What is a Bullet Journal?
Bullet Journal (or BuJo for short) is a simple yet highly flexible planning method created by Ryder Carroll. It combines a journal, calendar, to-do list, and creative self-expression into a single notebook. It is not a pre-filled system — you create the content yourself, based on your personal needs and life rhythms. There is no wrong way to do it; what matters most is that it helps you organize your thoughts, track your goals, and make space for creativity.
But how did this method come to be? Continue reading…
How Bullet Journal Was Created: Ryder Carroll’s Story
Ryder Carroll is a product designer and the creator of the Bullet Journal method. He originally developed the BuJo system for himself as a way to cope with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At a time when suitable tools and support were limited, Ryder spent years developing an effective note-taking and planning system that helped him organize his thoughts and focus on what truly mattered. Bullet Journal became a tool that brought clarity to his everyday life, and today the method has grown into a global movement, helping millions of people structure their days, goals, and creative ideas.
Manilla recommends:
If you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of the method’s essence and philosophy, we highly recommend exploring the book The Bullet Journal Method, also available at Manilla. In the book, author Ryder Carroll explains both the practical aspects of the system and how this method can help you live a more meaningful and mindful life in a clear and accessible way.
How to Start Your Bullet Journal Journey?
Let’s explore a few Bullet Journal essentials to get you started on your journaling journey:
Daily Log
The foundation of your daily planning. Easy, quick notes to keep you on track:
• Task
◦ Event
– Notes and observations
Habit Tracker
A great tool for building new habits. Create a table or a grid of habits and mark each day you complete them. For inspiration:
☐ Drank 2L of water
☐ 30 min walk
☐ No phone after 21:00
Future Log
This is the place to note down events, ideas, or tasks you’ll need to remember in the coming months but that aren’t yet tied to a specific date. It acts as a forward-looking overview, helping you keep track of what matters most.
Example, SEPTEMBER:
◦ 5.09. friends birthday
– Idea: join calligraphy courses
• Plan a weekend trip
Manilla recommends:
Your Bullet Journal doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a tool that adapts to your life — sometimes helping you be more productive, other times simply giving space to your thoughts and feelings. Don’t be too hard on yourself — start with a single page and see where it takes you.
Additionally, we’ve created a Pinterest board (click here!) where you can find inspiration, structure, and design ideas for your page layouts.
Your pages don’t have to be clean or minimalist — you can decorate and structure them in whatever way feels most comfortable and intuitive to you. Use markers (we love Tombow brush pens), stickers — both decorative and functional ones (such as habit trackers, month and weekday stickers, etc.), colorful washi tape, and stencils.
Consider this your sign — it’s time to begin your Bullet Journal journey!
The original Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal (created in collaboration with the method’s author, Ryder Carroll) is available in our stores and online!
– Your friends at Manilla
