Why I Stopped Bullet Journaling

🔗 Don't forget to check my old school bullet journal journey walkthrough here: nebula.tv/videos/mariana-an-o...
A few years ago, in the middle of our digital age, one analog method stood out, helping thousands of people organize their lives. This is the story of how the planning community fell in and out of love with the bullet journal.
↳ Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
00:45 - The Bullet Journal
01:14 - The Original Method
02:31 - Collections
03:27 - Community
06:39 - Two Groups of People
07:01 - Main Theory
10:11 - Conclusion and Key Takeaways
↳ Links and Resources
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✽ Project Planning Framework: productivityforhumans.notion....
✽ Start Using Notion (this is an affiliate link): affiliate.notion.so/y2903zib47ba
✽ Exclusive Videos, Tutorials and Templates: go.nebula.tv/mariana
✽ Subscribe Our Weekly Newsletter: productivity-for-humans.ck.pa...
↳ Additional Resources
✽ Check out the bullet journal official website: bulletjournal.com
✽ Check out the bullet journal official book: bulletjournal.com/pages/book
↳ Credits
✽ Editing: @MaryAmongStories
✽ Motion Graphics: Jump Cut
✽ Stock imagery and footage provided by Getty Images
✽ Music provided by Epidemic Sound
↳ Connect With Me
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✽ For any other inquiries, please reach out at [e-mail]
☰ FTC Disclaimer
This video is sponsored by Nebula

[@mariana-vieira]

🧐This video wasn't published even 2 hours ago and I already have pending comments held for review because I'm getting so many angry and hateful comments. So read this before you type your nasty comment below: - I have always loved bullet journaling. I love Ryder Caroll's original method. It's the one I've always used. - I WISH I had a lifestyle and workflow that still allowed me to bullet journal... but I don't. I seriously don't. In my job, everything is digital, people use shared calendars and digital notes. Furthermore, I manage an online business. Everything needs to be managed online and digitally and there's no bandwidth to have a paper planner AND a digital planner simultaneously. tWith my workload I PERSONALLY have no time to duplicate things to a personal journal and vice-versa. Everything has to be managed digitally. And I know many of you struggle with the same. - This video is about how productivity methods change over the years. How external factors sometimes dictate what you can use and can't use. About what something that has worked for you stopped working for you because your circumstances changed. - This video is also about the fact that when something becomes popular, its original meaning/method/etc also transforms. It's a social phenomenon and that's normal. In the case of the bullet journal, many people were introduced to the method through other people in the community and not Ryder Caroll, and without the proper research about what bullet journaling truly is, they started mistaking bullet journaling for journaling and/or scrapbooking. - This video is not meant to hate on bullet journaling. There's literally nothing here that says bullet journaling isn't a valuable planning tool or method. If I didn't think bullet journaling was valuable, I wouldn't have almost 20 videos about bullet journaling on my channel and I wouldn't be listing the original BuJo resources on the description box. - This video is also not meant to hate on people who are very creative with their journals. In fact, I seriously admire you and I tried to be you many years ago (but I wasn't creative enough). My point is- that level of creativity MAY not be compatible with certain lifestyles and jobs (and that's ok - that's how we fall OUT of love with the bullet journal and move on to something else).

[@sccrespoc]

It is a shame that so many people commented without watching the video. However, your tittle is click bait, kind of a slap in the face for those of us that use bullet journals. If you go for incendiary tittles, expect a gut reaction

[@kurochan608]

Why don't edit the video adding a text and audio first with your explication instead? As a warning before to see the video. Not all the people reads the comments before to write their own, specially to much text.

[@whiteswanrs]

I have the book by Ryder Caroll and I followed him since he first brought it out. I think there are two kinds of bullet journaling and they have diverged. Functional bullet planning which was the original and decorative bullet journaling which evolved but left a lot of people in the dust like me because I can’t draw and I don’t have hours and hours to spend on it.

[@waves.of.indigo]

@mariana-vieira then maybe don't use a click-baity title

[@theplannerpincher1928]

I do wonder if my channel is ignored as I use the basic method of bullet journal, or should say, just bits of the bullet journal and include trying other stuff. I don’t use an index, but use page numbers on some sections.

[@jenreneeu]

I personally stopped bullet journaling when the community didn’t understand the method and it became hard to find videos that weren’t about decorating with 90% stickers

[@rinoaheartily3228]

Choked on "90% stickers" 😂 But I totally agree. It has become apparent that it's more aesthetic than its usefulness.

[@lenalovesnature2791]

This does not make sense to me. Why did you stop, when others misunderstood it? 😅 I use it in a simple an individual way, just for me. What’s the matter with others here?

[@gray_mara]

That's kind of sad that you'd let other people influence you so much. You can do what works for you. You don't have to feel superior to succeed.

[@jenreneeu]

@@gray_mara how is it sad? I had a newborn, I found little inspiration with the time I had to look at videos, and I moved to Hobonichi. Sorry that raising a newborn was more important.

[@jenreneeu]

@@lenalovesnature2791 I do me, you do you.

[@TheKatsMeow113]

You touched on them briefly, but there were two other aspects that killed bullet journaling besides urgency/reactivity in the workplace that doesn’t allow for thoughtful reflection. There was also a growing sense of perfectionism for people to have ✨a e s t h e t i c✨ bullet journals that weren’t actually functional because they took way too long to use, and then, relatedly, there was rampant consumerism and this constant pressure to buy all the new things in pursuit of a “perfect” BuJo. I still bullet journal, and I do so despite working in a fast-paced workplace as a sort of FU to the constant urgency of capitalism. The slower pace of the BuJo helps me resist snap, thoughtless decisions and I’m better at what I do because I force myself to reflect.

[@neonennui]

That's so cool

[@t.a.summers]

This is why I still bullet journal too, among a number of reasons. I think it's definitely a method that gives you room to do thoughtful reflection and center focus, but people may have different methods of doing that. Finding it may take more time than some have, which I completely understand.

