Bullet Journal Monthly Spread gives a comprehensive overview of the entire month.
Almost the same as a future log, except that this one sums up more precisely the short-term tasks you have ahead.
You usually set it up on two pages, and on the first one, you list specific events and tasks and then on the second page, you list your goals and focus for the month.
As well as adding or removing journal elements as needed, you can customise the bullet journal monthly spread to suit your preferences.
You can keep track of your activities, moods, goals, deadlines and appointments with bullet journal monthly spreads.
Although calendars can analyse such information, Bullet Journaling (BuJo) considers eliminating irrelevant details so that your ideas are clear and concise.
Bullet journals represent a creative alternative to rigid, unchanging calendars.
The standard convention in some cases is to split up their months into weeks, while in other cases, they like to put their dates in the centre of the page so they can sort left to right.
No matter what you use, whether it’s a blank or lined notebook or an online platform, your goal remains the same.
Bullet journal monthly spreads are a great way to break down a hectic month into an accessible, organized and convenient roadmap.
What Are Bullet Journal Monthly Spreads?
Bullet journal monthly spreads (also referred to as Monthlies) are essential to any bullet journal.
As you may have already guessed, a bullet journal monthly spread helps you keep track of your month.
The objective of the bullet journal monthly spread is to provide a quick overview of your monthly events and tasks.
You can easily see on this bullet journal monthly spread what events/appointments are upcoming and the days and times you have free to schedule more activities as the month progresses.
The advantage of bullet journaling is that you can customise each spread concerning your needs.
On the other hand, it can be overwhelming in the beginning if you don’t know where to begin.
Imitating other people’s bullet journal monthly spreads and using them for a month is a great way to assess what works and does not work for you when you first start.
As a result, you can combine aspects that suit your needs and create your own monthly layouts.
Although you may already be bullet journaling for a while, maybe your current layout no longer suits you, and you aren’t sure how to switch it up.
Hopefully, you will find here a variety of different layout ideas that may be helpful or provide some inspiration.
What Are The Benefits of Bullet Journal Goal Setting?
Whatever your artistic abilities are, whether you need help to manage time or not, whether you want to be as detailed as possible with your bullet journal (or not), bullet journals offer significant benefits.
Bullet journals offer a host of incredible benefits. Here are 10 of the best.
#1. Your Handwriting Will Improve Dramatically
A bullet journal is clearly beneficial in this regard.
Writing and fancy lettering get better with practice, so trying every day is a great idea.
Most bullet journal creators either purchase brush pens or learn how to write the fanciful art of faux calligraphy.
#2. You Will Improve Your Artistic Skills
It goes without saying that the more you draw and doodle, the better your art will be.
It may be one of the more apparent yet unexpected benefits of bullet journals.
Besides straight lines without a ruler, regularly doodling and drawing can help you gain a deeper understanding of your own style, preferences, and abilities. You will soon discover that your art will flow more quickly and smoothly if you practice regularly.
Taking risks with your art is even more exciting as it allows you to try new things you might not even have imagined creating in the past.
#3. Encourages To Make And Use Your Creations
The complexity and layout of bullet journals will determine how much work they will be.
It’s easy to get discouraged when you start designing your bullet journal spreads. But once you start creating something you’re proud of, you find you actually use it.
Because you created it, you will use it.
#4. Accepting What You Are Not Able To Accomplish
Yes, this is actually the flipside of what was said before. Please consider this.
There will be times when you don’t use your bullet journal.
The bullet journal’s flexibility gives you the opportunity to identify what you require and what you don’t.
By creating your own system, you will be able to meet your needs at your level.
#5. Documents Your Life In Detail
As a result of the changes you have made to your bullet journal, you will notice your art is better, your handwriting is improved, and your layouts are tidier and more efficient than your first bullet journal.
In ten years, these records will be something to look back on and to enjoy.
Your efforts to better yourself now give you confidence that you will reap the benefits in the future. Having the ability to track the progress and journey will be very helpful in the future.
Who knows – you might be able to write a book about all those precious facts and knowledge!
#6. Self-Care At Your Fingertips
You can get self-care benefits from your bullet journal that most people overlook.
Using habit trackers, for example, can help you better understand your tendencies and patterns.
A goal tracker is an excellent way to track your progress in achieving your desires and dreams.
