This is the ultimate 2021 bullet journal setup guide.
And to be completely honest, I just can’t wait to show you how I start my bullet journal (third one!) for 2021.
Indeed, it’s unbelievable that third year in a row I set up new yearly planner pages.
For reference, here you can find my:
So if you want to know
- what bullet journal notebook I bought for 2021
- how the bullet journal works for me right now
- how I use these personalized planner layouts and spreads to boost my productivity and, in general, life organization
- what I put in a bujo notebook (hint: pretty cute journal ideas!)
Then keep reading!
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Table of Contents
2021 Bullet Journal Setup: Notebook & Pens
- Water-based pens ideal for coloring, fine art, illustrations, doodling, journaling,...
- Set of 10 Tombow Dual Brush Pens
- Flexible brush tip and fine tip in one marker.
Last update on 2024-09-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
First and foremost, let’s begin with the planner notebook I chose for 2021.
After using Archer and Olive‘s bullet journal for the last 6 months, I decided to come back to the Leuchtturm 1917 one.
And please, don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed Archer and Olive’s bullet journal mid-year setup.
However, keep in mind that my bujo goal was completely different. At that time bullet journaling was all about being creative and artistic for me. With this in mind, I simply needed a notebook with thicker pages to experiment with bullet journal watercolor pages, doodling, and drawings.
But, as usual, my creative enthusiasm lasted maybe 2 months, and again I used my bujo mostly as an organization, productivity tool.
For that reason, my 2021 bullet journal notebook is this cute, orange Leuchtturm 1917.
If you’re wondering what notebook is the best for bullet journaling, you may want to read:
Along with this, when it comes to other bullet journal supplies, nothing has changed.
Here are my top three bujo pens I’ve been using for two years.
For more bujo tools and accessories ideas, check out this blog post:
2021 Bullet Journal Setup [step by step]
Before we start, I’d only like to mention that, after lots of trials and errors, I know what kind of bullet journal system I want to use in 2021.
However, if you’re a beginner, before getting started with a bullet journal, please read my 101 bullet journal guides on:
So now, without further ado, let’s get started.
How Bullet Journal Works For Me Right Now
First and foremost, the major difference when it comes to bullet journaling is the fact that I’m slowly moving away from the classic approach with rapid logging and key symbols.
Also, I think I’m not into creative spreads anymore.
Basically, my current main organization tools are:
- family command center (basic whiteboard) for daily planning
- yearly wall calendar for future planning
- monthly calendar with a habit tracker printable for cleaning schedule and healthy habits tracking
- weekly meal planner template for a meal planning
- bullet journal for monthly and weekly reviews, brain dump sessions, journaling, budgeting
In 2021 I want to create more meal planning, budgeting, and general planner printables to put in a home management binder, leaving a bullet journal for lists, brain dump pages, reviews, and journaling.
Planning 2021 Bullet Journal Setup Layouts and Spreads Ahead
As a rule, I started setting up my 2021 bullet journal pages from planning layouts and a planner organization in general.
Firstly, I wrote down all the bujo pages I created within 2020 (from both notebooks). As you can see, I like to experiment with bullet journaling, but many pages often turn out to be unnecessary. For that reason, I always put down all previous pages and assess them.
For example, I don’t need to create an index page only because this notebook includes two premade index pages. Or last year I tested my pens with the Leuchtturm 1917 so the pen test layout is needless.
Then I created the second list where I jot down all pages I want to put in my 2021 bullet journal setup. Definitely, it’s a lot shorter.
Secondly, I used sticky notes to plan page order in a planner notebook for the organization’s purpose.
Bullet Journal 2021 Cover
My first bullet journal page is a cover.
This year, again I chose my one little word (focus) and included it on the yearly cover page.
Definitely, you have more options to choose from when it comes to the first page. Basically, you can choose inspiring bullet journal quotes and come up with creative theme ideas.
Year At A Glance
The next three pages include the 2021 bullet journal future log with a mini-calendar for each month and a place for notes.
Along with this, I left a little space for next year (2022) plans.
Level 10 Life Goals
In general, setting new years’ goals is a pretty common routine. Also this year I used the Level 10 Life exercise to set the 2021 New Year’s resolution.
By the way, here you can read exactly what Level 10 Life is and how to use it with your bullet journal:
Side note: here’s how I messed up with my 2021 bullet journal setup.
Basically, this page should have been created right after the calendar.
Well, there’s something in the saying that the shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot.