[@JosephDickson]

I’ve been Bullet Journaling daily for six years. Keep it simple and quick.

[@musikhamster01]

The reason why I love bullet journaling is that it is fully customizable. You take what suits you and throw out what doesn't. But the "pressure" of it to be as artistic as possible is way too much and so many people quit/dislike it because it gives you this sense of "having to perform" in yet another aspect of life. And this is really sad for the method itself!

[@GnosticChild]

Why does that matter to people? Just do you. The journal is not asking anyone to perform.

[@musikhamster01]

@@GnosticChild That's exactly what I've said

[@dandycadent]

The « creator » of the bullet journal designed it for his own personal organisation, not for work. If I recall correctly, he used it only for personal organisation because he was using a digital tool at work... I use a paper planner for my personal organisation, it works great for me. I use whatever my clients use in their digital workflow to fit their needs…

[@chaaachouu16]

Same for me, I don't bullet journal at work because of all the digital tools. I would waste my time

[@stevenpaschak]

Thank you for this. This is my #1 beef with this. The creator made a simple, organized, quick method to stay organized. What became a clever, simple, low tech method to organize your tasks became an exercise in attention seeking and narcissism. It became “Look what I did” using expensive copic markers, washi tape and other expensive art supplies and not “Look what I accomplished at work today”. It went from a productivity tool to a distraction. I use Evernote, Todoist, and an outlook calendar and actually get stuff done. I wish people would call what they’re doing “making a planner “ or scrapbooking, because the only thing it has in common with the productivity tool is that it takes place in a dotted notebook.

[@iagonizante]

I was an avid bullet journaler in university, when I had to just manage my own affairs, and I am so thankful for it, especially managing so many projects and deadlines and events. But now that I have a stable job with basically a steady schedule and no meetings or anything, I kept using my bullet journal but it transitioned into mostly a *regular* journal. There are some elements of it that I have kept, like the indexing, future logs, and random to-do lists and shorthand. But now I mostly use it to just write down my feelings and record events, glue photos, sewing projects. In fact, it's almost like a scrapbook. Still, the bullet journal method taught me how to set realistic expectations for projects and how to manage multiple concurrent projects in small pieces to not be overwhelmed. I know that if I ever need it again, I can go back and do it, and my scrapbook-bulletjournal-diary frankenstein may morph once again to include more planning-related elements.

[@fatimadeoliveira9328]

Bullet Journaling is a perfect outlet for people who need the creative outlet.

[@thebeaside]

I use a hybrid system. Google calendar for time specific things and bullet journal for tasks, tracking things and like long form journaling and collections. Importantly though both those systems are separate to how i I keep organised at work. My calendar tells me when I have to be at work, my bujo tracks tasks that are for home/hobbies/societal/home. When I’m at work I use the systems work had in place. That works for me. Weirdly I can’t get digital systems to work for tasks, tried so many apps and programs but I just never check them. I need the physical reminder of a physical journal. It’s interesting how different everyone is.

[@lizzy-wx4rx]

Yes, exactly. I can't use digital systems for tasks either, it's actually *less* time consuming to use a bullet journal for daily to-do's, for some reason. And this video seems to totally ignore tasks for running your personal life and household. Of course those aren't going to be in your company's digital task management system.

[@debolinabh]

The moral of the story is: Use a planning system or a combination of systems that suit your requirements. Do not aspire for methods & processes that work for others, but that you struggle with.

[@3n1asl2]

This. I have a pocket cover with a few inserts in them. From the outside in, it looks like complete CHAOS! Compared to what I see on YT, it’s just all over the place. But the truth is, it works so well for me! 🤭😅

[@falnairaar]

I've been using a bullet journal since 2017. At first, I stuck to the methods I saw on the Internet. Then, in autumn 2018 I read Ryder's book and I went back to the basics. Sometimes I like to decorate it, but doing the bare minimum (like 5-15 mins every night) I achieved what I wanted. I think the focus should be in function over form, otherwise you spend too much time on decorating instead of doing the things that take you to your goal. What I like most of bullet journaling is the variable space that I have for each day, as opposed to the usual agendas and planners. I used agendas all through primary and half of secondary school and that aspect was the key for me switching. Lastly, I've tried Notion in the past but it was a bit overkill for me, and I didn't like having to turn on my computer, tablet or taking the phone to organise those things, they distract me a lot, plus the pricing (I think Notion had some payment plans, I don't remember). Athough lately I started to use Excel or LibreCalc to plan my projects. I still haven't reached the point of adulting mentioned in the video, so maybe bullet journaling won't be as useful for me. So, having read the comments, I feel like I will still advocate for bullet journaling, but I get that the trendy part of it may have been too much for many people, or simply, the system wasn't for them to begin with

[@katsmith8263]

I use notion on my phone for free every day for everything and like it: appointments, tracker, budget, notes, journaling, everything is there

[@kokeshikawaii2149]

I agree, there's not a one size fits all method. As you mention, Ryder Carrol worked in the digital world. But still came up with an analog system to support his needs. There's a hybrid approach just as we are working in this hybrid world. Quicker fast-paced collaboration with digital. As well as the slower pace of individual reflection and framing. Reflection and reframing in the analog system.

[@t.a.summers]

Something that I want to say for the example you mentioned in video, I think bullet journaling is not meant for real time, fast paced updates. I work myself in a fast paced environment and do things digitally. My bujo is dedicated to breaking down tasks that Im already working on or summaries after the workday, rather than real time updates. So it may be that for some, it's-like you mentioned- finding the method that works for you for what you need it for in specific measures. And finding efficiency in that. Great video, thank you for sharing your perspective. I respect so much of what you talk about.