Are you having difficulty staying optimistic?
Try including quotes to elevate your mood.
Make a list of activities that can lift your spirits when feeling blue.
By keeping a bullet journal, you will become a more responsible individual.
#7. Bullet Journals Will Benefit Your Mental Health
You can visualise how you spend your time by filling in your calendars.
This record allows you to see how you spend your time and the tasks you complete/don’t complete.
Using the trackers allows you to become more aware of your behaviours, moods, and daily activities.
These can enable you to discover fascinating patterns that you might not be aware of before.
Using this, you can create meaningful work and lessons that you can apply to real-time situations.
Remembering your successes and challenges can be easier with journaling entries.
It is possible to make tangible improvements to your life based on the data you collect in your bullet journal.
#8. You Can Use It On Any Budget
It only takes a pen and a notebook to start a bullet journal.
You don’t even need a dot grid!
There’s no need to buy an expensive planner or a bunch of supplies you’ll probably never use; instead, you can make whatever you want.
Moreover, inspiration is absolutely free.
There is literally no shortage of bullet journal inspiration – on Pinterest, Instagram, Google, blog posts, you name it.
You can create anything you want.
#9. Bullet Journals Are Fantastic Motivators For Goal-Setting And Achieving
Any planner system will assist you in setting goals, managing your time, and keeping track of your productivity.
A bullet journal adds fun motivation to the process.
Create custom spreads to reflect your specific goals, your due date, and the tasks that you must accomplish to reach your goal.
Have a challenging project to complete?
Include motivational quotes in the spread.
The layout of your bullet journal can have reminders and encouragement for when you want to quit.
Adding fun pens and stickers to any project makes it more enjoyable!
#10. Bullet Journaling Can Be An Effective Method For Managing Time
Of course, this benefit is apparent.
Bullet journals are an absolute lifesaver for those who struggle with traditional time management.
Bullet journals are a convenient way to integrate creativity and time management when you feel bogged down by traditional time management systems.
The Supplies You Need For Making Bullet Journal Monthly Spreads
If you are interested in creating your own bullet journal monthly spreads, here is the list of supplies you will need.
In addition, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, keep in mind that you can always take things at your own pace.
You must start small and buy a few things at a time.
Everything does not have to be purchased all at once!
#1. How to Choose a Bullet Journal
Choosing the right bullet journal can be downright confusing since there are so many options.
Taking the following factors into account will help you select the right bullet journal.
1. High-Quality Paper
It is imperative to use thick, smooth paper. A thin sheet will bleed through your highlighters and pens, leaving the back of the sheet useless.
2. A Faint Dot Grid
When writing and drawing, dotted grids are helpful because they serve as a guideline.
3. Front Cover
Despite being attractive, the front covering should be sturdy. Hardcovers increase durability, while softer covers are less likely to tear as easily.
4. Back Pocket
It is handy to have a journal with back pockets because you can store receipts, papers, and stickers in them.
5. Bookmark
Journals come with bookmarks or ribbons, which help you mark the page where you left off. It is even better when a journal comes with two ribbons, which is common in higher-quality journals.
#2. Pens
Once you’ve picked out your bullet journal, now we’re going to move on to some bullet journal tools that will work for you.
Let’s start with pens.
From different types of pens to a whole array of nib sizes, there are a lot of options available out there.
1. Fineliner Pens
A set of fine-liner pens of good quality should be part of your bullet journal kit. If you wish to sketch in your bullet journal or if you want to write precisely, these pens are useful.
2. White Gel Pen
It is natural to make mistakes when writing. You can fix letter errors by writing over them with a white gel pen rather than using whiteout. Whiteout is less noticeable and takes up less space to store.
3. Brush Pens
You may want to invest in brush pens if you plan on adding brush lettering and calligraphy to your bullet journal.
4. Highlighters
Highlighter sets are an essential part of your bullet journal starter kit. Not only will they add some colour to your journal, but they will also help you remember important information since they will draw your attention to it as well.
#3. Ruler
It’s incredible how visually appealing a bullet journal can be because you can create spreads to suit your style.
To create the outline of your spreads, you will need a ruler since they are blank.
It is ideal for sketching with see-through rulers since they give you a clearer view of where you are drawing.
