Bullet Journal (BuJo)
productivity note-taking journaling bullet-journalSummary
The Bullet Journal (BuJo) is an analog productivity system created by Ryder Carroll. It combines task management, journaling, planning, and note-taking in a minimal, customizable format using pen and paper — or digital equivalents like Markdown.
Official site: https://bulletjournal.com
Core Components
- Index: Table of contents for quick reference (mostly for analog use)
- Future Log: Year overview for long-term tasks/events
- Monthly Log: Calendar + monthly task list
- Daily Log: Day-by-day rapid logging of tasks, events, notes
- Collections: Thematic lists or trackers (e.g. books to read, habit trackers)
Key Principles
- Rapid Logging: Capture everything quickly with standardized symbols
- Migration: Regularly review and move unfinished items forward
- Reflection: Systematic reviews to ensure intentional action
- Customization: The system adapts to the user’s needs — not the other way around
Common Symbols
| Symbol | Type |
|---|---|
• | Task |
x | Completed task |
> | Migrated task |
o | Event |
– | Note / Info |
! | Priority |
* | Inspiration |
Digital Bullet Journaling
While designed for analog use, the method has inspired many digital adaptations using tools like:
- Obsidian (daily notes + backlinks)
- Markdown files in a folder structure
- Notion, Logseq, or other PKM tools
Use Cases
- Daily planning and reviews
- Logging habits, moods, or health
- Managing multi-project life without digital overload
- Blending task lists with journaling and reflection