[@kristinafication]

I've learnt decorating my journal is actually my mindfulness activity. Throughout the week is a basic to do list for me but at the end of the week, especially if I had something on or people gave me stickers, I'd decorate around my notes with colours a d stickers and photos of the week. So yea, I still decorate, but once the week is up. I kinda like the messy and disorganized aesthetic it gives it. I thought that's because I didn't make it pretty before the week, bujo wasn't for me and tried a regular diary. Nooopppeee that end of week decoration just gave me a form of peace after living through a week, especially a busy week

[@vivienecost]

I love that the problem in this videos in NEVER the bujo method, is always the person doing it wrong, or not liking for personal reasons (usually bc did wrong), or not being able to adapt and make bujo their own and fit to their lifes.

[@missflorathewriter9014]

I agree, I found this video confusing. If a bullet journal practice in someone's fast-paced workplace isn't working for them, then that's okay and it doesn't mean that bullet journaling is an antiquated productivity method and no longer trendy 😅 I just figured that the easiest solution would be that the bullet journal practice needed to be used for other places in life. I use it at home for home-admin, like bills, coaching classes i'm taking or family projects. It doesn't make sense to use a productivity tool meant for self reflection, memory keeping and task organization for a long term commitment that already has an established productivity routine. I have GED classes that are hooked up through Zoom, and they're regularly scheduled, and I don't have it in my own bullet journal, for example.

[@adeelkiani426]

bullet journal is exactly how you want it to be, you can decorate it as much as you want , or youcan keep it as simple as you want.. it is all your choice, i think it is great. its a misunderstanding that you have to make it really decorative

[@Zephyrdoll]

I think people are reacting to the thumbnail where it says “useless” on the top. Otherwise, good video! As for myself, I have found the original no frills bullet journal method useful, and then have gone through years where I have not used it, then returned to it again.

[@coinbowl]

MAKE! IT! YOUR! OWN! WAY! PEOPLE!

[@thedanalcantara]

I can’t believe it’s been eight years since Bullet Journal started. I remember when Ryder was a guest on the Pen Addict podcast. I find the aesthetic obsession that ended up overtaking the whole bullet journal process a bit sad because, to my eyes, the simple, traditional system was already a beautiful thing. It was easy to use until I got lazy, lol. This year I’ve been using a mix of digital tools and a Hobonichi Weeks and it seems to be working for me right now.

[@leggermentesara]

I'm still in love with bullet journaling exactly because I've always gone for the simple, original method. ❤

[@chaaachouu16]

I would have lost interest so quickly if I had stuck to the original method 😅 It's interesting to see a different take on it 😊

[@leggermentesara]

@@chaaachouu16 i had my artistic moment too and i'm a creative person so i have that part in my life, moreover i've always done the bullet journal in kind of way even when it was not a thing, I think that's also a reason! 🙈

[@Goldram1106]

I have a love-hate relationship with the bullet journal. It can be a great system, but I too was taken over by the beautiful aesthetics people were making their BuJos into. People do really artistically beautiful things with them, but it definitely had a negative affect on me, It was stressful, made me as more of a consumer, and made me focus more on being artistic when that is absolutely not who I am. I had the wake-up call for it and overall went back to basics. A regular dated monthly and weekly planner with a portion of note pages. That is my simple go-to system for my life at this time. I just love my to-do lists! I don't get why people are apparently writing angry comments towards you 🤔. I thought this was very tastefully done!

[@francescaintheusa]

I will say that as cute as bullet journals are, they are impractical for those who don't have a lot of time/are neurodivergent/etc. There's also such a high standard for them based on stuff online that it got exhausting - I went back to traditional paper planners and have been much happier/less stressed

[@merandasomnolentgamer8323]

It was created by someone with ADHD, for himself, to manage his ADHD.

[@lajourdanne]

I don’t love traditional planners for the same reason you describe not using bullet journaling. I just use it to rapid log. I don’t make spreads because they feel like a huge was of my time because I don’t like decorative planning. But that’s also why I get so mad at traditional planners. I don’t have the time to set them up and if I use them the way I would a bullet journal I waste a lot of pages. So I like to bullet journal to capture thoughts, tasks, and notes. I use a digital calendar for events and appointments. And I use project management software to manage projects and running to-dos. I never understood the mindset of trying to use the same tool for everything instead of optimizing.

[@dvf4550]

​@@lajourdanneGreat comment! Well said!

[@dylannoah8512]

It might not work for some neurodivergent people but I dislike the sweeping generalization as a neurodivergent person who bullet journals.

[@gray_mara]

As a neurodivergent person, I disagree that we are all alike. I used a bullet journal for a while, then moved on to something new. Novelty keeps me interested. For me, dated planners are a waste of money because I can't keep them up. We don't have to all like the same thing all the time.

[@sentarose]

I use both digital and analogue planning. I keep appointments digitally but I prefer goal setting to be analogue because I remember to do things when I rewrite them. I have stopped using so many stickers and now I use one sticker for a whole two page layout for a little something but otherwise I am ink and colored pencil/regular pencil only. I still use some of the bullet journal ideas from Ryder's book daily. It is a great resource.

[@Nilaratna]

The original intent is all in the name “Bullet Journal” - as in bullet points. As simple and minimal as you can get. 😅 I think it’s important to remember that its creator has ADHD, and this system evolved gradually to help him manage his, at times, chaotic-feeling mind (which we can all relate to, ADHD or not). The original method seems “evergreen” to me - beyond trends.

[@elianamedina6070]

I still use the bullet journal method for my personal life but I don’t decorate it as much anymore. I also use digital calendars and other digital tools to track some big personal projects. I use project management software for work.

[@parryxxlivxx]

I think you hit the nail right on it’s head. I still adore my pretty dotted journals, but honestly their most common use is journaling, rather than productivity or planning. I’ll still use the journal to customise a planner for myself when I need some structured planning during an individual project if I’m in the mood to be creative, and I’ll use it for tracking some things on a monthly basis. But for my appointments and schedule it’s just easiest for me to use my phone. The ease of use with digital formats just makes those tools so much quicker to use, and I can have them send me alerts for time sensitive stuff if my head is too cluttered to think of everything. The dotted journal is here to stay for me, but the bullet journal method itself falls out of use too easily for me to consider it the way to go for me.

