3 Essential Monthly Pages for your Bullet Journal
Do you keep a Bullet Journal? Are you looking for inspiration for page ideas? Maybe you have been using a Bullet Journal for a while and need some new ideas?
Hello, it’s Alex (@TheJournalCorner) from the Archer and Olive ambassador team. Today I am going to share 3 pages I always include in my monthly Bullet Journal setups. The Bullet Journal Method, from Ryder Carroll, is an organisational system to help you become focused and effective.
I have kept a Bullet Journal since 2017. Initially my pages were minimal and monochrome but over time I found being creative in my journal helped me to unwind while staying productive. I have explored and experimented with many different pages. Some of these focus on productivity, while others reflect and review on a period of time.
This blog will take you through some explanation with examples of the pages I use most frequently. Remember you can also find a video of my steps at the end of this page if you prefer to watch. I have also created a printable to help create these pages and save time in your own journal.
Supplies needed
For a Bullet Journal, all you really need is a notebook and pen. You can see what Archer & Olive journals are currently available here.
Some of the ideas I am sharing today will also need pens such as the calliographs and it’s always nice to add some simple decoration too and Archer and Olive have some lovely themed washi and stickers. You will also see I love to use coloured paper in my Bullet Journal!
If you are looking to purchase anything from Archer & Olive, please use ‘Alex10’ to save 10%. This is an affiliate code, so it allows you to support creators like me too.
DashBoard Page
After a monthly calendar page, I include a dashboard spread in my Bullet Journal. This is an overview of the month ahead, usually focusing on tasks to complete, but can be adapted to your needs. I find having one master to-do list works well for me to then distribute throughout my weekly pages.
I often identify the top 3 priorities and then have a longer to-do list that I can add to throughout the month. I sometimes group tasks by type e.g. phone calls, online tasks, shopping - this means I can batch complete them when I have a quiet hour or time on the computer for example.
A more fun element of a dashboard page is noting down things you want to watch, listen to, plans you hope to make etc. It’s not all about productivity!
Month in Review
One page I have been consistent with the past few years is a month in review page. At the end of each month, this is a great way to reflect, review and consider improvements for subsequent months.
I have been including a summary of my tracker pages, weather statistics, a few lines on how I am feeling too.
I also like to include things we have enjoyed, events or activities plus entertainment e.g. books, movies, TV shows.
A review of the month is a lovely way to look back through the year and see progress or at least jog your memory that you have achieved more than you thought you did!
Favourites or Highlights Page
The final page to look at today is a ‘Favourites of the Month’ or highlights page. This allows more detail than a monthly review and works well if created at the start of the month. This means you can add to it throughout rather than trying to recall events at the end of the month.
I have enjoyed including places visited, music and movies watched, events and even meals we have enjoyed. Some months I have used photos by printing onto sticker paper which creates a nice visual summary of the month.
In April 2024, I created a highlights page alongside a favourites one. I used Kraft paper from Archer & Olive along with acrylic stamps from the spring launch to create this postage stamp theme.
Printable and Video
I hope you have found this article useful in helping you with ideas to use in your own Bullet Journal.
Please take a look at the printable below to save you time in your journal. Don’t forget to watch the video to see more on these ideas too.
Summary
For more journal inspiration come and say hello @thejournalcorner. We always love to see your creations, so please tag @archerandolive or use #aoshare on Instagram.
The Archer & Olive blog has a lot of articles to help inspire you in your Bullet Journaling. Take a look at some daily or cover page ideas. There is also some advice on setting goals using your Bullet Journal and keeping consistent.