How I setup My Journal to Be More Productive

'Today, I am sharing with you how I setup my journal to help me be more productive. I use to be an avid agenda user (possibly even a hoarder of them) but since I am no longer teaching in the classroom, my schedule isn't as tight and rigid, so I have gravitated to a semi 'bullet journal' method of planning things.  

Bullet journaling helps me focus on routines and my todo's rather than having to adhere to a tight schedule of things all day."

Bullet journaling helps me focus on routines and my todo's rather than having to adhere to a tight schedule of things all day. And that is what I am all about these days - developing and living by healthy routines. I'm good with routines, and terrible with schedules. Timelines/schedules stress me the eff out and are often met with pressure and expectations (this is what goes on in my head).

​Now, this may sounds like crazy talk to you, but it is something I have learned about myself. We're all creatures of habit, so routines are healthy for everyone...but some of us are just free spirits and need to be able to move/work through the world without a set timeline. (These said people are probably also a little scattered with their thoughts -like me- so maybe this post will help them see how I organize mine.)

My Favorite Journaling Supplies : 

• 'Make Your Mark' blank page Journal from StudiOH, Shoppe! 
• ​Pental Marker Pens 
• Sakura Micron Black pens 
• Water Brushes 
• Watercolor set
• ​colored pencils
• Agenda Stickers 

Tips to Get started: 

My first tip is to find a journal, or agenda that you love and will want to use daily. And really think about it. Ask yourself, 

• How big do you want your journal to be? Pocket size? Able to throw in a bag? Big enough to sketch in? etc.
• What kind of pages do you want? Blank? Lined? Graphed? Dotted? Dated? etc. 
• What kind of binding/material? Spiral bound? Hand sewn? Leather? Hard back, soft back? etc. 

I like using journals with blank pages and that will lay completely flat. I also like to be able to fit it my day-to-day handbags. That's why I designed this 'Make your Mark' Journal exactly this way. To be able to write, plan and sketch freely all in one place, and on the go...this journal is perfect for just that! 

My second tip would be to think about the functionality of your journal and how you'll actually use it before you start writing in it.

• What are you going to be using it for? Personal or professional? Or a little bit of both?
• Should it be broken down into sections? What should they be? 
• Do you need a calendar? 
• Do you need a page for everyday? 
• How long will you set up this journal for? (meaning, mine is set up for fall 2017 only. Once I hit January, I will either start a new section or probably just a new journal by then.)

I will use this journal for all things MyfriendCourt and StudiOH, Shoppe! I don't have it separated into two sections, though, more so by the month. To help me brainstorm monthly post, emails, goals, etc. You can see a bit below.

My third tip is to have fun with it! Especially when it comes to setting and tracking your goals in your journal. I feel more motivated when I look at my journal and it is filled with happy, positive reminders that I CAN ACHIEVE MY GOALS! Color and stickers really help with this :) 

Lastly, just keep it simple. Find a way, anyway to keep yourself motivated and on track as we round out 2017. I know I still have goals to meet, and I am determined!

Let's do this!