With the new year right around the corner, it's time to start reflecting on the past year and planning for the future. Set your goals, make your to-do lists, start a new journal or sketchbook, and jot down notes to keep you on track this year. A bullet journal is a convenient, all-in-one organization system that can be all of these things and more this new year!

Bullet journals have become increasingly more popular, especially on social media. If you've heard of bullet journaling but still aren't certain exactly how or why to do it, you're not alone! To help you understand bullet journaling, Zebra has created a guide so that you can start your bullet journal this year!

What Is Bullet Journaling?

It's a planner, to-do list, journal, notepad, and sketchbook all in one! Include what you want and leave out what you don't want, as they're completely customizable! Most importantly, your bullet journal can be whatever you want it to be. It's meant to be convenient and suiting to your needs, to better ensure that it's a system you can stick to and enjoy! Some bullet journals use symbols to represent different items on a list. For example a small star can show priority. A heart can symbolize a quote you enjoyed and jotted down. An "X" can represent a cancellation. Create a key for all of the symbols you choose so that you can remember what each symbol means, and after a while, when you open your journal you will be able to skim it for the symbol of the item you are looking for!

Color coding is another way some people choose to organize their bullet journals. For example, you can use a red pen or pencil to write down your school work. You can use green for social events, blue for personal events such as doctors appointments, and orange for errands. SARASA Fineliners are perfect for color coding. With 12 vibrant and quick-drying colors to choose from color coding will be a breeze, not to mention a great way to organize your bullet journal by distinct activities! If you prefer sophisticated writing and trendy colors, SARASA Grand Retractable Gel Pens might be the right color scheme for you! With navy, gold, and rose gold color barrels, your bullet journal can be fun and stylish.

Why Should I Have One?

To reflect, plan, get organized, or to set goals and stick to them, bullet journaling can help with all of this! Ring in 2018 with healthy and helpful habits and track them with your bullet journal. Each year, many of us set goals and find ourselves falling short of them as the months progress. A bullet journal is the perfect way to keep yourself in check all the while organizing and planning your schedule by the day, week, month, or year! You should start a bullet journal to get creative, have fun, and help yourself in 2018.

Inspiration for your Bullet Journal

Day Summary: Jot down some notes about what you did each day. This can help you to be productive or keep track of fun memories.

Daily Peak and Pit (High and Low): Make a note of the high part and low part of your day to think positively and critically about how you spend your time each day.

Meal Planner: Sometimes meal prepping just isn't an option; meal planning is a useful alternative. Write down meal and snack ideas to stay on track with your goals this year.

Spending and Savings Tracker: Keep track of the money you earn and the money you spend to stay on top of your saving. If you're planning to make a big purchase soon, this could help you meet your goal.

Inspiration Page: Write down inspirational quotes, movies, books, websites, and more. When you're feeling down, open your bullet journal to your inspiration page to brighten your day!

When it comes to bullet journaling, there is no right or wrong. With creativity and the right tools, anyone can create a bullet journal designed to enhance your day to day, and stay organized all year!