## Digital and Analog Tools in Bullet Journaling - The community comes together each month for a roundtable conversation about various topics related to board journaling, where people can ask questions and share insights, taking advantage of the wisdom in the room [(00:00:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=8s). - The conversation is free-flowing, and participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, comments, and questions, with the option to mute themselves if they're not actively participating or are doing something in the background [(00:00:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=42s). - The discussion starts with a question and is open to everyone, with the option to use the "reactions" button and "raise hand" feature to indicate a desire to contribute to the conversation [(00:01:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=75s). - The first question posed is about the theme of digital and analog tools in bullet journaling, and how people incorporate elements of both into their systems [(00:01:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=97s). - It's noted that a common misconception is that bullet journalists must use only analog tools, but this is not true, and many people, including the creator of bullet journaling, use digital calendars as part of their system [(00:02:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=124s). - The question is posed about what digital tools people use and how they integrate them into their bullet journaling system, with a specific interest in how people use digital calendars in conjunction with their analog notebooks [(00:02:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=157s). - The goal is to understand how people balance their use of digital and analog tools, and how they incorporate digital calendars into their daily reflection and planning routines [(00:03:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=189s). ## Balancing Digital and Analog Tools - One participant shares their own approach, which involves checking their [[Google Calendar | Google calendar]] in the morning and then adding appointments to their bullet journal, but also acknowledges that they may refer to both throughout the day [(00:03:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=201s). - Another participant, a therapist, notes that they rely on a digital calendar due to the frequent changes in their schedule and the fact that their appointments are managed by someone else, and expresses interest in hearing how others integrate digital and analog tools into their systems [(00:03:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=223s). - The use of bullet journaling is combined with digital tools for personal and professional life, with bullet journaling being used for personal tasks and digital tools for work-related tasks that involve multiple people and constant changes [(00:04:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=246s). - An [[English language | English]] teacher living in [[France]] uses the bullet journal for personal tasks and digital tools like [[Google]] Calendar for professional tasks, especially since the business had to go online due to the lockdown [(00:04:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=283s). - The teacher uses the calendar to schedule meetings with students and writes down daily tasks and reflections, taking notes in the bullet journal during classes to remember important information and tasks [(00:05:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=317s). ## Integrating Digital Calendars and Analog Planning - Integrating digital calendars and analog planning methods can be challenging, but using a master bullet journal index, which can be digital or analog, helps to keep track of important information and tasks [(00:06:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=406s). - To merge digital and analog methods, one approach is to write down appointments and reflections in the evening, including what was enjoyed, done well, and what to look forward to tomorrow, as a way to reflect on the day [(00:07:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=438s). - Using a single master index for all bullet journals, organized alphabetically by subject, allows for easy access to important information and tasks, and can be done digitally using tools like [[Notion (productivity software) | Notion]] or [[Evernote]] [(00:06:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=409s). - The combination of digital and analog tools allows for flexibility and adaptability in managing personal and professional tasks, with the ability to switch between methods as needed [(00:04:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=275s). - The idea of integrating digital tools with bullet journaling is appealing, and having a companion app that can take pictures of journal pages and extract content using optical character recognition would be useful [(00:08:10)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=490s). - A digital twin of a bullet journal would allow for access to its content from anywhere, making it the best possible scenario, and would eliminate the need to carry a physical journal everywhere [(00:08:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=498s). ## Using Digital Tools for Specific Tasks - Using a notes app like [[Google Keep]] can be helpful for specific tasks, such as grocery shopping, and can be more portable and accessible than a physical journal [(00:09:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=577s). - Sharing digital tools, such as a shopping list, can be beneficial when multiple people need to access the same information, and can be easily managed using devices like [[Google Nest (smart speakers) | Google Home]] [(00:10:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=628s). - Digital tools are particularly useful when sharing information with others, as they can be easily accessed and updated by multiple people, whereas a bullet journal is typically personal to the individual [(00:11:06)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=666s). - Finding an application that works with an individual's workflow is important, and it may take time and experimentation to find the right tool, as illustrated by the experience of using [[Evernote]] for 11 years and eventually deciding to switch to a different app [(00:11:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=695s). - The application Keep It is a Mac-specific tool that performs similar functions to Evernote, but stores information locally on the computer, rather than in a proprietary database [(00:12:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=731s). - The decision to use Keep It was made because it works better for