When I started bullet journaling, a few years ago, I honestly didn’t think I’d ever go back to using a traditional pre-designed planner! I love the freedom of the blank notebook and the simplicity and speed of daily logging. But, I’ve found myself craving a little more structure and a faster, more practical way to plan for the future. So, after researching traditional planners I decided to spend a few months experimenting in a Classic Happy Planner. What I’ve discovered is that it’s possible to use much of the bullet journaling method inside a pre-designed planner, to be a more creative and productive journaler overall. I’m sharing how I created my ‘Happy Planner Bullet Journal’ and the methods I’m using for planning and journaling.
Discbound Happy Planner – easy to customise!
When choosing a new planner to try, it was important for it be easy to customise. I wanted the flexibility to add and remove pages as necessary, and to add my own printable pages. I also needed a monthly and weekly layout with a good amount of space to write and draw on. Plus, if I was going to go down the pre-designed planner route, it needed to be a planner with an overall look and feel that I adored! The discbound Happy Planner system fit all my requirements. I love that pages can be easily added or removed from the discs. Using the Happy Planner punch, I’m able to turn my printable designs into Happy Planner inserts.
Creating a Happy Planner Bullet Journal
While I love the Happy Planner vertical layout, it really doesn’t allow a lot of room for daily logging, notetaking, brain dumping etc – all of the things that help me the most to stay organised. To make room for daily logging and notetaking in my Happy Planner, I use a printable sheet of Dot Grid paper to fit the Classic Happy Planner. (You can download the dot grid paper from my free Planner Lovers Resource Library.)
I print the dot grid paper at home using my ink-jet printer. I print on both sides of the paper so I end up with double-sided dot grid planner inserts. Adding a dotted page right in the middle of my Happy Planner Weekly Spread allows me to write my daily log while also viewing my weekly spread. If I write a lot, I simply add an extra page of dot grid paper. But most weeks one sheet is enough. I’ve used this system of daily logging in my Happy Planner for about six weeks and it’s working really well to keep me organised and productive.
Another way I’ve been using dot grid paper in my Happy Planner is to write a daily journal entry and create collections. I insert these pages at the beginning of each month, just in front of the monthly tab. A custom ‘monthly index’ helps me keep track of which collections are inside which month.
Logging priority tasks and appointments in a Happy Planner Weekly Spread
Now that I’m capturing tasks, events, notes and ideas on my dot grid paper, I’m free to use the Happy Planner Weekly Spread in a more creative way. I use the vertical spaces to log top priority tasks, recurring tasks and appointments. I also add little drawings and memories, or highlights, from the day. This gives me the perfect opportunity to get creative and decorate my planner pages. The small vertical spaces actually minimise the decisions I need to make about how to set up a page, or where to add a drawing. It’s quick, easy and fun to fill in!
Use Drawing Prompts to make daily drawing easy and fun!
Creativity is something I really value, and I try to infuse everything I do with creativity, including my planning. I regularly use drawing prompts to inspire my own drawing and doodling. As someone who tends to be quite anxious, decision making is not something I’m very good at! Prompts simplify daily drawing and creativity. They make it easier to add a quick illustration to my planner every day. I also experiment with fun, simple ways to use creative lettering. I don’t worry about wobbly lines or imperfection. When it comes to drawing and hand lettering, practice makes perfect. So I figure, the more practice I can get, no matter how small, the quicker my skills will improve.
If you would like to use drawing prompts too, you will find some printable lists inside the Planner Lovers Resource Library.
Free Printable Happy Planner Inserts
To help you further develop your Bullet-Journal-style Happy Planner I’ve designed some more free printable Happy Planner inserts, including Gratitude Trackers and a Weekend Log.
The Mood and Gratitude tracker with gorgeous mandala design can be downloaded for free from my Planner Lovers Resource Library. It allows you to track both your daily moods and gratitude practice in one place. Learn more about using the Mood and Gratitude tracker in this post.
The Gratitude Jar has been one of my most popular gratitude planner printables. Now you can download it for free from the Planner Lovers Resource Library in Classic Happy Planner size! Learn more about how to use the Gratitude Jar in this post.
The printable Weekend Log is another popular page that will bring a ‘bullet-journal-feel’ to your Classic Happy Planner! Use it to explore and prioritise your passions every weekend and make more time for the things you love. You can download the printable for free from my Planner Lovers Resource Library. Learn more about using the Weekend Log and Passion Wheel in this post.
If you prefer to customise your weekly log with a more ‘bullet journal style’ layout, download a free Watercolour Weekly Log. There’s room for your top priority tasks, weekly goals, meals, gratitude and a mini habit tracker. Find out more about using the Weekly log in this post.
The best thing about creative journaling is that you have the flexibility to use any notebook or planner you love. You can truly make it yours! My advice is always to experiment, and find what works best for you.
If you use a Happy Planner or bullet journal, or you’re combining both, leave a comment and let me know!
