How to Overcome Your Fear Of Starting A Bullet Journal -

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If you are reading this, odds are you've been researching and are inquisitive about starting a bullet journal. Like many, fear may be holding you back. It's fear of starting, fear of not being perfect, and overall fear of starting that first page. It was certainly me. Does it describe you as well?

It also certainly caused me to be frustrated with myself and I am sure you feel that too. I was so anxious to start my journal but the fear caused a delay and held me back.

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We all want it to be perfect but it's more important that it works for you how you need it to. No one else needs to see it. You need to get past the fear.

Further frustrating is that you don't know why you can't seem to move forward and why fear is holding you back. But I am here to help you move past it!

In this post, I will cover the struggle, the fear, and get you past your anxiety so you can start your first page.

Table of Contents

The First Step Is Always The Hardest

Source: Sublime Reflection
Supplies: Leuchtturm1917, Tombow Dual Brush Pens, Sharpie Pens, Staedtler Triplus Fineliners

Most of us hate change. While some hate it and are able to get past it, others are paralyzed by the fear. You move past the fear in other areas of your life such as your career so why not this? Starting a journal will not just move you past another fear but challenge you to take on more, to release creativity and release tension and stress.

I know that you are afraid. Afraid of messing it up. Afraid that you won't like your work. Afraid of others opinions of your work.

I am not diminishing your fear. Believe me, I felt it too. None of us want to fail and you want to enjoy the experience.

Source: Little Coffee Fox
Supplies: Micron pens, Staedtler Triplus Fineliners

The great thing about bullet journaling is that there are so many great accounts to follow. But, that is also the bad thing. Your expectation is to be that good. Some have probably been doing it for years. Some even have art backgrounds. That's why you cannot compare your beginning to where someone else is now.

Trying to compare your practice to their work will allow you to make excuses to yourself and allow that fear to hold you back. I did too. You wouldn't believe how long it took me to start! I was held back by perfectionism, by comparing myself to others, and fear of screwing it up and wasting money.

If you dwell on these negatives of starting your bullet journal, you'll never develop the courage to create one. Things will not be perfect. Nothing ever is. Begin, learn and keep moving and growing.

Start the positive outlook right now. Today. Tell yourself you will start and talk yourself into it.

Fight Negativity With A Positive Attitude

Source: Little Coffee Fox

Supplies: Hydrus Watercolors, Pigma Micron Pen

As a believer in positive affirmations, I know that repetitively saying negative things over and over leads to a negative shift in your overall attitude. Fight the negativity of starting your bullet journal, with positive affirmations. Even if it’s just saying to yourself “I can learn to journal.”

Source: kikis_bujo

Since I know exactly where you are coming from, I have a few suggestions to get you rolling with your bullet journal. While you will just be practicing, you'll ultimately learn what works for you and what appeals more to your creative side.

Here I am sharing how to overcome the fear that's holding you back.

Practice

To get myself started and motivated, I found a $3 dot journal at WalMart. That helped me overcome the fear of wasting money. I highly suggest everyone start with a cheapy journal prior to putting a pen to a more expensive Leuchtturm1917 journal. This allows you to set up pages to see where your talents lie, what layouts appeal to you more, and what extras you can work on.

Figure Out What You Want

The most appealing aspect of the journal is that it is a DIY and it is yours. Like a snowflake, no two will be alike because we are all different. Practicing allows you to determine what layouts (daily, monthly, lists, etc) are specific to your needs and finalize those before adding to a more permanent journal.

Plan, Plan and More Planning

Source: Lauren's Notebook

One of the first things you'll need to decide is what to start with and have on the first pages of your journal. Here are some ideas for you:

Month written out and some art.
Key to your journal.
Monthly layout.
Quote- Start your month with a positive quote that means something to you and you'll look at every day taking that positive message in.

Source: @Art_my_molly22

Created by: @Thefluffiebunnie

Source: @Tashas_whims

Source: @Bujo.sisters

Find You

Like me, you've probably been researching awhile. There's a multitude of inspiration all over the internet. Simply search Pinterest and you'll find everything to help find yourself and learn what inspires you to get you started. You can even copy what you like to your own journal. If you share to the net, be sure to give credit where credit is due.

Remember The Positivity

Now that you have started your first page in your bullet journal, remember to practice the positive affirmations and not compare your beginning to others' many years.

Source: @Lovesflowerslettersnbujos

A lot of fear is of failure but aren't you failing yourself if you never try?

Take The Pressure Off

Source: @Mybujoyesterday

Guess what? You are not alone! We all started our first journal at some point! We all had the same fears! There are some great facebook groups to have conversations and get support from. We've all made mistakes, even experienced artists, and even the best artists still practice! They will support you!

Start Your Bullet Journal Today

Source: Alexandra Plans

Supplies: Tombow markers

While bullet journals are not for everyone, they can change your life in so many ways. From allowing you to be more productive, to get healthier, to concentrate on moods and so much more!

What can happen if you just start?

The only way you can get started is to dive right in.

Source: Paint It Colorful

So right now, find a notebook in your home and start practicing. Look at what you've saved on your Pinterest board to inspire you. Move past your fear.

If you found this post helpful, please share it your social media. Be sure to check out and follow my Pinterest Bullet Journal board too!

I know you will move past your fear and move further in your bullet journal journey and will want to check out these posts to continue:

30+ Bullet Journal Spreads That’ll Start Your New Year Organized and Keep You Organized

Bullet Journal Habit Tracker Ideas To Take Your Bullet Journal To The Next Level

10 Bullet Journal Layouts For Anyone Trying To Be Clean

Holly Jolly Christmas Bullet Journal Ideas

What ultimately helped you move on and start? Let me know in the comments.

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How to Overcome Your Fear Of Starting A Bullet Journal

The First Step Is Always The Hardest

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