the individual, and it is emphasized that people do not need to jump on every new app, but rather find what works best for them [(00:12:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=764s). - The importance of ecosystem is highlighted, suggesting that individuals should start with the ecosystem they are already in, such as [[Apple Inc. | Apple]] or Windows, and use the tools available within that ecosystem [(00:13:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=795s). ## Integrating Tools with Bullet Journaling - A question is raised about how to keep track of different tools and how to integrate them well with a bullet journal, particularly for tech-savvy individuals who often try out new tools [(00:13:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=822s). - The use of alarms and scheduled time is mentioned as a way to stay organized and ensure that time is set aside to use tools and reflect, with the help of apps like the Bullet Journal Companion [(00:14:41)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=881s). - The discovery that the individual is the key to making tools work, regardless of the specific tools used, is emphasized, and the importance of having a set time to sit down and use tools is highlighted [(00:14:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=853s). - Various applications are mentioned as being used alongside a bullet journal, including Calendar Plus, and an app used for a nursing program, which are used to stay organized and on track [(00:15:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=936s). - The individual uses their bullet journal to help schedule their day, keep notes, and create shopping lists, but finds it clunky for shopping due to its size, an A5 notebook [(00:15:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=958s). - They also use their phone for reading, with the [[Amazon Kindle | Kindle]] app, and make book lists, but do not take many notes while reading [(00:16:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=991s). - The hardest part of integrating apps with their bullet journal is working with multiple jobs and teams, requiring organization and communication with others, which is why they use [[Google]] apps [(00:16:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1013s). - [[Google Docs]] is particularly useful due to its check boxes feature, and the ability to access it on both their Mac computer and Android phone [(00:17:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1044s). - For long-term deadlines, they use their [[Google Calendar | Google calendar]] or send emails to their future self, which can be scheduled in advance [(00:17:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1068s). - They have a process of reflecting on the apps they use, writing down the ones they have installed, and evaluating which ones they consistently use and why [(00:18:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1105s). - This reflection helps them understand how each app fits into their bullet journal practice and identify which ones are truly helpful [(00:18:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1127s). - The individual acknowledges the tendency to try new apps and then abandon them, but by tracking their usage and reflecting on their experiences, they can identify which tools are most helpful [(00:18:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1135s). - They discuss the "cult of the new" phenomenon, where they and others, like Jessica, are drawn to new and exciting tools, such as the task manager "Amazing Marvin", but ultimately, the goal is to find what works best for them [(00:19:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1162s). ## Benefits of Physical Bullet Journaling - The discussion highlights the challenges of using digital apps for organization, particularly for individuals with ADHD, as they can create a "black hole" effect where information is stored but not revisited, [(00:19:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1184s). - Having a physical bullet journal can be more effective for some individuals, as it provides a tangible and visual representation of tasks and lists, making it easier to stay organized and focused, [(00:20:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1200s). - The concept of "out of sight, out of mind" is also mentioned, where digital information can be easily forgotten or overlooked, whereas physical notes and lists can be more memorable and engaging, [(00:20:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1211s). - The importance of being mindful about the applications and tools used for organization is emphasized, and it is suggested that individuals should carefully consider what each app can do that their current system, such as a MuJo, cannot do, [(00:22:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1366s). - Some individuals use a combination of digital tools, such as [[Evernote]] and [[Libra (astrology) | Libra]], and physical notebooks, like a MuJo, to stay organized, and they evaluate the effectiveness of each tool by asking themselves what unique benefits it provides, [(00:23:09)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1389s). - The discussion also touches on the idea that novelty-seeking can lead to constantly trying new apps and tools, but it is essential to recognize that a new tool is not always better, and sometimes a simple, physical system can be more effective, [(00:21:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1307s). - The participants agree that it is crucial to understand one's own needs and preferences when it comes to organization and to make informed decisions about which tools to use, rather than simply being swayed by the latest technology or trends, [(00:22:25)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1345s). - Brian and Michael are mentioned as part of the discussion, sharing their experiences and insights on using digital and physical tools for organization, [(00:20:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1230s). - The concept of spatial organization is also discussed, where physical space can provide a sense of where things are, whereas virtual spaces can make it harder to keep track of information, [(00:21:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1264s). - The participants emphasize the importance of finding a system that works for each individual, whether it is digital, physical, or a combination of both, and to be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to organization, [(00:22:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1351s). ## The Bullet Journal Community - The bullet journal community has resulted in a high level of personal involvement and collaboration among its members, with