5 Seconds Summary:
The bullet journal keys helps in rapid logging by using bullets and symbols. This will help ease the bullet journaling process
The simplicity of the bullet journal lies in the utilization of keys or signifiers.
When I first come across the bullet journal, I get confused and thought it was some sort of hidden message like the petroglyphs- the carving of the wall of the cave from prehistoric times.
Why so many key symbols?
What does it mean?
What are all those arrows and bullets and stars…
Curious, I dig deeper into what’s the bullet journal keys are all about
The essence of a bullet journal is rapid logging which is a short-form notation
And how to maximize the logging process?
By using bullets and symbols
This visual representation by using a bullet or signifier could help ease the journaling process
In the original video by Ryder Carroll on basic bullet journaling setup, he didn’t mention anything on the bujo keys
What he did mention is using different forms of the bullet which are the symbols to represent the task, events, or notes in your entries.
However, some refer the bullet journal keys or legend as the reference guide to keep track of various symbols you use in your bullet journal
This way, you won’t get lost in the middle of journaling scratching your head, trying to decode your entry
Original bullet journal key
The original bullet journal key by Ryder Carroll is simple and very much suitable for beginner
He divided the entry into 3 different categories
- Task: indicated by dot bullet (.)
- Events: indicated by circle bullet (o)
- Notes: indicated by dash bullet (-)
That’s it.
The original bullet key only required 3 simple symbols
If you want to emphasize the importance of the task, place the asterisk or maybe a star to the left of it.
This is known as a signifier
Signifiers add extra meaning to the bullet, which in this case indicates a priority
How to use the bullet journal keys?
Now you know what the symbols represent, how to go from there?
Bujo task key is probably the most used symbol throughout the journal.
Simply because well, we have tasks to be completed every single day
So how to mark once the task is done?
X out the task that you have completed
For the incomplete task, evaluate the task first and see the relevance of you continuing the task
There are 3 outcomes from this:
Number 1, if it’s not important and has no value to continue, simply strike it out
Number 2, if it’s important, draw a right-facing arrow and transfer or copy it into the new monthly log or another collection.
This is called migration
> Migrated – If you didn’t complete a Task, you Migrate it to another Collection
< Scheduled – Tasks with specific dates in the future. These can be added to the Future Log
The idea of this exercise is to only focus on the things that matter to you.
I like this concept of removing distractions and focusing on the things that are worth our time.
Sometimes it’s easy to feel busy or be busy without actually knowing what we are doing
And the bullet journal might help us with that
So how does it looks like in your entry?
Thursday 21/4
- Laundry
- Fold clothes
X Write 1 article
X Prepare lecture material
> May budget calculation
< Vet appointment May 5th
I have curated some of the bullet journal keys idea from instagram to help you create yours!
Bullet journal keys idea
Minimalist bullet journal key
The minimalist bullet journal keys is for those who just need to get it done.
It is simple and basic but still fit the purpose of bujo keys
Photo by @rumi_park via instagram
Photo by @myra.bujo via instagram
Note that myra.bujo has more elaborated keys whereas rum_park is more simple and basic.
the complexity of the bujo keys will depend on how much you need to be guided in using your bujo.
Photo by @ym.ym.note via instagram
Photo by @journalwithmadds via instagram
Photo by @bujowithandrea via instagram
Minimalist with simple design
If you like minimalist bullet journal keys, but prefer with a little design, check out jandibujo page
she has the ability to create simple design but still look minimal in her bujo
Photo by @jandibujo via instagram
Colour coded journal key
For those who like to spice up your bujo with colours, you can using colour code bujo keys like these:
Photo by @_potato__potahto_ via instagram
Photo by @osomelerobitacoras via instagram
Photo by @study_orthophoniste via instagram
Photo by @multitaskingmamahoch2 via instagram
Photo by @otaku_mamadraw_ via instagram
Simple Colour coded journal key
Photo by @vikajournals via instagram
Photo by @thefoxicorn via instagram
Artsy journal key
Bullet journal keys doesn’t have to be plain and boring
if you prefer more well decorated bujo key page, check out these talented, creative people bujo keys
Photo by @justbeyourplans via instagram
Photo by @mooshimocreations via instagram
Photo by @wachako_to via instagram
Photo by @hellobonjournal via instagram
Pull-Out Key
This idea of having pull out bujo key is brilliant
convenient and functional, what a bujo keys is all about
Photo by @lilian.letters via instagram
Photo by @bujowithjules via instagram
Photo by @ichigo_note via instagram
The bookmark bujo Key
another variation of pull-out key is the book mark.
this is suitable for the beginner who still need to work out whatever the symbols mean.
Photo by @kirsebaertrae via instagram
Photo by @mombrainbujo via instagram
There you go, the bullet journal keys idea that will help you saves your time in journaling
which one is your favourite?
