossed off I love lists ...great video 😊❤️

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

It is such a good feeling! Thanks, Francine!

[@sunshineland]

Personally, highlighters would emphasize things even more, so they won't work as "cross-off tool" for me. I have been using planners/journals long before BuJo and I normally put a ✔in front of the tasks I have accomplished, an ❌for something I didn't do, an ➡for something transferred to the next day/week/month. Sometimes I even put ❓if I don't know what to do with that task. LOL Anyhow, I think your system is just perfect and practical for someone "lazy" such as myself.😄 I also like the fact that you didn't turn a planner/journal into an art project like many other channels here on YT. So, thank you! ❣

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@DazzleDust32]

Hi Sarah. "I didn't measure anything, 'cos I don't care! " THANK YOU! As long as it gets the job done, who gives a hoot how pretty it is? If only you are seeing it, stuff it! Hope you are well. Is your bathroom finished? x

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Exactly!! There was a plumbing issue, so we've been waiting a couple weeks for a part to come in...hopefully soon!

[@ladylongford1951]

Perfect!! Clear, articulate, to the point, just what I needed!! Thank you so much. You got a new subscriber 🥰

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so welcome! I'm glad this video was helpful!

[@katelynhart8]

Thank you thank you thank you for sharing this!!! I’ve tried bullet journaling several different times (just don’t know when to quit I guess... lol) and this seems like the perfect alternative to solve the reasons why I couldn’t keep it up! Love your content 💕

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Katelyn! I've been there too haha :)

[@lilybee_]

Yes! I love the idea of bullet journal but I dont have the patience for it. I couldve checked several things off my list by the time I fuss with the journal. I think it's amazing for anyone that enjoys the process, but it's not for me. A simple to do list helps keep me focused.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I completely agree, Sheila!

[@raidersandkingsfan]

Thank you! As someone with ADHD, this is exactly what I was looking for. I am going to try this method. I started learning about bullet journaling and was initially intrigued, but became immediately overwhelmed by the complexity of it. I am not at all an artistic person so the idea of having to actually draw out some sort of planner immediately turned me off to it. I wanted something that could be done in a plain normal notebook without any art involved.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You are so welcome! I hope it's helpful!

[@willguggn2]

Ryder Carroll's original Bullet Journal is just as plain and simple. It is indeed an ADHD tool.

[@adrymxl]

Bujo is not about setting up pretty things or using every spread, just what you need, the creator says it on the website and the book. But what you are doing looks exactly like the Moleskine weekly planner, so you could save even more set up.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Adriana! I appreciate the suggestion, but I wouldn't want to purchase a planner when I can reuse portions of notebooks that I already have :)

[@Salina12345-o]

"Because I don't care" I love you, you're just like me 🤗

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Haha I'm glad!

[@oilyme1837]

Great tips and YESS A LEFTY!!!! That helps too

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Lefties unite! :)

[@CookingVegSimply]

Simple yet satisfying!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you!

[@pamsunderland6095]

That is so like I do Sarah and I have used all the notebooks in the house last year. Simple!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad, Pam!

[@lm5234]

You make this look fun and easy! Puts me in the mood to buy a new notebook and get cracking with it. Thanks for your helpful input!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad!

[@aussiegruber86]

You need to look into the everbook, perfect way to use up all the paper and things laying around.

[@amyli092]

I've grown so tired of all the professional looking bullet journal videos, so I'm glad you made this video on the topic, Sarah. I'll admit that while I can see the value in using a journal for planning out your life, I just can't see myself taking that route personally. My planning style is very much visual, and so I have a desktop calendar that I use for important dates and tasks, like school work and projects for my blog. I tend to keep everything else like to-do lists or shopping lists on my phone using Google Keep :)

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad to hear this, Amy! Digital to-do lists are great too!

[@rbevans4648]

So happy to find someone else who uses Google Keep for lists of various kinds, including to-dos sometimes. I also use Google calendar on my phone to track appts, set reminders, etc. For the last 2 months or so, I have used a simple wirebound notebook with monthly calendars and a large, dated page for each day. I have been enjoying writing my to-dos in there, crossing them off in pen, and maybe journaling a sentence or two. Have tried bujo a couple of times, but could never keep up with it. Enjoyed this video very much! Functional, minimal & simple! 👍

[@missnurseeri]

Nothing is simpler than the original. But this is definitely simple.