[@Katiedora122]

I think I've found a happy balance between my bullet journal and my digital planning tools. If I'm taking the time to set up a monthly spread or a new collection, it gives me the space to be reflective about what I'm including and even a little creative with how I'm adding it in (sometimes it's just me and a pen, other times I have an array of markers). But I've also always kept my work stuff separate beyond the inclusion of my 9-5 schedule/events. I've changed jobs a few times, so I use work-provided software for work scheduling and storing work project info. But since I do have ADHD and I'm not always great with time, I have a phone app with reminders for the very specific time-based tasks that I might otherwise not remember to prioritize, lol

[@lajourdanne]

I still bullet journal and have been for 6 years. It’s the only thing that works for my ADHD brain. Digital methods serve their purpose but I think when people try use one tool for everything instead of its intended purpose thats when they can get overwhelmed. Bullet journals can’t give you reminders but that’s what digital calendars and project management software is for. For me, bullet journaling is about capturing my thoughts immediately in that moment without distractions. It is a visual reminder to capture thoughts instead of impulsively acting on them because it is a literal book staring into my face. And my issues with forgetting the tool exists because I can’t see it is eliminated. Digital tools will never be able to do that for me and my ADHD brain- they same way a notebook will never be able to send me a notification. I think maybe the video title is a little misleading in that sense. The tool hasn’t had a downfall. There are just other tools that might be meeting your particular needs at this time. And that is fine. I’m sorry you received some negative feedback on this video. And it is never appropriate for hateful comments. I think people who are arguing with good faith might just be feeling dismissed or frustrated by the framing ❤

[@mariana-vieira]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@fernandacampestrini89]

I use parts of the original method in a regular planner (Hobonichi cousin - the hype is there for a reason). It’s an amazing method but in my case I use it for my personal life only. For work it never really made sense. And that is it, I didn’t even know it was somehow controversial, it always seemed so customizable that I never have it a second thought before adapting it.

[@LuminousLibro]

I stopped using the bullet journal because it ended up being too messy. I wanted to be able to keep tasks more organized together in sequential pages instead of having different pages in different places around the book.

[@ninawii5318]

the weirdest moment for me is when somehow bujo was overtaken as a creative planner system, it was a tool for ADHD by ADHD the constant repetition that seems so annoying for neuro typicals helps me remember, having to set up a week helped me be more aware of time, having to write things down helped me understand What the steps for a task were and those are all things most neurotypical people already know how to do! it does irk me a bit when i see someone bashing the system and this video didn't, you explained so well the reasons why it got so big and this was a great video !!

[@chaaachouu16]

I think the constant repetition is more for autism 🤔 I have ADHD and I need novelty. If I had stuck with the original method I would have gotten bored very fast 😅

[@gray_mara]

If someone is so intent on maintaining their bullet journal at work to the point that they stop checking email or shared calendar invites, it's pretty obvious that is going to become a problem.

[@kimberlyjeffers1623]

I have to agree. Also why would that even be attempted?! It just doesn't make sense.

[@blackztar10]

I think that the word useless is what trigger the hate comments (is not a excuse but there people that just red titles and comment before watch the video) Since all the hype started, I always thought that all content creators focus on make things visually pretty and not something that works for them and at the end that make a lot of people to quite the method. Must of the videos like how to start bujo?, What is bujo? And that type of videos explained half of the method that Ryder create and end focusing on decorating, here in Mexico there are stationery stores that sell "bujo starter pack" and include stickers and decorations and since there it feels wrong. I love the few videos i got to found where the focus is how they use the method and only use what works for them, you can decorated but sometimes you just have time to plan and that's ok, i really love the way the book shows how a page looks like with only writing and use the bujo in its simplest form. At the end is something yhat you create day by day, some thing lole future calendar are meant to be done ahead but daily for me is daily and not make spreadsheet ahead because at some times maybe you don't write one or two day and it ends like in planners with the day empty.

[@vanessajohnson6923]

I enjoy Bullet Journaling by listing my todos in my Calendar and using the Bullet Journaling Key to manage my tasks and appts day to day. I do not always enjoy or have time to create my own Calendar and Journal. The Key helps me to organize my work consistently and clearly, which helps me to be more efficient. Thank you for the video!

[@tracy.m.alexander]

I’d like to offer an alternate POV: I started bullet journaling because none of the planners out there could meet my productivity or aesthetic needs. They were not customizable enough, and I needed a creative outlet that I didn’t feel would waste my time. When I found the bujo community it was through the hyper artistic videos, and immediately I was drawn in. At first I started with a basic set of supplies, but got so much pleasure out of creating monthly spreads. I set it up the way most artsy bullet journalers set theirs up - and realized that some pages were not working for me. So I went back to Ryder Carroll’s original intentions for the bujo and added more reflection, trackers that worked for my lifestyle needs, lists and tasks that actually helped me keep track of my long term goals. I had total freedom to customize the pages as I wanted, and the creative challenge still excites me. Yes, it has cost me a lot to get all the materials that I need to execute my vision, yes, it takes a lot of time every month to create spreads that I’m really proud of. But it doesn’t have to - there are ways to make beautiful minimalistic spreads, and that itself is an art that I’m still learning. My bujo is really in art journal disguising as an organizer/mental health and wellness journal tracker. And I love it! Wouldn’t have it any other way. 😊

[@mariana-vieira]

Great feedback! Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@vitoriasouto7702]

I think an nice alternative to use bullet journal while also having a job with its own productivity logic is to use the BuJo to manage your PERSONAL life. Specially if the job has a specific and delimited time window during the day. Although I am a graduate student, I often have to use online platforms to manage projects that involves multiple people and even things that are only me but work better in digital. Even though I don't see myself quitting bullet journal due to its reflective nature and mental clarity that it offers me. Right now I am leaning towards the creative "aesthetic" side, but I have also used the BuJo method in minimalistic ways as well.

[@mumsthewordpk]

Hi Mariana! Hope you’re doing well. So, I’ve been bullet journaling for about 6 years now and my style has evolved and changed dramatically. I first embraced it because I kept struggling with adapting pre made planners to my needs; something always felt missing. In between I took breaks from the system because I too felt “the pressure to perform”. Eventually though I found that connecting with the original content, put out by Ryder Carroll, helped me create a system that is both functional, productive and aesthetic. My bullet journal is my second brain; it’s where I put everything and creating that space digitally always felt limiting. Ultimately, it’s what works for YOU, that’s the right choice.

[@mariana-vieira]

Couldn't have said it better 😌

[@epessoarocha]

I'm 53 and took the hybrid way. I still write with coloured pens in my notebooks. It works flawlessly to me.

[@Doghousetalk]

My wife put a new journal in front of me and offered me pens and stencils. I cried from anxiety, as blank pages tend to do. Now I just use them to journal my daily gratitude and tasks relating to larger goals. It’s the best I can do. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mariana-vieira]

And that's enough 😌

[@tanjasbuecherlaube]

For me it is the opposite: digital tools are time consuming. Ever tried to understand and use Notion? 😅 I keep to the basics in Bullet Journaling and that works fine for me since 2018. Oh and i was 52 then....

[@pratibhagopalakrishna3436]

"As the years went by, bullet journaling became this kind of anxiety-filled quest for bullet journaling perfection." This sentence is so well put and on point. I love bullet journaling and I still continue it; and I also understand why it didn't work for you anymore Mariana, but the sort of "perfection" that is fills the space nowadays is anxiety-inducing. Even "simple, minimal" spreads are mapped out before hand by these KZbinrs who use correction tapes and even tear out pages if there's a mistake. Visuals are given more preference than their use case. Only the rarest ones embrace the mistakes and leave it be.

[@indrajit_j]

As much as I love bullet journaling, as someone who maintains one to this day, I do admit there is a bit of trial and error in finding the right balance between analogue and digital methods when it comes to navigating a dynamic workplace. I keep a separate work journal and they way I use it has changed a lot over the years. These days, I use Trello to keep track of tasks/their progress and the bujo becomes a place to write my daily to-dos and set my priorities for the day. Oftentimes I will write completed tasks and meetings at the end of the day, after the fact, and that's okay because it shows what I've accomplished that day and can be used for future reference. I also use my bujo to write notes during a meeting/conversation, which I then send back to the relevant task card on Trello. I don't do it perfectly either, but I'm trying to make it work. I do sympathize with Jamie's case from the video but that's what happens when you do things overly by the book, without trying to adapt them to your unique situation. To the real-life Jamies out there, I hope you manage to find a balance and design a digital-analog workflow that works for you. As for my personal bujo, quite ironically I use it much more now than I used to during my college days. Thank you for this video Mariana, cheers to you 😁

[@indrajit_j]

By the way even Ryder himself uses a hybrid digital-analog arrangement for his productivity system!

[@barbiebrenda]

The Jamie example is a big analysis! 👏🏻 So true! Every day is crazy, unpredictable and we have to adapt to it quickly

[@mariana-vieira]

For sure!

[@biasa80]

I've been using for almost a year and it matches perfectly with myself! But I read the book. I wasn't really understanding the method by only watching videos, so when I found out about the book, I knew that I need to read it. I love the free and flexible space to do whetever I want and need. I'm more a minimalist user, with black and blue pen (except for this time that I decided to try organizing for the spring, instead of for months, and I didn't want to use the same pens haha but it's still simples and easy to use).

[@rebeccaw9656]

Thank you for sharing your journey with the bullet journal. I still choose to keep a bullet journal, and also use digital productivity systems combined as a hybrid system. Digital systems keep my appointments and reminders and digital collections; however it’s the analogue process of writing things down in my bullet journal that helps me reflect and plan. It’s my ordinal brain dump; especially with so many distractions to deal with including children, energy, hormones, etc. There is no use in fighting technology, I absolutely rely on it. But I personally also need a thinking and reflection outlet, and for me it’s not either/or... it’s both.

[@laughingshaman1]

I still use a bullet journal. I don’t do any fancy spreads, no stickers, and I never liked a lot of color in my bullet journal. I enjoyed watching all of the scrapbooky type videos, but the original system was what really worked for me.

[@ClearBlueSky1]

Hi I've recently been watching your content and subscribed ! ❤❤ I was an avid bullet journaller but I really am an "out of sight, out of mind" kind of person. So even if my bullet journal was simple and not overly decorative , I chose to move the productivity aspect of it to tictic and have been loving the convenience so far. I also just capture my thoughts on my phone since it is synced across all my devices. I will always be greatful for bullet journalling though as I really appreciated the clarity that journalling and jotting down my thoughts, gave me and I am now an avid journaller ! I use it to actually plan my goals in various areas of my life where the friction actually contributes to me slowing down and being more mindful. I am also trying to build a memory logging and gratitude journalling habit , since I think they bring some much needed life and love into our otherwise fast paced lives , where entire days can pass by unnoticed if we aren't careful. Really loved this video as it described exactly what happened with me , and like you said the best tool is what works for you !! ❤ And omg I don't understand the hate you've gotten over such a neutral video like this , people are just super reactive these days wow 🤔

[@acaratbee8532]

Overtime my bujo became more of a done list rather than a to do or a planner .. and the analog nature helps me to recognise my volume of work and helped with writing performance reviews..

[@sohinidutta97]

I think the overwhelming number of aesthetic journals made me fall out of love with bujo for a while. Even as someone who likes to be creative, it was too much. As soon as I dug myself out of the bujo community on socials and gave myself time, I got back to my version of bujo. It’s just a small notebook and ONE pen. I still don’t like digital solutions because it’s so hard to find an app that is free and is just right for me. Similarly, offline planners are too expensive, bulky and structured. So bujo serves my needs perfectly.

