As much as bullet journalers want to claim that journaling is amazing, there is a lot more that goes into bullet journaling than we tell you. First, we have to come up with a theme, then we have to plan. After that, we have to create our spreads. But we aren’t done yet! Now, we actually have to use our bullet journals! Is all of that bullet journaling causing you stress? It would. It’s a lot for any hobby to expect.
But luckily for us, there are ways around bullet journaling that can make it as stress-free as possible. Bullet journaling has so many benefits (that you can check out here) that I wouldn’t want you to miss out on! Don’t let some complications stop you from a hobby you like. If bullet journaling is causing you stress, you could try using pre-made journals, limiting your details, and using stamps and stickers.
Is Bullet Journaling Too Complicated?
There is so much to know about bullet journaling: which spreads work for you, how to organize your layouts, which supplies to use, and so much more. (If you haven’t already gotten my FREE bullet journal survival guide, I would suggest checking it out now!)
Even if you figure out how to organize what spreads you want to use and which supplies you need, there is always more to it. You’ll never be done picking spreads because before you know it, another month comes along and you have to start all over again.
And we all know that we’ll never have enough bullet journaling supplies!
As such as we want to believe that we’ll one day be bullet journaling experts, there is always more to buy and more to learn. Just like any other hobby, it gets easier with time but it will always be complicated.
There is a lot that goes into bullet journaling! And not everyone is prepared to take on all that bullet journaling requires. There is, however, a simple solution: Pre-made bullet journals!!
If bullet journaling is causing you stress because it’s too complicated, a pre-made bullet journal is just what you need. You won’t have to create your spreads, organize where they go, or anything like that. All you have to do is add your personality and to-do lists, and you are ready to go!
Check out these great pre-made bullet journals!
Is Bullet Journaling Too Detailed?
Have you ever seen a bullet journaling Instagram account, Pinterest account or YouTube channel? Social media is full of bullet journaling content. But that content is never simple!
Bullet journalers on social media have had months or years to practice before sharing their spreads and layouts online. And their designs are typically a little fancier because they know they will be seen by so many people. (I know my spreads are fancier now than when I started journaling!)
You don’t have to do exactly what everyone else does in their bullet journals. It is, as I always say, your own! You can do whatever you want with your own bullet journal.
If the examples you see online are too detailed for you, you are simply looking in the wrong place!
When bullet journaling first started, Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method was basically an elaborate way to plan your day, month, and year. I like to think of it as fancy to-do lists. Essentially, it was a much simpler version of today’s bullet journal.
There are still people who practice Ryder Carroll’s Bullet Journal Method. If you are looking for a simpler example of bullet journaling, checking out his method is a great start.
You might enjoy a more minimalistic style, too! There are plenty of minimalistic spreads that you can try that won’t require you to make super detailed spreads. They are a great way to incorporate both some pretty designs and simplicity!
Is Bullet Journaling Too Time-Consuming?
It’s no secret that setting up a bullet journal can take hours and sometimes days to complete!
My bullet journal spreads take anywhere between 10 minutes and a few hours to create each. It really depends on the complexity of the spread. Yet, when I have multiple spreads to create, it can take me days to complete my bullet journal set-up. I’m sure it takes just as long for some of you!
Bullet journaling, depending on how much detail you add, is time-consuming. It is causing you stress because of it!
Not all of us have the time to dedicate to bullet journaling! We have jobs, kids, friends, and responsibilities. Bullet journaling will just feel like another chore if it takes up too much of your time. And that’s not what you want!
However, you are in luck! Bullet journalers have thought of these problems and have come up with a fix. Stamps, stickers, and stencils are the perfect way to bullet journal quickly!
Stamps can make bullet journaling so much faster! By taking away all that writing or line making, you save a lot of time. You’ll need the stamps, some blocks and some ink to make it work, but it’s worth the price in time saved.
Stickers are a great addition to any bullet journal, especially for those of you who lack artistic abilities. They add some colour and designs to your journal without needing to draw them yourself. Amazon offers some great stickers, but you might also find them at your local craft store or on Etsy.
Stencils make drawing your designs so much easier. Just like these stencils from Amazon!
To Conclude…
Bullet journaling comes with problems. That’s not a secret! It can be complicated, detailed, and time-consuming. There are solutions and fixes to these bullet journaling problems, because who wants that kind of stress in their life? Not us! If bullet journaling is causing you too much stress, you could try using pre-made bullet journals, using a minimalistic style, or using tools to make it faster.
Bullet journaling shouldn’t be defined by one style or method. It can be whatever you make it! Choose what causes you the least amount of stress. Bullet journaling is meant to improve your life, not make it worse. Just keep in mind that if you aren’t enjoying it, it might be time for a change. There are always ways to make bullet journaling better!