[@sandrafromscotland]

Thanks Sarah. Brilliant idea to use a highlighter for marking as done💡Sarah & Jake love notes 😊 Sleep? Do you schedule sleep or sleep times using this method? So true to find what works for ourselves to keep it simple and sustainable.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You're welcome, Sandra! My sleep schedule tends to be pretty similar most days unless something else is happening, so I don't typically schedule it.

[@aprilhoover3481]

This is an exquisitely simple system! Thank you! Watching other bullet journal videos I knew I would spend hours setting them up but never open them again. Toooooo much maintenance. Your method is perfect. Squee!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so happy to hear this, April! Thank you!

[@jennacrystalblue2244]

I feel like people who feel the need to apologize because their bullet journaling is actually true BULLET JOURNALING, touches on the biggest problem in bullet journaling. People are using the term when their crazy complicated journals pretty much crap on the original, simple, efficient, minimal, beautiful concept completely.

[@rbevans4648]

Your comment made me smile :). So true!

[@RabbiGreenspan]

I really like those paintings in the back, where'd you get em?

[@katsmith8263]

You could use a reusable notebook for this, it's not necessary to waist paper like that if you don't need it

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great idea, Kat!

[@Coffeecup.0110]

This made sense to me. Thank you

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

You're so welcome, Maggie!

[@Beerkittenz]

I love this idea! I have more of a word-vomit chicken scratch explosion of tasks kind of “journaling” style. I think this method is very clear and simple and I plan on incorporating this somehow. Thank you!.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad it was helpful, Dana!

[@marythomas6543]

Very simple and helpful!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you so much, Mary!

[@miainelom1104]

I love this idea! I might try it out

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad to hear this, Mia!

[@MsDoglover02]

Love this and will start now!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad, Lynne!

[@margaritamorgan4384]

Thank you, this is a great system. I can relate to it and plan on using it. ❤

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad to hear it, Margarita!

[@pink1970girl]

I love this system so much, I love having permission to rip pages out, I don’t need to know a few days later, what time I’ve scheduled to do laundry today! I just wondered what you use as a calendar to put appointments etc in?

[@johannahs1967]

I think that this would work really well with a Rocketbook.

[@lasagna3084]

This is great. I lose patience, like in no time, if I have to be artsy. Just not me. Good stuff.. thanks! Also, there’s a fine line between lazy and efficient. 🤓

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheDalaiah]

I liked it.

[@mrsdudeandkids]

I basically do a simple bullet journal in a dated 8.5x11 weekly/monthly planner from the Target shelf. My biggest modifications are that I don't have collections, and my index is done by date (not page #) and only for very select items I deem important. I think his method is great for ADHD, but I am not able to use a homemade calendar - I need it all to match/be uniform. And I do use a highlighter - highlighting means I completed something, crossed off means I did not

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thanks for sharing!

[@debbiemclean1090]

Might do that next year xxxxxxxxx

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad, Debbie!

[@chronicfish]

This is great! Question though. How do you future plan? eg, let's say you have a doctors appointment, the following week? Where would you write that?

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question! I have 2 magnetic monthly calendars on the fridge that both my husband and I use!

[@jeanettewright5189]

You had me at lazy…. I have quite a few half empty notebooks that I’m going to put to use now. Thank you 😊

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That's great, Jeanette! Enjoy!

[@bigblueragtop]

I like it! I could stick with this, and it's not "too pretty to write in."

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad, Pam!

[@lisakrushinski9436]

Helpful tips! Thank you!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you, Lisa!

[@kiaanee]

love it ♡

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Thank you!

[@amiehegeman]

I really like using a discbound notebook so I can rearrange the pages. Bullet journals were great until I have to hop around the notebook which was problematic.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great points, Amie!

[@jessicawadler2343]

I have been trying bullet journaling, but yes it's not pretty and I am not consistent. I love your idea of downplaying it and making it easier and I LOVE the idea of taking off each page except sometimes I write notes from meetings and thoughts in my bullet journal, so do you have a suggestion for better organizing notes and thoughts either in the same journal or a different way? Thanks for your help.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question, Jessica! Maybe you could create a section of the notebook for thoughts you want to save...maybe towards the end of the notebook?