[@aminatambengue7379]

Hi Mariana, This video feels more like a digital vs analog tools in the case of productivity to me. If something shifts in the digital world, you would have to scrap it of any paper planner. But, I agree with you that if we always want to be up-to-date, choosing digital is the best fit. For me this means being in a reactive mode, and the bullet journal gives me the space to actually choosing what I take in. It’s is not a creative outlet at all. It’s a mix of planning and self-reflecting. I really tried doing the self reflection practice digital but it’s not the same as with pen and paper.

[@chaaachouu16]

Personally I sometimes write what is in my digital tools in my Bullet journal as well. For example, what is on my shared calendar with my partner is also in my BuJo because these 2 tools don't have the same goal. What I write in the shared calendar is for my partner to know what I'm up to or what we have planned, and the bullet journal is for me to organise myself. But it's also the same for my personal calendar. Sometimes I will write or save an event I've booked through the internet (e.g. train tickets, a webinar) when I'm at work or in a place where using paper is not practical and I still need to have the info in my Bullet Journal when I plan for my month/week/whatever. It doesn't feel like it's a waste of time because the time at which I use these tools is not the same as the one I use for bullet journaling. The bullet journal is for me the tool where all my information is centralised in a way

[@jenniferr9998]

I use a modified version (more boxes than dots and things like that) for my work notes that I keep in my reMarkable tablet since it's like paper but is digital and I can keep notes for several different areas of a my job that don't need to be in one notebook in the same place. Like you mentioned, my job and office is overwhelmingly digital. I don't need a paper or even tablet calendar because all my stuff is in Outlook. But I love the creative bullet journal (or I guess, really, planner setups and whatnot). I find that most of the people I follow who make these are self-employed and working for themselves or are freelancing in some way. I think that makes it easier to have one integrated bullet journal/planner where you can have your life and work and whatnot all in one place. I use a more creative planner type thing that I create in a bullet journal type notebook for my creative pursuits (I write, so it's mostly my writing related tracker where I keep track of workshops, my word counts, critique group meetings, and whatnot). And because I like crafts, I do creative things to it so I'm more inclined to want to open it and use it. It has really helped me figure out the ebb and flow of my creative output since I am tracking things. I so agree about how needing to manage things digitally and also wanting to have something like a bullet journal often means doing everything twice. And that's not always sustainable.

[@notjustanybeth]

I could never understand the “productivity” aspect of it. I’ve never used mine for work and don’t take it with me. It just doesn’t give me enough structure for forward planning. Mine is more of a log of thoughts, actions and to-dos for both personal and work.

[@jessicajovel7162]

alternatives I've come up with to substitute the BuJo, or rather, to keep making the spreads you enjoy, is filling the bullet journal spreads with something that isn't work, for example, instead of filling a weekly with to-do lists, filling them with journaling prompts or creative writing prompts, so you can keep making the beautiful spreads, but do it on your free time, slowly. Another thing you could try is creative journaling.

[@gailtrowbridge3660]

This is really interesting, Mariana. I've recently started bullet journaling, but have gone for the no-frills version. I'm keeping it simple. I've been lured by the digital versions, but find that I like/need to handwrite. As a writer, "keeping a journal" has meant writing long posts, and I do that too, but not in the BJ. I'm retired and find that I long for routine and organization, even if I don't have a job to go to. It's like my brain is between two covers now.

[@mariana-vieira]

I feel you!

[@jchin1013]

I am so impressed by how comprehensive this analysis is - being thrusted into a company’s task management system is def a dilemma I’ve come across as a die hard bullet journal-er. I also noticed that it’s difficult to synchronize the bullets and the markers (like crossing a bullet out) on most typing platforms - word, google docs, excel, etc let alone across all of them. I think it’s worth trying to conform to because of the system’s simplicity, the presumption there will be items not completed, the step of deciphering which are worth migrating. I also noticed as an non-young adult bullet journaler that notes 90% of the time should be translated into an action item. And also, most tasks - even a trip to get a car wash, if thought about can turn into a compilation. More and more input on how to ideally organize your time, all the notes and documents needed to carry out what might appear to be a relatively simple errand or assignment, also just difficulty translating the method so it can be carried out through your device seem to make the original bullet journal method more and more unfeasible. But the underlying cornerstones of the system - a bullet (as opposed to a check box), distinction between event and task, and then filtering the necessary and unnecessary render the system timeless imo.

[@planningandpowerlifting]

I use some of the bullet journal methods in a regular planner.

[@davep6603]

I work in tech and would agree the BuJo does not fit well alongside Outlook where meetings are constantly being added, changed, or cancelled. It also doesn’t mesh well with Slack, where colleagues are looking for updates or help in real-time. At work I am all digital, except for using a notepad or whiteboard to write things out sometimes-and I typically transcribe those to a digital file. Where I have used BuJo is for personal use, for daily tasks, log of what I did that day, or just to get thoughts on paper. Even for these, though, I will sometimes use Goodnotes on my iPad. For events, I use Apple Calendar, and for tasks I use Apple Reminders. So I would say even for personal, I am probably 75% digital. What I don’t like about Bujo’ing is how messy mine gets over time, and that I don’t always have it with me when I need it. Sorry you were receiving such angry comments. Your video was not confrontational in the least; you just offered your thoughts!

[@kristimoore8763]

I still use it for my life outside of work. I use the original method without a lot of the creativity/art that the internet world seems to like. The original method is not too time consuming - if you stick to the original basics. Just because my bujo doesn't end up on the internet and making lots of passive income, doesn't mean it's not useful to my life, which was the intent of the system to begin with. As you said, the perfect system is the one that works for you.

