Trying to stay on top of your to-do list while also setting up your bullet journal? Check out these bullet journal spread ideas for when you are too busy to plan.
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If you are anything like me, there are times where you have hours to sit and doodle, and then there are times where you have 10 minutes to throw together a spread.
It can be frustrating if you are someone who wants those extra decorative elements, but doesn’t have the time to create them.
So then you are stuck between putting off creating a specific spread and not planning at all, pushing other priorities aside to doodle (my big flaw), or creating something you aren’t going to love. None are that appealing.
I want to share with you some bullet journal spread ideas and tips to help you when you are too busy to plan. That way, you are still reaping the benefits of your bullet journal while also satisfying your need to be creative.
Tips for Bullet Journaling When You Don’t Have Time
Keep these tips in mind when you find yourself short on time. Remember that your journal is best when it’s being used. Even if that means holding off on a few of the colorful designs.
Keep it Simple
Draw and color to your heart’s content! But, be sure that the pages and trackers you are creating are manageable to your life.
I recently wrote a post about the 5 Mistakes Bullet Journal Newbies Make, and it includes creating too much.
When I started, like many others, I thought the more trackers and collection pages I had, the better my journal would be. That turned out to be completely untrue.
Stick to the things that resonate the most with your life and with your goals. If you find that you still have time to write and fill things in on a daily basis, you can consider adding more.
Have a Planning Routine
The best way to stay consistent with your bullet journal is to have a routine. This may mean writing out your tasks and events the evening before the following day.
It could also mean taking 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes at night to write and fill in trackers.
This can also extend into creation time. What day works best for you to create your upcoming weekly spread? Or, is it better to create the entire month’s worth of weeklies over a single weekend?
Find what works for you and stick with it.
Add the Details Later
You don’t have to complete a spread in one sitting. That is a misconception.
When you see these intricate spreads that have hours and hours worth of small line work, it’s very likely that that person did it over the course of a couple sittings.
So, start with the basics. Add in your weekly boxes or your monthly calendar. Get all of the necessities on paper first.
Then, come back when you have time to add the details, doodles, quotes, etc.
The number one tip is to remember the purpose of your bullet journal. This may be different for each person.
Believe it or not, there are people that consider the creative aspect of bullet journaling to be more important than the planning aspect. And obviously, vice versa.
No matter how you use your journal and what you deem important, make sure you are doing that first.
Too Busy to Plan? Check Out the Printable Shop for a quick solution.
17 Bullet Journal Spread Ideas for When You Are Too Busy to Plan
The following list will hopefully inspire you with some simple layouts for weekly spreads, monthly spreads, and habit trackers.
Looking past the the added details, these spreads may be quicker to throw together, saving your time and loss of productivity.
Remember, you can always add the details later on or leave them out completely.
Weekly Spreads
Monthly Spreads
Habit Trackers
If any of these spreads resonated with you, be sure to click through to the specific journaler’s Instagram and give them a follow!
I’m curious if you found