many people forming close friendships through their shared interest, unlike other digital applications such as [[Evernote]], which lacks a similar sense of community [(00:23:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1430s). - The bullet journal community is highly interactive, with many members participating in online groups, such as [[Reddit]] subforums and [[Facebook]] groups, where they share their experiences and ideas, making it a unique and engaging community [(00:24:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1451s). - One individual has practically stopped using digital tools, except for Outlook for scheduling, and has switched to using a bullet journal, which has made a significant difference in their life, allowing them to be more organized and focused [(00:24:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1488s). - This person had previously tried using various digital apps and systems, but found them to be inadequate or too difficult to use, and has since found that using a notebook is much easier and more effective for their needs [(00:25:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1511s). - They started using a bullet journal in March of the previous year and have since developed a system that works for them, using it to schedule tasks and keep track of their time, and have found it to be a valuable tool for their daily life [(00:25:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1534s). - The individual has also found that using a bullet journal has allowed them to be more flexible and adaptable, as they can easily move tasks and schedules around without needing to be in front of a computer [(00:26:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1578s). - However, they acknowledge that using a bullet journal can be more challenging when working in a team, as it can be harder to share information, and they have had to find ways to fill the gaps using tools like [[Dropbox]] or [[OneDrive]] [(00:26:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1604s). - Ricardo, a well-known member of the bullet journal community, has been mentioned as an example of the kindness and generosity of the community, as he took the time to help someone with their monthly spread, demonstrating the supportive and collaborative nature of the community [(00:28:05)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1685s). - The bullet journal community has also been known to organize meetups, such as those that took place in [[Paris]], which provided opportunities for members to connect and share their experiences in person [(00:28:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1681s). - The community is considered strong and is a major appeal for people looking for an organizational system, with some individuals having found success with controlling their merit and creating workable systems for themselves [(00:28:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1738s). ## Digital Bullet Journaling - There is discussion about digital bullet journals, with some people using tools like [[Microsoft OneNote | OneNote]] or [[Notability (application) | Notability]], but no one has found a perfect digital solution that they would use [(00:29:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1777s). - The Remarkable tablet is mentioned as a device that can be used for digital bullet journaling, with Graham being a user who has designed a dashboard system that allows him to navigate to the right pages [(00:29:44)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1784s). - The Remarkable tablet is described as a digital device that mimics paper, allowing users to write on a surface without using a database, and has both advantages and disadvantages, such as being easy to erase and move around, but difficult to flip through pages [(00:30:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1827s). - Brian, a user of the Remarkable tablet, creates a new dashboard at the beginning of every month, which includes a list of things to check daily, weekly, and monthly, and finds it to be a useful tool for staying organized [(00:31:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1861s). - The dashboard system used by Brian is simple, consisting of a vertical list of things to check, with additional lists and notes added as needed, and is used to keep track of habits, tasks, and important dates [(00:31:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1899s). - The dashboard system has evolved over time, with Brian initially calling it a "habit list" before realizing it was similar to a dashboard, and has been found to be a useful tool for staying organized and on track [(00:31:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1883s).<|eot_id|> ## Advantages of Digital Tools and Upcoming Events - The discussion revolves around the advantages of using digital tools for planning and organization, with one of the main benefits being the ability to easily alter and change plans without making a mess, [(00:32:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1954s) - Digital tools also allow for the use of reminders and the ability to hide items until they become relevant, making it easier to manage tasks and deadlines, [(00:32:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=1958s) - The flexibility of digital tools enables users to start writing and planning without hesitation, as mistakes can be easily changed or deleted, [(00:33:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=2001s) - Another advantage of digital tools is the ability to copy and paste templates, such as lists of dates or numbers, which can be useful for planning and organization, [(00:33:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=2026s) - The conversation also touches on the idea of having a dedicated time for discussing planning and organization, with a suggestion to make the events longer and a mention of an upcoming "happy hour" event where participants can share their journals and ask questions, [(00:34:23)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=2063s) - The events are scheduled to accommodate different time zones, and upcoming events include "office hours" with Ryder, who will answer questions on digital and analog planning, and a "plan with us" event where Ryder will guide participants through the monthly migration process, [(00:34:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=2090s) - The discussion concludes with a thank you to the participants and a mention of posting the recording soon, with a final comment on the global nature of the event, with participants joining from places like [[Singapore]], [(00:35:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q&t=2140s) ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4O86jVqO0Q)