[@anspikbl]

I never fell into the trap of obssesive decorating and monthly/weekly/habit trackers etc pages setup and Im still using the bullet journal method very succesfully. the most important feature for me is the index. no other planner with alreday printed layout will ever come close!

[@darwincruz20]

I can somehow resonate with the dillema. I just write on my journal to "update Asana" and events remain on my work Gcal except the non-movable one's such as anniversaries and birthdays which lives both in my personal Gcal and BuJo.

[@emerybayblues]

I don't bullet journal, I barely journal. But for some odd reason I like watching videos about this stuff. It's strangely comforting.

[@mariana-vieira]

I totally get you 😅

[@toranshaw4029]

While I never really took up the bullet journaling habit, I do use something similar in Logseq.

[@nataliagomesps]

Parei com o bullet journal porque não tinha o costume de consulta-lo todos os dias para rever as minhas tarefas e eventos. Acabei optando por ferramentas online.

[@LydiaQ17]

I never did bullet journaling. It takes too much time. Although I admire all the beautiful spreads. I use a digital planner for events, work, and appointments in the future, and a weekly planner for the present week. This works well for me.

[@TheWiseOne6775]

I still bullet journal but I changed the way I do it. It isn't my daily stuff anymore, that's all digital. What IS in my bullet journal are the things I want to last forever. I do a monthly page at the end of the month with all the highlights from my month and photos. I keep track of my reading and what books were 5 stars. I keep track of certain movies, tv shows, or songs that reached me in some way each month. Bullet journaling isn't dead, it has just changed over the course of time, and depending on each individual's lifestyle they journal what they want to for future generations. After all bullet journals are just another method of tracking what goes on in your life. So why not keep using them in a more artistic manner instead of the Ryder Caroll method?

[@j.d.5709]

I use a hybrid system where I capture everything digitally, and when I do weekly reviews and plan my week, I'll use a bullet journal and pull from those digital solutions. So the digital tools are more like storage. It actually helps streamline things honestly. Also, find it useful for initial brainstorming for projects or areas of my life I want to change because something about pen and paper, IMO, helps me think better and problem solve. Otherwise, I take all my knowledge related stuff digitally like notes, tasks, and projects. So my Buju is more like a weekly planner, and I don't do anything fancy with it very minimal approach which keeps it feeling more like an asset then a chore.

[@inktrospections]

I love both! Project mgmt softwares can keep up with my digital work pace and my functional bujo keeps up with my freelancing creative gigs + personal shiznit. As a professional, I use the best tool that can boost my productivity and manage an ever-changing daily work landscape. It would be remiss of me to insist on just using 1 tool for a variety of tasks. That's just unrealistic. I bullet journal when I want to be intentional. I digitize when.... well, I want to be the opposite hahaha!

[@mariana-vieira]

That's a great way to do it!

[@saraangel6696]

I stared bullet journaling in 2013 and did so until like 2020. Then the pandemic hit and I migrated naturally to a digital calendar and journaling in a random page whenever I needed to brain dump and that's it. I never cared about the bújo community because I found it stupid to decorate so much when it was a tool to be used, not to look pretty. I always stuck tothe original guide, and it was very useful for a while. Edit: I think it is a very useful tool for students, not so much for workers. Between 2012 and 2020 I was effectively a student and it was great for taking me from my bachelor's to my master's.

[@JotaPalma]

I use a very minimalistic version of the bullet journal. Every time I get influenced by pinterest and start decorating, I stop using it within a week, so I've settled on something very similar to the original method. I use apps to help me manage my time-sensitive tasks, but other tasks are stored in the BuJo. I also use it as a regular journal, to recap how my day went. So, for now, it's still a very helpful tool for me. If that changes in the future, as I'm sure another tool will take its place eventually, I'll still be grateful for all these years of planning-made-simple and mindfulness that the BuJo gave me.

[@theplannerpincher1928]

Hi there, I found the bullet journal time consuming to write it all out. I do craft projects, so it’s difficult to do apps and bullet journals. The apps on the phone are difficult to see and the bullet journal takes forever. What I have done is use a binder and a vintage typewriter,. The bullet journal method can work great in a binder just the same as the bullet journal book. I put appointments in pencil, as it can be erased and changed easily. I do creative pages with colour and pictures as it helps me remember all the projects. I have projects more than appointments, so the journal works. Typing skill is a plus, especially if to can do more that forty words a minute. Apps have to be plugged in, can be dull and is difficult to put my identity onto the pages. It’s just finding a method that works for you, even if includes a number of other ideas put together.

[@methos-ey9nf]

I think it's interesting how what started off as a organization/productivity *tool* turns into a lifestyle & community which sort of undermines the point of it being a tool. I feel like this happens a lot with various technologies and trends. LOL I think the warning sign is when people start sharing their tools instead of the results of the project - kind of like spotless kitchens or dustless wood-shops are a sign nobody is actually doing anything.

[@terrynewmanphotography]

Sorry to hear you’re getting such messages. I agree with many that the title doesn’t help. I’ve had the same challenges and use digital tools for task management and a digital PKM but I miss the analogue / writing experience so thinking of a return to journaling for writing things down. Perhaps those things are largely what I don’t put in the digital tools, or a summary of my week away from a screen. Also looking at Hobonichi style books.

[@angelfamilaran7049]

I'm in college. I don't use bullet journal for my projects and school activities because a lot of them are better managed online, especially group projects. I also don't set up colorful weekly spreads in my bujo ahead of time because it is very much time consuming. However I still use bullet journal to check in at the end of the day, process what happened, how I feel, how I'm going to manage the next days and so on. I know this might change after college, but I still love incorporating it in my daily life. And I want to be able to continue to do so because it allows me to reflect on my goals and what I have to do to achieve that. It's okay if it doesn't work for you anymore, it happens.

[@jade7398]

Depois de muitos anos eu continuo a usar o sistema bullet journal com Hobonichi, mas eu sempre o fiz de um modo muito minimalista, sem decoração. Uso-o em conjunção com o OneNote.

