# How I Bullet Journal in a Dated Planner featuring Sterling Ink ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BQhzZhGWojk/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Introduction and Setup - The Sterling Ink Common Planner is being used for bullet journaling in 2025, and it's a pre-printed planner with dated pages, specifically an A5 full-year dated planner with horizontal weekly spreads [(00:00:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=6s). - The bullet journal method can be used in a pre-printed planner, and it's not necessary to start with a notebook and pen, but it's recommended to learn the method before adding artistic elements [(00:00:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=31s). - The decision to move to a pre-printed planner was made for 2024, and it's being continued for 2025, with the goal of incorporating the bullet journal method into the planner [(00:01:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=69s). - The planner has a year-at-a-glance page, followed by two blank pages, which can be used for indexing, a crucial part of the bullet journal method [(00:02:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=139s). - Indexing is done by separating entries by date and collection, with daily logging starting on page one, and collections such as event plans, meeting notes, and brainstorming ideas kept in a separate section [(00:03:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=209s). - A full setup video for the 2025 planner is scheduled to be released on December 1st, and it will cover the process of setting up the planner for the new year [(00:02:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=162s). - The bullet journal method can be adapted to a pre-printed planner, and it's not necessary to have a notebook and pen to start, but it's recommended to learn the basics before adding artistic elements [(00:00:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=44s). - The planner's layout, with horizontal weekly spreads, was chosen specifically to accommodate bullet journaling, and the weekly pages will be shown in more detail when the planner is used functionally [(00:01:54)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=114s). - The importance of indexing in the bullet journal method is emphasized, especially when using a pre-printed planner, as it helps to keep track of entries and collections [(00:03:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=183s). - The Sterling Ink Common Planner has two blank pages at the front that are ideal for indexing, but some people prefer to index their bullet journal from the back if they're unsure of the space needed for the index [(00:04:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=271s). ## Goal Setting and Tracking - The planner also includes a page for breaking down goals into smaller steps, with sections for goals, someday, one year, half year, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily, which is different from the bullet journal method's 54321 approach [(00:04:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=290s). - The bullet journal method encourages breaking down goals into sprints, with a focus on choosing goals that align with values and prioritizing them, then breaking them down into clear, defined tasks with a fixed short time frame for completion [(00:05:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=348s). - The goal breakdown process involves identifying the fewest number of things to work on, with no barrier to entry, and can be adjusted and tweaked as needed [(00:06:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=363s). - The Sterling Ink Common Planner's yearly tracker or year at a glance spread can be used as a future log, a time off tracker, or for other purposes, and is a new feature in the planner but not in other planners like the Hobonichi [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=451s). - A future log is a place to write down appointments and events in a bullet journal, and can be used instead of digital calendars, while a time off tracker can be used to keep track of [[Paid time off | PTO]] or other time off [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=470s). - A dated planner can be used in conjunction with a bullet journal, and one idea for a collection is to track paid time off, sick time, or birthday hours, with the option to customize it as a health tracker in various ways, such as logging workouts, blood pressure, or symptoms [(00:08:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=519s). - The Serenity Common Planner has quarterly pages ideal for trackers, including a priority section and space to log goal Sprints for specific months, making it a great place to plan and track progress [(00:09:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=558s). - The quarterly pages can be used for different types of trackers, such as habit trackers, mood trackers, or progress trackers, and can be customized using icons, symbols, or different types of trackers, such as open or closed dots, or bar graphs [(00:10:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=611s). ## Future Logging and Time Off Tracking - The Sterling Ink Common Planner's yearly tracker or year at a glance spread can be used as a future log, a time off tracker, or for other purposes, and is a new feature in the planner but not in other planners like the Hobonichi [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=451s). - A future log is a place to write down appointments and events in a bullet journal, and can be used instead of digital calendars, while a time off tracker can be used to keep track of [[Paid time off | PTO]] or other time off [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=470s). - A dated planner can be used in conjunction with a bullet journal, and one idea for a collection is to track paid time off, sick time, or birthday hours, with the option to customize it as a health tracker in various ways, such as logging workouts, blood pressure, or symptoms [(00:08:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=519s). ## Monthly and Gratitude Logging - The planner also includes calendar pages that can be used as a future log, to plan and organize the month, or as a record of what happened during the month, similar to how Ryder Carroll, the creator of the Bullet Journal method, uses his monthly log [(00:11:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=671s). - The calendar pages can also be used for memory keeping, such as recording events, concerts, or new favorite books, and can be used to practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude log [(00:11:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=697s). - The Bullet Journal method emphasizes flexibility and customization, and users can experiment with different layouts and collections to find what works best for them, with the option to change or adapt their system as needed [(00:11:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=718s). - A dated planner can be used in various ways, such as for memory keeping, and one approach is to use the monthly spread for this purpose [(00:12:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=756s). ## Weekly Planning and Task Management - A weekly spread can be set up with a horizontal layout, featuring a blank page on one side and dated sections on the other, allowing for personal and work events to be listed on either side [(00:12:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=778s). - The Alistair method, also known as a task list, can be used in the bullet journal community, where tasks are listed and then assigned to specific days of the week [(00:13:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=802s). - The bullet journal method emphasizes the importance of a weekly ritual, which can include a written reflection to help stay honest and track progress [(00:14:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=844s). - A weekly reflection can be done in a vertical or horizontal style, and it helps to keep track of the week's events and identify areas for improvement [(00:14:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=848s). - A blank page in a horizontal weekly spread can be used for journaling, trackers, or other purposes, such as intentionally doing a weekly ritual and keeping it in one place [(00:14:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=885s). ## Daily Logging and Progress Tracking - The daily pages in a dated planner can be used to keep a record of the month, where the most important highlight of each day is written down, providing an accurate picture of the month [(00:15:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=914s). - Daily logging is a key part of the bullet journal method, where a detailed daily log is kept to track tasks, events, and progress [(00:15:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=957s). - Writer Carol's approach to daily logging involves listing three things to get done in the day and then tracking progress in the daily log [(00:16:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=989s). - A DOT represents a task, which is crossed off when completed, while a dash represents a note, and an equal sign represents an emotion related to a task [(00:16:45)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1005s). - The bullet journal system allows for tracking tasks, notes, and emotions throughout the day, and can be customized to fit individual needs [(00:16:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1017s). - Tasks can be broken down into categories, such as actions, events, and notes, and can be moved to the next day or another time in the week if not completed [(00:17:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1050s). - Adding time stamps to tasks can help track time management and productivity [(00:17:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1064s). ## Integration with Dated Planners and Bullet Journaling - The bullet journal system can be used in conjunction with a dated planner, such as the Sterling Ink common planner, to provide a space for notes, journaling, and reflection [(00:17:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1073s). - The system emphasizes tracking and focusing on what's next, rather than just logging completed tasks [(00:18:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1111s). ## Collections and Community - Collection pages can be used to index and organize different types of information, such as projects, classes, research notes, event planning, and meal logs [(00:18:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1121s). - The bullet journal community, found at bulletjournal.com, offers resources, events, and a community of like-minded individuals who share their experiences and adaptations of the system [(00:19:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1157s). - The community is available for a monthly fee of $9 and is recommended for those interested in learning more about the bullet journal method [(00:19:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQhzZhGWojk&t=1161s).