Changed my mind about needing a perfect journal after a trip to Portland

I visited the Japanese Garden in Portland last week and saw a woman sketching in a simple, messy notebook. It was just a grid book with quick pencil drawings and notes about the plants. I always thought my bullet journal had to be neat with fancy spreads, but seeing her use it as a real tool changed my mind. She told me, 'This is just for me to remember the day.' I realized I was spending more time decorating than actually planning. Now I'm trying a basic weekly log with no art. Has anyone else switched to a simpler style after feeling stuck?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_paul1mo ago

Tbh, how's the basic log working for you so far?

the_rose1mo ago

Yeah, the basic log is actually pretty solid for me too.

stella_murray1mo agoTop Commenter

Ever notice how the simplest tools are the ones we actually stick with?

blair_dixon1mo ago

My own weekly log is just a blank page with the days of the week written down the left side. I put three small tasks under each day and that's it. @the_paul, it works because there's no pressure to make it look good. I used to avoid opening my fancy journal if I knew I didn't have time to draw a border. Now I just grab a pen and write.