Hey again! It’s Hayley here (@hayleyremdeart on Instagram), and today I want to talk about eight things that can help you keep up with your bullet journal. Sometimes it can be hard keeping up with planning and journaling, and one of the main questions I always see in the community is how to stay motivated. This past year has been a hard one for many too, so it’s been easy for planners and journals to get left behind. But if you’re ready to turn it around and stick to your journal or planner this year, keep reading!

1 | Use The Right Supplies For You

One of the main reasons I hear people give up is because they get frustrated with their supplies – particularly their journal. Whilst I believe you can journal with any notebook and pen, make sure to do a little research and find one that works well for what you want it for. For example, my pick and usual recommendation is the Archer and Olive Journal. The lovely and thick pages have no bleeding or ghosting, so you get a clean start for every project spread. Also, it means you can decorate the spread with pens, markers and even paint without worrying about it. So think about what aspects are personally important for you and find a journal that caters to that. By starting out with the right tools, you won’t get disheartened and unmotivated with journal mishaps such as bleeding.

Other supplies I recommend are:

Pencil – to carefully plan out your ideas so you can make sure your spread has everything you need

Pen – I love the Unipin fineliners and they’re affordable and have lots of nib sizes.

Decorative Touch (optional) – This could be anything from washi to acrylographs, or of course, nothing! I usually like to add a personal touch to my spreads so they’re more fun to use and look at.

Now you have the right supplies for you, what are some other ways to keep up with journaling?

2 | Plan Ahead

This one is a big one for keeping me motivated. Especially when life gets busier and I don’t have as much time to set up spreads. When this happens, I have a some spreads I can fall back on until I set up.

The main one is the future log. With this spread I always set up the whole year. That way I can plan in any events/tasks/appointments and anything else I need.

Another great spread I plan ahead is a masterlist. This works two-fold, in that it’s great to fall back on when you’re behind on setting up, and it keeps you motivated to use it as you have all your tasks down in one place to work through.

But planning ahead can also be simpler things too, like setting up the whole month of weeklies in one go, or not being afraid to switch to dailies when you need it!

3 | Simplify

If you’re struggling to keep up with your journal because it’s taking too long to set up, simplify things! Maybe you’re trying to set up too many spreads, or you’re wanting to make them more decorative than you have time to. Try to reconsider what you really need in that moment, and simplify them down. And remember – you can bring more spreads back when you have the time!

You can find a blog here with lots of great minimal bullet journalists to get some inspiration on keeping things simple!

4 | Experiment!

If you’re finding that you’re not gravitating towards you journal, maybe it’s just the spreads and layouts you’re using are just not working for you. Try experimenting with different ones each month, and see which ones you’re getting more use out of! If the spreads are working for you, it will be much easier to keep up with!

5 | Keep It Close

A great way to keep up with your journal is by simply keeping it with you! If you’re working at your desk, keep it open beside you. If you go to work, a coffee shop or even to meet with friends, tuck it into your bag – you never know when you might need it!

6 | Make It A Routine

Now this one is a bit harder, as I believe it takes quite a bit of effort to put something into your routine. But if you do, I assure you it’ll be much easier to keep up with! Try to make a routine for when you’ll set up your month, and even make a routine for planning out your day the night before. Not only with this keep you journaling, but it’s a great way to stay productive and motivated in general!

7 | Don’t Compare

Now this goes without saying, but it’s so easy to do. You’ve probably already compared yourself to everyone on Instagram and Facebook right? Well stop that right now! What you need to remember is that works for one person won’t work for everyone. So definitely get inspiration for things you think would be useful to you, but don’t compare yourself. As long as you bullet journal is working for you, that’s all that matters!

8 | Be Patient

And finally, don’t expect to have all the answers and be 100% motivated from day one. Forget to journal or plan for a month? Don’t dwell on it! Just make it motivate you to get back on track for the next month.

Hopefully I’ve given you some tips for keeping up with your bullet journal this. If you have, I would love to see any spreads you make to keep on track, so tag me on Instagram (@hayleyremdeart) and use #hayleyremdeinspired to get the chance to get your recreation featured in my stories!