Wink, wink.
Financial Goals
Then I created a 2021 bullet journal setup for personal finances and budgeting.
Obviously, it’s only a tool but in fact, it helped me tremendously to be completely debt-free last year.
First and foremost, I created a bujo page with my three most important financial goals.
Because of the fact that goals should be achieved on time, I included the start and due date.
Additionally, there are progress boxes – just imagine achieving your goals in 130%! Definitely, it motivates me to work towards them even smarter (not necessarily harder).
Also, I wrote down two inspirational quotes:
“The most important investment you can make is in yourself” W.Buffet
“A big part of financial freedom is having your head and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life” S. Orman
Savings Tracker
On the next page, I added a simple, minimalist savings tracker- both for my personal and business life.
Basically, it’s a chart with 12 columns (for each month) and 8 rows (for savings amount).
Net Worth Tracker
Then I created an easy net worth tracker.
Definitely, it’s was so satisfying seeing how my liabilities were shrinking month after month.
As I mentioned before, now I’m living debt-free so in fact, I shouldn’t have created the liabilities column.
However, putting there 0 will remind me how far I’ve gone and motivated me to build up my assets this year.
Long-Term Financial Goals
Also, I set up a page for long-term financial goals.
Definitely, it’s always good to know the general direction you’re heading.
With this in mind, I designed a simple three columns chart with 3,5,10 years’ goals, their description, and (most important) an action plan.
Sinking Fund
If you’re wondering what a sinking fund is, basically it’s a way to save money for a specific purpose.
In other words, you save money ahead not because you want to invest them but you already know you’ll need them in the future to pay for:
- Christmas gifts
- doctor’s visits
- birthday party
- school supplies
- seasonal clothing, etc.
I’ve started having a sinking fund last year, but I easily lost control over it.
With this in mind, this year I want to control every single penny with my bullet journal sinking fund tracker.
For that reason, I created 12 pages for each month with 5 columns.
Definitely, I’ll put every single expense with date, description, amount, and track the balance of the sinking fund account and a cash envelope.
Along with this, for those of you who are looking for more inspiration, here I put a list of amazing bullet journal budget spread ideas.
Weight Loss Tracker
Additionally, 2021 is the year when I focus on a weight loss journey as well so the next bujo layout is a weight loss tracker.
This one-page bullet journal layout includes:
- the start and the due date
- progress tracker
- chart with 12 columns (for each month) and 8 columns (for weight unit)
- a space for my “why”
- a place for three actionable steps
Blog Stats
Along with this, as a full-time blogger, I like to keep an eye on the blog’s stats to see some traffic patterns and tailor content or marketing strategy based on it.
Here you can find another bullet journal for work inspiration.
Books Tracker
I think it’s pretty self-explanatory. This page is designated for book logging.
Basically, you fill this table with the date and title. Also, you rate the book for further reference.
Bullet Journal Lists
No products found.
Recently, I’ve read a genius book about simplifying and organizing life with lists.
Definitely, this book inspired me to experiment with making lists as a crucial part of my future bullet journal routine.
Last but not least, the next bullet journal spreads will be lists.
As I mentioned before, it’s a completely new way of bullet journaling for me. Indeed, I’m so excited to use my notebook in a new way.
Here is my list of lists I want to add to a 2021 bullet journal:
- things I want to buy
- things I need to buy
- 100 things I like
- 100 things I don’t like
- things I need and use (according to a room -great for decluttering)
- things I only own one of
- what I’d pack for the van life
- 50 things I’m proud of
- favorite food memories
- diy cleaning products’ recipes
- packing list
- places where I want to live
- the most satisfying simple pleasures
- my dream house
- things I like in my apartment
- my dream life
- the person I aspire to be
- favorite YouTube channels
- funny words
- everyday thoughts
- magic moments
- what I like about…(winter, spring, summer, fall)
2021 Bullet Journal Setup – Final Thoughts
So this is my 2021 bullet journal setup. As you can see, one more time it’s been proved that there is no specific definition of what bullet journaling is.
However, most bullet journalists have one thing in common. Definitely, it’s a great combination of being creative and organized at the same time.
It’s amazing that one simple notebook can be a planner, sketchbook, art journal, diary, list collection, or a little bit of everything.
What’s Next? Check out how you can organize your entire life with a bullet journal:
Daily Routine: How To Create The One [with a Bullet Journal]
Brain Dump Bullet Journal Guide [step by step]
Create a Vision Board in 7 Simple Steps