#4. Stencils
You should consider buying Stencils as an additional tool to keep your Bullet Journal symmetrical, tidy, and neat.
#5. Washi Tape
You’ve probably heard how washi tape is a bullet journal must-have if you’ve searched for what bullet journal must-haves people suggest.
As there are so many different sizes, styles, and prints available for them, you can easily switch up your bullet journal spread’s colour scheme.
#6. Stickers
Using stickers to decorate your journal can make the entire process more fun and more enjoyable.
#7. Sticky Notes
Sometimes, you are not sure if you can take action on a particular task or event.
Sometimes, the plans you have may change, so write these uncertain items down on sticky notes and insert them.
#8. Stamps
The use of stamps can help you save time when filling out your bullet journal monthly spreads.
To create your bullet journal monthly spread, you might keep writing and drawing the same things over and over again, such as months and dates, and that can be tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming.
Stamp pads will enable you to complete your spreads in just a fraction of the time and save you time by eliminating repetitive tasks.
Gorgeous Bullet Journal Monthly Spread Ideas
#1. Bullet Journaling For January
When it comes to making your spreads look amazing, Washi Tape is the perfect solution, even if you do not consider yourself an artsy person.
Stickers make a monthly calendar in your bullet journal look very themed.
In your habit tracker, include all the things you want to establish as new habits.
With a winter-themed bullet journal spread, you can take a look at everything for the whole month.
#2. Monthly Bullet Journal For February
Using a bullet journal spread to celebrate the seasons each month is a nice habit.
Florals also add a nice touch to any journal.
A February journal spread would not be complete without thinking about Valentine’s Day.
Bullet journals are a great way to look at your upcoming events in a way that’s fun and colourful.
#3. Monthly Spread For March
It’s easy to plan your upcoming month with this pretty lavender bujo spread.
With all the wonderful bullet journal layouts available online, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.
It’s the truth, though, that with just a few pens and colourful cards, you can produce beautiful bujo pages.
#4. April Monthly Calendar Idea
It’s so uplifting to decorate your pages with bright and cheerful images.
The notes give you a quick rundown of everything that has happened.
#5. May Monthly Spread Idea
Make a May bullet journal about the band or historical figure you like best.
When it comes to themes for your spread, choosing real people is an easy way to come up with something you’re passionate about.
#6. June Monthly Planner Idea
Bright and colourful, this Unicorn Bullet Journal Theme is gorgeous.
Every time you read the pages, you cannot help feeling happy.
You can easily divide your journal by adding a cover page that highlights the month’s themes.
#7. July Monthly Spreads Bullet Journal
Stunning! You can see a great deal of engagement in this bullet journal!
It would be perfect to use in a summer bullet journal spread or a vacation calendar.
#8. August Monthly Spread Idea
The August cover features a yellow pineapple with a summer theme.
Is perfect if you use a bright colour scheme for your journal! Take advantage of the summer season!
Doodles with pineapples are everyone’s favourite, right?
The wonderful thing about this is you can make a theme around anything you enjoy?
#9. Spread for September’s Monthly Journal
It’s hard not to love the bucket list idea, and the art projects section is gorgeous too!
Such an elegant Fall theme for a bullet journal.
#10. October Monthly Calendar
It is so quirky and fun to create this Halloween bujo spread.
Remembering birthdays is an incredible idea to include in your spread.
#11. The Spread Idea for November
Creating elaborate or decorated monthly pages is not necessary for every page.
A simple and elegant layout is all you need for this monthly page.
It’s terrific to have a monthly view, set the tone for the next four weeks, and make it look good as well!
With your monthly spread, you have the option of using so many different mediums.
Paints, pencils, pens, stickers, and washi tape are some ideas.
#12. Journaling Idea for December
December wouldn’t be complete without a Christmas bujo layout, right?
It’s a good idea to add planning for the coming month to your layout.
This helps you to set goals and determine what activities you need to perform now.
There is something so fun about making bullet journals holiday layouts.
You can make yours festive or simple.
Make sure to remember your gift list!
Essential Bullet Journal Ideas For Your “Must Have” Pages
#1. Title Page
If you are striving to organise your day, week, and month, clearly defining your roles, values, and strengths may be helpful.
Understanding these values, strengths, and roles allows you to formulate a personal mission statement.
