A common question people send me is “How do I start bullet journaling again? It’s been a long time and I’m not sure where to start”.
This is very common and not limited to bullet journaling. Someone could just as easily have asked how to start reading again, exercising, writing, or making YouTube videos after an involuntary break.
The trick is this: focus on doing a small task consistently to create momentum in the habit.
Most people do the opposite, waiting for the time or inspiration to do a monthly bujo layout, run a 5k, write 1000 words, or read a few chapters.
This is wrong.
Instead write a few bullets for your day, and do that for the next week. Write one line in your journal, or go for a short walk. Small and steady creates momentum. Going big on a restart leads to exhaustion.
I’m in the midst of this too. Changing jobs is a time-consuming activity that sucked up a lot of the time I dedicated to YouTube videos. I have a standard for video quality I feel like I have to reach, so even recording a “quick” layout video takes at least 5-6 hours.
In taking my own advice, I thought of how I could do something small and consistent to stay on video and keep sharing my ideas. The last two Mondays I’ve hosted a low-key Instagramlive, just to chat with people, talk about how I’m planning my week, and answer questions.
Between Themes for Thinkers emails and the IG Live “shows” I’m able to be consistent in a small way while I work on creating more YouTube videos for you.
It’s my equivalent of walking around the block to get ready for another run through the woods. It’s acting small and steady instead of creating only one video every 4-6 weeks. If you want to follow @bulletjournalguy and watch this week I’d love to see you!
The question to ponder and act on this week is where you could take small, steady action to restart something important in your life. Hit reply and let me know what it is, I read each one and respond to as many as I can.
Have a great week friends, let’s stay on the path together!
Matt
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash