Today you’re going to learn how to set up minimalist bullet journal weekly spread ideas that help you:
- plan and organize an entire week (even if your schedule is crazy busy)
- stay focused on your main goals
- set weekly priorities
- to stop overloading your to-do list
- relieve stress and anxiety
- estimate time for specific tasks
- avoid procrastination
- make time for self-care
In fact, keeping a weekly bullet journal helped me create a schedule without getting completely overwhelmed, avoid freaking out about my never-ending list of tasks I wish to accomplish, and deal with a feeling of being stressed out about my long to-do list
So if you struggle with planning your week ahead, then you’ll love this step-by-step guide on how to create minimalist bullet journal weekly spreads.
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What is Bullet Journal Weekly Spread
Generally, a weekly spread allows you to have all tasks, events, appointments, reminders, notes, etc. gathered in one place.
In case, you’re wondering what the difference between setting up a weekly journal and a daily planner is, here’re some pros and cons of weekly planning pages.
The Top Pros of Bullet Journal Weekly Layout (vs. Daily Logs)
- you have a weekly overview at hand
- you know immediately how the schedule for the next days looks
- it’s easier to plan your week or weeks ahead than within a daily log
The Top Cons of Bullet Journal Weekly Layout (vs. Daily Logs)
- due to limited space, sometimes it’s hard to fit everything (like daily notes, and ideas) in.
- you don’t have a place to break your big tasks into smaller steps.
- it can be time-consuming
In conclusion, choosing the right bullet journal spreads depends strongly on personal preferences.
In most cases, if your schedule is repeatable, you don’t have a lot on your plate or you don’t need to write every single task detail, setting up minimalist bullet journal weekly spreads can be enough.
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Minimalist Bullet Journal Weekly Spreads Not Only For Students
First and foremost, this is definitely one of the most aesthetic bullet journal weekly spread ideas.
The minimalist bullet journal weekly spread includes a mini calendar and boxes for a weekly log.
However, the best part of this simple planner weekly page is simple flower doodles and pretty bullet journal headers.
The next weekly spread for bullet journaling stands out for one reason.
Undoubtedly, the bullet journal font is what makes this minimalist bullet journal weekly page amazing.
Also, I think you can easily use a bullet journal stencil to achieve this type of clean look.
On the other hand, choosing thin, tall bullet journal fonts results in a simpler, more modern style.
Additionally, this bullet journal week overview is so easy and quick to create in your notebook.
Clever tip: use a ruler for crisp and straight lines.
Similar to the previous weekly planner inspiration, here you can see simple bujo headings in a circle shape.
Along with this, feel free to set up:
- weekly to-do list
- weekly habit tracker
- mini calendar
- notes
Definitely, it's a great combo that helps skyrocket your productivity.
Moreover, this is an example of a simple bullet journal week spread.
Basically, it's a daily to-do list created within a bujo weekly log.
Cute galaxy doodles decorate this weekly setup.
However, they don't cause any kind of distraction.
Alternatively, you can create easy bullet journal boxes with cute hand-lettering.
Undoubtedly, it's so helpful to have a productive week with this type of weekly planning idea.
In this case, the weekly bullet journal page includes a quote:
"Baby, it's cold outside"
Definitely, it completes the cool pink color highlights for the days of the week.
I love how bujo weekly spreads can be simple but still creative at the same time.
In most cases, what makes minimalist bullet journal weekly spreads stand out is the fonts.
This planner weekly layout doesn't need doodles and drawings.
The neat handwriting makes it work in 100%.
This bullet journal planner weekly log is perfect for a less busy schedule.
Cute start doodles and brush lettering take this bujo page to another level.
Also, I have to mention that Zebra markers are my favorite highlighters I've ever used.
This is another example of a double-page weekly spread.
Again, I think that making daily tasks list is a great way to stay on track and get things done.
Besides, using bullet journal signifiers can organize your week in the most productive way.
