Reflect, reset, refresh.

Before I break open a new bullet journal, I like to go through my previous bujo to see what was working, what wasn’t, and what was missing during the year. One of my goals for 2019 was to create a simplified bullet journal system that I could maintain throughout the year, working a 9-5 and commuting between 2-4 hours a day, and I’m proud of what I accomplished. This is exactly what I love about bullet journaling: there are no hard and fast rules.

You create what works for you, experiment if you feel inclined, and keep optimizing year after year.

Check, check, check on my happiness boxes: creation, experimentation, and optimization!

If you’re looking to refresh your bullet journal system for 2020, here’s a quick review of my 2019 bujo set-up and the elements I plan to bring into the new year.

The System:

Start each month with a quote and cover page. (I skipped June’s quote, but 11/12 is still good!)
Combine monthly/weekly/daily into one master hybrid set-up using the dutch door method. (Yes, this was the year of being okay with cutting pages and I have no regrets.)

Monthly Quote and Cover Pages:

January 2019

If you have good thoughts, they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. - Roald Dahl

February 2019

What is done in love is done well. - Vincent van Gogh

March 2019

Still I rise. - Maya Angelou

April 2019

The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me. - Ayn Rand

May 2019

ukiyo
[u-key-o] Japanese
(n.) living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life
”The Floating World”

June 2019

July 2019

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to start that counts. - Winston Churchill

August 2019

Be really whole and all things will come to you. - Lao Tzu

September 2019

Kindness eases change, love quiets fear. - Octavia Butler

October 2019

Just follow your heart and keep smiling. - Kiki’s Delivery Service

November 2019

I dream of mountains and the sea calling longingly for me. - Anjeliqueca

December 2019

When I let go of who I am, I become who I might be. - Lao Tzu

Monthly/Weekly/Daily Hybrid Set-Up:

Psst. Check out my Instagram Highlights for step-by-step instructions on how to create my monthly/weekly/daily hybrid set-up.

The hybrid set-up works for me because I’m able to see all my goals or intentions for the month and a high-level overview of what I did. This system isn’t the best for days or weeks with tons of tasks that need to be planned and outlined; so in my next bullet journal I’m looking to optimize my task list and daily system.

Which month is your favorite? Leave a comment below and, as always, thank you for reading.

If you liked this post, you might like my Bullet Journal Notebook Comparison Guide to get you started on your own bujo journey. Happy journaling, my friends!