How I Use Bullet Journalling to Run My Life and Business

I work as a technical expert—a digital systems specialist, a tech-savvy person who helps others set up productivity tools. But can I let you in on a little secret?

For my own to-do list and day-to-day productivity, I love bullet journalling. If you enjoy stationery, writing things down, and making lists, I think you’ll love it too.

And if you don’t know what bullet journalling is—it involves good old-fashioned pen and paper!

I started bullet journalling a few years ago, and it’s been a slow-burning process. I can’t remember now how I stumbled across it, but stumble I did. Fortunately, my original source was a video by the creator himself. That helped keep things grounded before I ventured down the Pinterest rabbit hole.

Because if you Google “bullet journalling,” you’ll find beautiful, curated notebook art filled with colours, hand lettering, and oodles of washi tape. And if you’re more practical than artistic, it’s easy to assume it’s all about pretty layouts and feel overwhelmed before you even begin.

I tried the artistic approach for a while—reflecting, rewriting, and overthinking everything. But I soon realised it was feeding my serial procrastination. Slowly and surely, I’ve found a way that works for me. It blends seamlessly with my digital tools and helps me manage both my business and personal life.

A bullet journal, the way I use it, is part planner, part diary, part brain-dump. It helps me turn the chaos of life into a system I can manage—keeping me productive and aligned with what matters.

Why Bullet Journalling Works for Me

Let’s be honest: when you run your own business, it tends to blur into everyday life—no matter how firm your boundaries. My bullet journal helps me hold all the threads together.

Writing things down makes you more mindful. It highlights the distractions, clears the mental clutter, and helps you refocus on what matters most. It’s also a welcome break from screens, tabs, and apps.

My Bullet Journal System

I combine all my work and life admin in one notebook at a time. For me, simplicity is everything—I don’t separate work and home tasks, and I don’t use a new journal every year. I find immense satisfaction in using up every single page before starting fresh.

Here’s how I use the core elements of the bullet journal method (adapted to fit my needs):

🗓 The Future Log

I don’t use this. If I need to plan ahead, I rely on my Google Calendar, which works better for time-specific events or appointments.

📋 The Monthly Log

I used to write out a full calendar spread, but I rarely looked at it. Now I keep it simple: each month, I create one page with a list of outstanding tasks. They might get done this month—or move to the next. Either way, they’re collected in one place and never forgotten.

✅ The Daily Log

This is where the magic happens. Each morning, I list my six priority tasks using the Ivy Lee Method. I draw a line underneath, then jot down any additional tasks that crop up throughout the day.

This page is also my inbox for anything else that comes up—notes from meetings, random thoughts, reminders, and journal prompts. It’s a space to think, plan, and unload.

At the end of the day, I do a quick review:

• ✅ Cross off completed tasks

• ✖️ Strike through anything no longer relevant

• ⏰ Move time-specific tasks into Apple Reminders

• 📝 Move everything else into the Monthly Log

🗃 Yearly Review

Once a year, I flick through the journal and check for anything important—notes I want to keep or actions I may have missed. But I never feel pressure to start a new notebook in January. If I’m still using one that works, I keep going.

Why This System Works

To-do lists feel never-ending because they are. That’s the nature of life and business—there’s always more to do. But once you accept that and shift your mindset to “I’ve done enough for today”, everything becomes lighter.

Because I have a system I trust, I know nothing gets lost. I don’t time-block or schedule. I work through my list, and when I finish, I either pick another task—or I stop and rest. Guilt-free.

By reviewing my journal each day, I’m constantly reflecting on what’s important and what’s actually achievable. It’s simple. It’s flexible. And it keeps me sane.

Thinking of Trying It?

If you’re curious about bullet journalling, start at the source: the official Bullet Journal website. It gives you the fundamentals without the pressure of creating Pinterest-perfect spreads.

You don’t need stickers or stencils—just a pen, a notebook, and a desire to make life a little easier.