Finally, I think it's the only example of an artistic but still minimalist bullet journal weekly planner.
These black and white, aesthetic flower doodle is a real masterpiece.
Definitely, it requires a few artistic skills.
But the end effect is simply stunning.
Differing from the previous bullet journal example, this one was probably created with a stencil.
Obviously, there's nothing wrong with using helpful bujo tools.
Indeed, using stencils is one of my favorite bullet journal hacks.
Although this handwriting is a little bit messy, the bold numbers make this weekly journal page look amazing.
Also, I assume these black small dots are some kind of a tracker - maybe a sleep tracker or a water tracker.
Nevertheless, it's so pretty minimalist weekly planner.
Because of using a dotted grid notebook, you're able to use them as a helpful tool to create geometric decoration.
To demonstrate it, here you can see how you can simply color dots and make a chevron pattern.
So clever!
Generally, you can choose between two bullet journal layouts: one page or double-page.
Sometimes, one page is enough to schedule your weekly tasks and projects, especially during less busy seasons.
Also, I love how this bullet journalist includes a space for the project.
For this reason, this weekly layout will work great as a part of your bullet journal for work.
Similar to the previous bujo weekly layout, this simple planner page includes bullet points with daily tasks.
Again, you can notice bullet journal key signifiers.
Definitely, it's a great tool for life organization.
This is another example of a cute weekly planner page.
It's amazing how adding a small pop of color can make a real difference.
Definitely, highlighters are a bullet journalist's best friend.
Proof of this can be this blue pretty weekly bujo layout.
This time, instead of a Zebra highlighter, the author used a Tombow brush pen.
Not only the days of the week are highlighted, but also a mini calendar and a bullet journal title.
Last but not least, this one-page week journal page includes a weekly habit tracker.
Unquestionably, tracking healthy habits as morning yoga or fruit intake is always a good idea.
How To Create a Weekly Planning Routine
Unquestionably, creating your own planning routine is crucial for having a productive week.
First and foremost, you want to start planning your week rather sooner than later.
Definitely, my biggest mistake when it comes to weekly bullet journals was scheduling everything on Monday.
Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with Mondays.
If your week starts on Tuesday or Wednesday, it’s absolutely ok to create a bujo weekly spread then.
In my case, on Saturday but no later than on Sunday, I take my favorite bullet journal supplies and spend maybe 30 – 60 minutes on planning next week.
As Brain Tracy says, every minute spent in planning saves as many as ten minutes in execution, so it’s definitely worth it.
Speaking of which, also remember to schedule your planning time in your bullet journal weekly layout.
From my experience, it could take something between thirty minutes to even an hour so keep it in mind.
Weekly Planning in a Bullet Journal [Step by Step]
Now it’s time for planning.
Here I want to put a short disclaimer.
In general, everyone has a different lifestyle, needs, personality, strengths, etc.
So what works for me, potentially can be a disaster for you.
Similarity to the fashion industry, the “one size fits all” type of planning simply doesn’t work.
So with this in mind, for those of you who have a hard time planning a week in a bullet journal, here’s my step-by-step weekly bullet journal planning routine.
Start from Bujo Refection Page From The Previous Week
First and foremost, I start my weekly planning in a bullet journal after reviewing the previous week.
Later you’re going to see the exact weekly review bujo page with braindump and Eisenhower matrix.
Also, I’ll tell you how I use these tools to reflect on a week, clear my thoughts, and set priorities for next week.
Assuming that I’ve already reviewed the previous week, I go back to my bullet journal vision board and page with my monthly and quarterly goals.
Indeed, I want to check if they’re still specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time and if I’m working towards them.
Undoubtedly, it helps me tremendously to stay on track, be laser focus, and avoid any distractions.
Next, I set weekly goals (again, based on the braindump and Eisenhower matrix), break them down into daily tasks, and list down all action steps.