[@edgarlee2802]

I like to draw a little box at the end of my tasks so I can tick them off after I've done them. Oh, the satisfaction!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I agree!

[@bhsprinkle]

Saving blank pages from older notebooks is wonderful. I do it too. It's helpful as I am a writer. It also avoids wastefullness.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

That is very true!

[@TheFeldhamster]

Well, the problem is not so much that bullet journals are too complicated but that most people (esp. on channels run by females) don't bullet journal. They call it bullet journaling but in reality do some sort of arts and crafts project which was never intended by the original creator of the system, Ryder Carol. If you want something simple, check out his original method or check out bullet journal or planner channels run by men. I've looked at a lot of channels and 99% of male run bullet journal/planner channels focus on the practical while 90% of female run channels are way too artsy. If a bullet journal/planner channel has videos where they tell you that they got "too busy to keep up with the journal", they're doing an arts project. If the more busy they get, the fuller the journal, then they're running a practical journal. Personally, I use a planner with the week-note format. This is a calendar where each spread is for a week and on the left page, there's a weekly calendar and the right hand page is lined and can be used for notes. Because all the calendar stuff is already printed, I don't need any time to draw or write this (so, I already have a structure for anything time based) and the right hand page gives me enough space for anything that needs to be flexible, like todos and plans or recording billable hours or whatever.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad you have something that works for you!

[@ArtisticButterfly93]

I love this! Thanks. But I have a question: how do I know how long a "new" task will take? I never know how much time I should plan for it. What if I mess up my whole schedule? And what if I have to finish so many tasks in short time? Time management is my great weakness 🥲

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Great question! I always estimate, and even if I get it wrong, I know about how long it will take the next time! This is also a reason I just make plans day by day!

[@jawanamarshall557]

Double it. However long you think it is, just double it to give the gift of a buffer.

[@mirosanovo8071]

I guess that trying to avoid the bullet journal method you are actually bullet journaling! Mine is pretty similar, just a pen and highlighter

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

They do have some similarities I suppose :)

[@cathylynnpietranton]

I don't journal because it always seems too involved for me. Thanks Sarah for making a more simple way.👍👍❤

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

My pleasure!

[@merrivideo]

I do bullet journal but I don't use notebooks. I use keyboard planners. Upper side for notes and lower side for tasks. I only use it for work to be honest. Is simple, easy, don't need to do anything fancy. Best thing ever. For longer plannig, I use a monthly planner which is usually a loose page that I can take anywhere. I usually use that for content planning. I hate big bulky things but I also need them to be visually but simple, so again I love my keyboard planner.

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad you found a good system that works for you!

This is so simple and practical thanks. I've tried bullet journaling and it was just too complicated for me. I'm left-handed so I find spiral notebooks difficult but the bigger one you've used might actually work for me!

Have just noticed that you're left-handed too!!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm so glad! Fellow lefties unite!

🥰 I found an old spiral notebook similar to yours whilst decluttering some stuff that I had left at my parents house. I'm thrilled to find it and also that I've cleared out a load more old junk at their place!

[@raemckay]

Ironically, this isn't "an alternative" to bullet journaling. It's more true to bujo than the ornate custom planners that instagram and pinterest influencers have tagged as "bullet journaling".

[@samueltremblay275]

I think this is not at all near the Bullet journal method. It's just a planning system. Note that I don't remove anything to the quality of the video. It's a great video and I think I will use it instead of my current bullet journal one. I love the big sheets instead of the A5. But the most beautiful thing is the no frill very minimalism and frugal way while being very pragmatic of this video. Thanks a lot!

[@littleleafy]

I've used a system like this but found I didn't need anything with daily stuff. Just weekly for me 🙂

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

I'm glad you've found what works for you!

[@BernitaFord]

Another leftie! Yes!

[@AbundantlyMinimal]

Woohoo!!

[@ljc3484]

You mean I don't need multi color pens & cute animal stickers?! I swear, how all these people can't see that whole time & cutesy investment & approach is NOT in itself a form of procrastination is beyond me.

[@RodrigoVegaBracelis]

®️🔺

[@martineyles]

This seems like too much effort. Perhaps journals just aren't for me.

[@marinamorales39]

Are you part of a political group?

[@pinkpeachpie530]

Day 2 of commenting on random videos...