Add your mission statement and values statement to the title page of every new bullet journal you create to help you remember who you are and who you want to be as you get organised.
#2. Daily Spread
As you go about your day, you plan your tasks, take notes, and record your events in a daily spread.
The best time to do it is usually the night before or the first thing in the morning.
From doodles to your daily journal, there is enough room to add anything you want.
#3. Weekly Spread
The bullet journal weekly spread is a one or two-page layout where you track your activities in day boxes, tracker boxes, and single boxes across the seven days of the week.
At the beginning of the month or week, you create the spread, and then, at the end of the day, you fill it in with your accomplishments for that day.
#4. Your Goals
You should set high, but not impossible, goals to achieve those goals.
It isn’t realistic to hold yourself to earning one million dollars your first year at work if it is your first job.
Try to make your goals as challenging as possible but still realistic.
So, when seeking goals, make sure you ask yourself: do I truly want this?
Consider why you desire this and how you will feel when you receive it.
Simple steps like these can help you figure out if it’s something you want and gets you motivated to pursue it.
#5. Budget
An incredible way to visualise where your money is going is to write down all your spending, bill payments, and other expenses.
If you’re trying to get your finances under control (without using an app or anything complicated), then opening up a budget tracker in your bullet journal is a must.
#6. Meal Planner
It’s not easy planning and coming up with new dishes and meals every single week.
When you have a set meal in mind, you may sometimes forget to buy particular ingredients.
You can be more organized and productive by planning your meals ahead of time.
The bullet journal meal planning spreads ensure that you don’t have to stress about meal planning.
You will save an incredible amount of time using these lists of what to make on certain days, recipes to try, and ingredient lists.
#7. Books to Read List
Keep track of the books you have had on your reading list in your bullet journal while planning your reading schedule by including a reading tracker.
Irrespective of whether you are ripping through a new book almost every week or still trudging through that bestseller your friend recommended months ago, you might need to track the books in a book journal so you can see how you progressed through the year.
#8. Vision Board
Vision boards are collages of quotes, images, and positive affirmations that represent your dreams and desires.
As a source of motivation, inspiration, and manifestation, the law of attraction enables you to achieve your goals.
The visualisation process will help you remember why you started, what you want and get on track with your goals.
Wishing and dreaming will never get you anywhere, but the process will enable you to keep focused on your goals.
#9. Habit Tracker
A habit tracker can help you become more organised in your own life, as it can help you track your activities over time.
Tracking your habits can help you stay accountable and focused.
When you fill in the daily tasks you’ve completed every day, it motivates you to keep doing better.
#10. Monthly Spread
Tracking your upcoming events is easy with the monthly spread.
Having an overview of your schedule will allow you to determine how busy you will be each month.
In addition, you won’t miss a birthday, and you’ll be ready for every special occasion.
A monthly spread allows you to hold all future events in one place then you can add them to your weekly layout as you go.
Bullet Journal Tips for Beginners
#1. Don’t Go Overboard
It is likely that when you’re starting for the first time, you’ll want to do everything and see how it goes.
You should keep your horses and attempt to stay away from sprinting into every spread, collection, and tracker you can imagine.
It’s possible to become so overwhelmed that you just give up and scrap the whole thing.
Take your time instead. Work with the basics for some time until you are comfortable keeping up with your daily tasks.
Occasionally you can add a collection, but nothing that recurring.
Try incorporating new things slowly as you get more comfortable. In general, you should not keep adding more than one tracker or log per month.
Once you get the hang of things, you can go wild knowing there is a solid foundation you can lean on.
#2. Be Patient
You likely expect it to work overnight.
However, it will not.
The first few weeks or even a few months will not bring about noticeable changes.
It is essential to be patient throughout this period.
Taking the time to integrate it into your daily lives can make a big difference.
Taking your time can help you adapt and establish new habits.
You shouldn’t dismiss it because it didn’t fix all your problems immediately.
It’s unfair to the system as well as to you. You’ll be glad you waited!
#3. Avoid Comparisons
It is highly tempting when you’re just starting to compare your bullet journal with the one of a more established journal.
The result is the feeling of self-consciousness about your work and the impending collapse of your planning.
The number of blogs on the topic is vast, not to mention Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, all excellent sources of inspiration!