Time Your Tasks
Due to stop overloading your weekly schedule, it’s good to run a time audit.
Basically, all you have to do is to track the time you spend on specific tasks or, generally, throughout the day.
As a result, you’ll see where your time is going. Therefore you’ll be able to set up your weekly schedule without overloading it.
With this in mind, create a simple time log in your bullet journal, set your timer for a specific interval of time like 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, write down what you’re currently working on, and just start.
Personally, I love working with the Pomodoro technique (25-minute work + 5-minute break intervals).
For example, recently I run a time audit for all blogging tasks.
Now I know that doing research takes me 1 Pomodoro or writing a text takes me 2 Pomodoro, etc.
Therefore, it’s so much easier for me to plan my week more accurately.
Also, the main reason why you set yourself up for failure with your weekly schedule is that you forget to plan breaks, add buffer time, and be a little bit more realistic.
Speaking of adding buffer time, usually, everything takes longer than you think.
Just in case you haven’t heard of the Fudge Ratio, it’s a great way to estimate time tasks a little bit better.
As well as that, keep in mind that life is unexpected.
The world won’t come to an end if you migrate some tasks to next week.
It’s absolutely ok.
Personally, I consider my week a success when I complete about 80% of my to-do list.
Create Bullet Journal Weekly Schedule
Now, when my weekly goals, priorities, and tasks are set up, I can plan the entire week in a bullet journal.
I prefer setting up minimalistic bullet journal weekly spreads without drawing tables, doodling, and other fancy stuff.
My bujo weekly layout has to be fluff-free, simple, and straightforward.
It helps me stay laser focused and avoid any kind of distractions.
Basically, my bullet journal weekly spread includes:
- mini calendar
- weekly goals
- next week’s to-do list (also suitable for unexpected tasks)
- Pomodoro timeline (2 x 4 boxes each 1×1 cm)
The weekly planning I do as follow:
Firstly, I scan my bullet journal monthly spread to check important dates (for instance, birthdays, deadlines, events, holidays, appointments, etc) and put them in a weekly layout using a color-coding index.
Secondly, I schedule the most important tasks. Also, I keep in mind my energy level.
What I mean by that, is I noticed that my energy level fluctuates during the week and the day as well.
For this reason, my bullet journal weekly schedule assumes that:
- Monday and Tuesday afternoons are designated for easy tasks and creative stuff I really enjoy doing.
- Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are for all challenging tasks because it’s my most productive time within the whole week.
- On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday, I deal with administration and publishing. Indeed, it’s my low-energy time.
Friday is a good day for any miscellaneous things.
Moreover, I like batching all my weekly tasks and using color-coding for each block.
Other Scheduling Methods
- Pomodoro technique
- Time-Blocking Method
- MIT Method (most important tasks of the day)
- 90-Minute Focus Sessions
For the most part, it all comes down to finding the best combo based on your personal preferences.
In my opinion, it’s good to try all of them out and see what works for you.
Bullet Journal Weekly Planning Trick
Review your Sunday planning in the middle of the week.
Maybe your schedule needs a reality check.
See your progress and decide if you’re able to complete your to-do list for this week.
In case, your schedule is too busy, it’s worth lowering your expectations and rescheduling some tasks.
Set Up Bullet Journal Weekly Pages
Besides my bujo weekly spread, I like to create separate planner pages, for example:
To demonstrate minimalist bullet journal weekly spread ideas, my daily log is pretty simple and includes a daily affirmation, small goals for today, a Pomodoro tracker, and a daily gratitude log.
Create a Bullet Journal Weekly Reflection Page (Accomplish Journal)
Last but not least, I always create a bullet journal weekly reflection page including:
- weekly review with a done list
- Eisenhower matrix
Brain Dump
Firstly, I start reviewing a week from the brain dump session.
Basically, I put anything that’s in your head plus some other loose paper, casual notes, or post-its onto a paper.
It allows me to clear my head, organize thoughts, and as a result, make planning my next week way better and easier.
