#PlannerGirl Bullet Journal With an Arc Planner {Q2 Update}

Work Journal

A few months ago, I decided to use the Bullet Journal system for my work planner. I used a large discbound ARC planner from Staples because of it’s professional black leather bound covers, and removable letter size paper. Here’s what worked, and what hasn’t so far.

What fit my needs EXACTLY

✬ The large discbound ARC planner from Staples. The paper is removable, it looks great, and is big enough that one month’s tasks usually fits on 1 page (both sides) – so it won’t get too bulky by year end.

✬ Using a monthly system for what is called a “brain dump” of tasks. Everytime there is something I need to do, I just write it on the next line of the monthly page.

Bullet Journal Planner

✬ Having a minimal system – not worrying about handwriting, decoration etc. This is for work so the most important thing is the content (well, and it being legible).

What didn’t work

✬ I don’t need to use symbols for tasks, emails etc. It’s easier use a “dot” and then write out email XYZ, or DO ABC – and then just put an X when the task is complete, or an arrow if the task gets forwarded to the next month.

✬ Not putting due dates for everything does not work. It guarantees that I don’t even glance at it during the month.

✬ Not looking at the journal every morning and picking tasks to do. A lot of things just ended up getting moved from 1 month to the next, and so I didn’t use it very effectively.


Changing and Adding for June

✬ Adding a section at the bottom of my monthly page for follow-ups. There are many times when I need to make sure that others have followed through.

bullet-journal-planner

✬ Adding a weekly section where I separate 1 page into sections for Monday to Saturday. Each day I add what we make at the plant, and my top 3 tasks to complete that day.

✬ Using bullet points instead of symbols. Not a huge deal – but it simplifies the system even more.


Do you use a planner – digital or paper? What’s your system for work?

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// Comments //

  1. I tried bullet journaling and it took too long to draw out the layouts i wanted. So I’m back to bullet journaling in my planners. I have a Plum Paper Planner for my blog and a new Day Designer for my daily tasks. I still use bullet journaling concepts to make collections and show tasks that are completed, in process or migrated. Thanks for sharing with Small Victories Sunday Linkup and I hope you linked up with our Pintastic Pinterest Party too. Pinning to our linkup board and hope you found some great posts to visit this week!

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 13

      @Tanya – my system is so simple compared to what I see others have, but I think the beauty of BuJo is that you can make it how you want … even if you use other planners etc. And love your linkup! I’m not a big Pinterest user though.

  2. Michelle

    Jun 12

    I love bullet journaling! These are great new tips!

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 13

      @craftybutclassy – me too! It rocks for keeping me organized for work.

  3. Morgan

    Jun 12

    I trie bullet journaling and got too caught up in the decorating portion. I need to check out this planner since that kind of takes a bit of the distraction out of it!

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 13

      @Morgan – sometimes it’s hard not to decorate when you see all the beautiful ways people use their bujo – but I have no time for that and I keep reminding myself of that 🙂

  4. I have an Erin Condren and I have to admit I love all the fun stuff like stickers and colours as that makes using it fun for me. I’m tempted to try bullet journalling for my monthly tasks though as I think that might work for me. And then I can use that to focus my mind on what I want to add to my weekly layouts. Hmmhh, food for thought.

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 13

      @Trish – it’s so hard not to want to make it all pretty, but since it’s for work I don’t want to decorate it.

  5. Stacy

    Jun 07

    I’ve just started trying to bullet journal…I love the concept. I don’t think I’ve found the best journal yet to be bullet journaling – I like how you have the ability to add pages to yours. I think I’ll look into something like what you’ve got. I also love that you don’t worry about prettying it up – that’s something I need to let go of as I’m not artistic at all. Thanks for sharing your experience!

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 09

      @Stacy – for work, there shall be no stickers and cute writing. But I do thry to make it neat and uniform.

  6. Akilah

    Jun 07

    Once I realized bullet journaling was just making lists, I realize that I already do it, ha! I make a daily to-do list, cross stuff off as I go, and then add whatever didn’t get done to the next day–all on paper. I also make notes and whatever in there. None of it is organized as such but it works for me.

  7. I have a Happy Planner and I like it fine but I’m already thinking about what I want for next year. I’m not sure. I tried Bullet journaling but wasn’t captured by it. I have a few months to figure it out, I guess!

    • Tanya Patrice

      Jun 09

      @Chrisbookarama – I had a Happy Planner too, and liked it. Unfortunately, my regular life stuff doesn’t fit well into paper planners.

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