Borrow ideas from others in the community while being conscious not to beat yourself up for your work not resembling that beautiful Instagram picture.
#4. Do Some Experiments And Practice
Practice, practice, practice is the only way you will find the bullet journal that’s right for you.
By dreaming up all the cool things you can write on your pages, you will not get any better – you will only improve by doing.
Regardless of how long you stay with a spread, you cannot increase its efficiency.
Instead, when you experiment and try out new things, your layouts will improve.
Nevertheless, the designs and spreads need not constantly change.
Feel free to tweak some elements here and there.
The likelihood is you will lag at times and reluctantly try something new, only to appreciate the change and keep it long term.
Feel free to experiment and mix it up! Keep going no matter what!
FAQs:
What Should Be in a Monthly Bullet Journal?
Your bullet journal must include a monthly log if you intend to keep track of the big picture.
Any activity that diverts from the typical routine you are used to may be added to it, such as appointments, events, and get-togethers.
Also included should be a two-page spread, serving as a running task list you can continually modify. You go there when you have some free time on those rare occasions when you don’t have plans. You can reference this master to-do list and find something to do!
Including a habit tracker can help you improve your habits and determine how far you have come.
Using mood trackers can help you understand your emotional state and improve your mental health.
How Do I Set Up My Monthly Bullet Journal?
Organise the month with a monthly spread, which is usually a one or two-page spread.
To create the monthly spread, begin with a blank page, write the month across the top, number the page, and add it to the Index.
It’s common for bullet journal creators to write in a two-page monthly spread that contains a calendar on the left and a task list on the right. You can use this as a way to prioritize and structure tasks versus appointments. You may include this page right after your monthly spread if having a monthly tasks list fits your lifestyle.
Make a note in the monthly spread of current appointments, meetings, and events. Also, you can include the tasks for the month on the monthly task list.
What Is A Monthly Log In a Bullet Journal?
A monthly log is a place to write down your desires for the upcoming month, as well as a calendar for future events.
The monthly log also serves as a tool to capture noteworthy items that occurred in the past month. You can then see what happened throughout the month from a bird’s eye view.
Monthly logs should not resemble desktop calendars with all their appointments listed, nor should they resemble calendars that hang on walls or are placed on desks.
Bullet journal monthly logs serve as reference pages or summary pages.
A calendar can be more of a way to keep track of memories and events than a place to schedule appointments. Of course, such a calendar can serve as a reminder of important dates.
What Should I Use My Journal For?
Maintain a diary of daily events to refer to later. Make a list of actionable next steps that will help you accomplish your goals. Use wisdom to guide your actions. Keep track of all your brilliant ideas once they strike you. Take notes on the information that you read, listen to and watch.
Prepare a list of books you want to read or more lists of the same kind. Keeping a “Let It Go” list will help you stay focused on the things you need to let go of. You should create a list of people you want to meet to make networking more intentional. Jot down funny memories or fun things your loved ones say. Come up with new questions to help you reframe your issues.
What Goes On The First Page of a Bullet Journal?
When using the bullet journal system, the index page serves as the base of the organisation. Your new bullet journal should begin with this page. You can easily organize your journal’s contents with the index.
The index page contains a list of the names and corresponding page numbers of the individual pages in your journal. Record each new page in the index by giving it a corresponding page number. When you are looking for an old page in your bullet journal, use the index pages to help you locate it.
Start by opening the two first pages in your journal and labelling their indexes. In case your journal’s pages are not already numbered, you should number them. It is possible to number the pages at once or as you go.
You should enter the title and page number of every new page you add to your journal. That way, you can effortlessly locate it later.
Including monthly spreads as well as collection pages are particularly important. However, you don’t have to include daily logs.
In Conclusion
It’s okay if some of these bullet journal page ideas do not work for you!
Feel free to skip a spread if one of them isn’t appealing to you.
Even if one of the spreads turned out to be a dud, trying something new is essential for growth and self-understanding.
Let no one tell you what your bullet journal should or should not be!
Always remember that your bullet journal belongs to you.
Your bullet journal will run at maximum efficiency if you stay flexible and willing to experiment with new solutions to old issues. Don’t give up!
Dhruvi is a bubbly, affable person and a reading enthusiast. She would never set foot in the kitchen if not for an easy and exciting recipe.