[@rebeccaotis8056]

I stopped bullet journaling when I started working outside of the home. I just didn't have the time or energy to make spreads and migrate, even though I did use the original method. I also realized that keeping to do lists is unnecessary. 5 years from now, am I really going to care on what day I did laundry or went shopping? No, I am not. If I need to make a list I would rather it be on something that can be tossed at the end of the day. I do still use the monthly set up for my DIY yearly calendar. It takes a bit to set it up, but I set up the entire year and then I am done. Each spread has the original, basic monthly log on the left page and the right page is left blank for any notes.

[@jksiapno]

I have love and hate relationship with the bujo system. Sometimes I’m constant with it, and sometimes I’m not. Bujo system is not for everyone and is not for every lifestyle. When I got two work, I didnt have the time to work on my bujo, I also tried digital journaling and calendar blocking, but its not as satisfying on writing on a paper, so I always go back to bujo because it helps me to be more productive with my personal tasks and building healthy habits, and journaling. I also just use it sometimes in order for me to practice my artistic side, but very minimal designs and layout that worked for me throughout the years. I also hate it when I search plan with me videos, many scrapbooking designs that it covered the whole page and there’s nothing to write on for productivity, So I agree with you, the system is already dying if it wasnt use for productivity that will work on our lifestyle. We should stick with things that would work for us in order to be productive and whats its purpose.

[@IvyPlans]

I think nothing is one size fits all. It’s a personal choice to start a BJ. Like all things in life it’s not constant and serves as experience to discover something about your self that has not been explored.

[@carmenmodoran98]

I feel like Notion is the new bullet jornaling. The same people that use to spend hours decorating their notebooks years ago are now spending hours overdecorating their Notion pages, or setting up templates from productivity gurus, templates that doesn't even fit their lifestyle and schedule. If this give them ease it s great, but productivity-wise it defeats the purpose.

[@moder_nord2475]

It works great for my ADHD brain, and without it I probably would never have been able to combine work and studies for so many years. Of course it would not work well in a project-based corporate setting where things change quickly. I don´t think Ryder expected it to either. It´s not a productivity tool.

[@jmartinezhdz]

I use a BuJo for work, but I'm working in a Lab, it's not a big cooperative work, I can make notes and write down results of test of new products, I have some forms that I have to fill on daily basis, but for development and daily tasks it's great... I guess you are right, in some other cases BuJo it's not ideal for everyone.

[@NerdInTheLibrary]

Yeah bujo filtered out of my life a bit because of my lack of things to do. After grad school and having difficulty finding a job, I had more empty pages than anything. I want to use more often like I did before but with no tasks to do I kinda have abandoned it

[@tinotesu]

9:15 what pen is it? Thanks

[@rediscoveringcassandra]

You should always do what works best for you. And as we change, so can the way we plan and stay organized. I never really did bullet journaling. It didn’t work for me.

[@CaribouDataScience]

What about the Franklin Day Planner?

[@LeaverWild]

The “planner community” ruins a lot of things. They found something amazing, co-opted it and turned it into something less amazing for views. I still bullet journal. I use Ryder Carrol’s original, simple system. It is indispensable to my mental health and productivity. I’m glad the “artists” are moving on.

[@TA-vm4cc]

I thought it was more about reflecting on whether or not you met priorities for your day not jotting down every meeting. Bullet Journaling can work along with digital and enterprise corporate collaboration tools. I believe the internet took the method and messed it up unfortunately. AHHH this is about selling Nebula...

[@chaaachouu16]

I think the reason why it can be hard to find videos about bullet journaling that are not about decorating, is that for a content creator, I guess it's harder to propose novel content if they are sticking to the original method 🤔 Maybe it has taken a lot of space on the internet because of the artistic aspect

[@Freak80MC]

Haven't watched this yet, but my main issue with bullet journals is that they always seemed like high maintenance artsy fartsy things so i never tried them out, because I'm not very creative and it seems so time consuming. But reading the comments and I'm guessing in the video too, it seems like bullet journals don't have to be like that so maybe I'll try one at some point and keep it basic.

[@user-lq4vb9jv5h]

I preder planning in trello by kaizen metodology so you really see if your tasks are really done or you are stuck at ome steps

[@szatanica1]

While I can understand the point of view, I would perhaps challenge the premise - BJ is not designed for a dynamic workplace that incorporates changes on daily basis and many people. It's almost like trying to kill a fly with a canon - you can try, but it doesn't make a lot of sense.:) I'd say there is a reason why it's called a "journal", not an organizational operating system:) I believe it was designed with personal goals in mind, not the workplace.

[@IsabelDjour]

bujo became more about decorating than functionality, it was so hard to find inspiration or ideas when everyone was just filling the pages with stickers

[@alevsahin1428]

Used a bullet journal for a week and switched to app calendars instead, too time consuming, and for people that likes neat and perfect things, it's hard to keep a handwritten thing

[@MaryAmongStories]

❤️❤️❤️

[@bhanani5480]

Bujo is not for me but it works for others. And just like normal journaling every person has a style or method that works for them, there's no right or wrong way. Who knows if the popularity has died, maybe people have just stopped putting it on social media but are still an active bujo.

[@flaviacastro1431]

Foi interessante ver esta perspectiva do '' Bullet Journal ''. Obrigada pelo vídeo Mariana 😃

[@yafin2654]

Third viewer here

[@whiteswanrs]

Your planner needs to match the way your brain works.

[@camilaorellana447]

In fact, what happened to me was that I read Byung Chul Han's book "Burnout Society" (I'm not sure that's the name in English) and stopped seeing it as a useful tool for me, and now I feel it as a toxic positivity tool to force myself to increase my productivity.

[@camilaorellana447]

My problem was not that this system stopped working, but that I began to question WHY I used it.

[@Autumn1988]

I literally just have a notebook full of lists…. BUJO method is over complicated