What is Bullet Journal Frustration Fatigue? It’s the feeling you get when your bujo becomes a burden, rather than a helpful tool for keeping your life on track.
If you’re a fan of bullet journaling, you probably know how satisfying it can be to create your own unique, customized journal. However, as with any creative hobby, there may be times when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or simply burnt out. This is where bullet journal frustration fatigue comes in.
Bullet Journal Frustration Fatigue Explained
So, what exactly is bullet journal frustration fatigue? It’s a feeling of being discouraged or bored with your bullet journaling practices, often due to feeling like you’re not making progress, or that your spreads are lacking creativity. This can lead to a sense of disappointment or disinterest in continuing your bullet journaling journey.
It can happen early in your bullet journal journey when you’re just learning how to use it. Or it can creep up after you’ve gone through several notebooks.
Either way, it can send you into a state of complacency that quickly slides into apathy – the opposite of why we started our bullet journals!
But don’t worry – bullet journal frustration fatigue is a common experience, and there are ways to overcome it. Here are a few tips that can help:
Ways to Overcome The Fatigue
Take a break
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to step back and take a break. You can put your journal aside for a few days, or even a few weeks, and come back to it when you’re feeling refreshed and re-inspired. In fact, I’ve done this quite frequently. And even if I don’t go all-out when I jump back in again, I do feel a sense of excitement start to grow once I start again.
Experiment with new spreads and layouts
Sometimes, all it takes to reignite your bullet journaling passion is to try something new. Experiment with different layouts, color schemes, or styles of lettering. You can also try incorporating new elements, such as washi tape, stickers, or die-cuts. Giving yourself permission to “mess/dress up” your bullet journal is actually a very healthy way to rebuild your relationship with planning.
Get inspired by other bullet journalers
One of the great things about bullet journaling is that there is a vast online community of like-minded people who are always sharing their work and ideas. Take advantage of this by browsing Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube to find inspiration and new ideas. A word of caution though – if you’re going to do this, try not to fall into the trap of comparison. Approach your exploration with an open mindset focused on learning.
Join a bullet journaling group
Joining a bullet journaling group is a great way to connect with others who are passionate about the hobby. You can ask for advice, share your work, or simply chat about your bullet journaling experiences. Just talking with other bujo enthusiasts is usually enough to help kindle that flame with your planner again!
Set achievable goals
It’s important to set achievable goals for your bullet journaling journey. This can help you stay motivated and track your progress. For example, you might set a goal to complete a new spread every week, or to try a new lettering style every month. Sometimes that sense of competition with yourself can help you stay motivated!
In conclusion, bullet journal frustration fatigue is a normal part of the creative process. By taking a break, experimenting with new spreads, getting inspired, joining a group, and setting achievable goals, you can overcome this feeling and continue to enjoy the many benefits of bullet journaling.