Also, it’s a great place for putting new, unassigned items during the week.
Weekly Review Page
Secondly, after a brain dump session, I like to reflect on the entire week.
Because of having a hard time writing an accomplished journal, here’re a few basic questions to ask yourself:
- Did I finish my to-do list?
- If not, why? What was the most challenging?
- Did I make progress toward achieving my monthly goals?
Also, you may want to think about things you should start, stop, and continue doing in order to achieve your goals.
Eisenhower Matrix
Thirdly, when I have all the answers, I can put them in the Eisenhower matrix.
Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best productivity hacks that allows you to understand and decide which tasks really matter.
In fact, you draw two lines crossing each other and assign your things into four categories accordingly:
- urgent-important (things to do now)
- not urgent – important (things to plan)
- urgent – not important (things to delegate)
- not urgent – not important (things to delete)
This is how you set your priorities for next week.
Weekly Journal Template
For those of you, who really care about the aesthetic part of bullet journaling, this is a great collection of bullet journal weekly spread inspiration in minimal style.
Do you know what kind of bullet journal activity takes the most time, particularly in the beginning?
Looking for a perfect bullet journal weekly layout on Pinterest or Instagram.
I totally get it – trust me, I’ve been there myself several times.
Ironically, spending all of my free time seeking bujo spreads caused inconsistency in bullet journal weekly planning itself.
Don’t get me wrong – I really enjoy all amazing artistic spreads with gorgeous hand lettering, cute doodle, and elegant drawings.
However, instead of getting the most out of bullet journaling, I focused too much on aesthetic values so I stopped doing it.
Obviously, you don’t have to decorate your bullet journal weekly spreads in order to have a productive week.
For example, you can use free bullet journal printables.
To demonstrate it, here’s how I use this weekly bullet journal free printable.
Firstly, I add an inspirational bullet journal quote.
Today is a good day for a good day.
Also, I use bullet journal boxes as a weekly log.
Along with this, I created a water log, a gratitude log, a weekly habit tracker, and next week’s to-do list.
How to Handle Recurring Tasks in a Bullet Journal Weekly Spread
Absolutely, one of the most common questions I get when it comes to bullet journaling is how to handle recurring tasks in this system without having to rewrite them over and over again.
In my opinion, putting them in a habit tracker is the best option.
And yes, although you have to complete it on a daily basis, you feel more in control of your life and less stressed and anxious.
How To Plan Your Week in a Bullet Journal with a Busy and Dynamic Schedule
Undoubtedly, you can deal with your busy, dynamic schedule and still use a bullet journal system with sticky notes.
Just assign a color to a specific category (for example family members, type of activity, living area, etc) and write down tasks.
Then stick them on a simple bullet journal spread.
In case something unexpected happens, just move a sticky note.
It’s a great way of bullet journaling while having a busy schedule for two reasons:
- your weekly spread remains clean and readable even after some drastic changes in your schedule
- if you leave it undated, you can reuse them throughout the whole month
Minimalist Bullet Journal Weekly Spreads – Final Thoughts
So now, that you know how to use a minimalist bullet journal weekly spreads in order to get the most out of every minute of the day, I hope you see how it levels up the quality of your life.
On the other hand, I know that for many bullet journalists having an aesthetic bujo page is a big deal.
With this in mind, here I gathered some amazing minimalist bullet journal weekly spreads ideas.
Just remember that a bullet journal is fully customizable.
It means not taking all of this inspiration too seriously.
Think about your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
It’s all about the process of trial and error. Try different things, experiment, and notice what works for you.
However, it’s healthy to create some space for spontaneity.
Although I really believe in the power of planning, sometimes I like to close my bullet journal and go with the flow.
What’s Next? Discover Other Minimalist Bullet Journal Guides:
How to Start a Bullet Journal 2023 Step-By-Step Guide
The Best Bullet Journal Supplies
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