## Intro [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=0s) - The video discusses the topic of journaling, specifically why people journal and how they fit it into their lives, with two different perspectives from Mark and his guest Matt from Desktop Nerd [(00:00:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=1s). - Mark and Matt have become friends over the past year, sharing common interests such as being left-handed, having design backgrounds, and loving stamps, stationery, and [[Fountain pen | fountain pens]] [(00:00:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=18s). - Despite their similarities, Mark and Matt have different needs for journaling, which they will both share in the video, highlighting the importance of finding one's own reason for journaling [(00:00:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=57s). - Mark will share his personal story, set up a December weekly spread, and discuss his workflow and why he likes journaling, while Matt will share his background, story, and set up a December spread for content [(00:00:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=39s). - The video aims to show that people with similar interests can have different needs for journaling, and it's essential to find one's own reason, especially when entering a new year [(00:01:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=60s). - Matt is introduced as a guest from Desktop Nerd, and he will share his perspective on journaling and how he's discovering it for himself [(00:01:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=67s). ## Matt's Journaling Story [(00:01:08)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=68s) - Journaling helps to overcome overthinking, procrastination, and forgetfulness by serving as a brain dump for thoughts, a tool for creating to-do lists and reminders, and an outlet for negative emotions [(00:01:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=74s). - The journaling system is a mixture of different things, including writing, to-do lists, and reminders, but not traditional planning, as it's more focused on gentle reminders and tracking progress [(00:01:21)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=81s). - The need for a planner is considered, but it's not necessary due to being retired, so a simpler system is preferred, incorporating elements that are beneficial into one book [(00:01:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=118s). - The bullet journaling method was researched, but it felt like trying to fit into someone else's system, so a pseudo bullet journal type setup was created instead, incorporating key elements that are beneficial [(00:02:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=151s). - A dot grid A5 journal is used, with a preference for good paper to work well with [[Fountain pen | fountain pens]], and stamps are used to add a touch of flair to the pages [(00:03:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=194s). - The journal is primarily used for writing, with no rules or need to be artistic, and other avenues are used for creativity, such as content creation and video making [(00:04:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=241s). - The journaling style is simple, with a preference for monochromatic colors, using black ink and black stamps, and occasionally changing fountain ink colors based on mood [(00:04:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=257s). - A journaling system has been created with rows of checkboxes on the right-hand side of the page for content creation, including steps such as filming, editing, publishing, and scheduling, as well as a checkbox for affiliate-related content [(00:04:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=291s). - The checkboxes are intentionally rough to avoid being overly precious with the journal and to focus on functionality rather than aesthetics [(00:05:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=319s). - Journaling does not have to be a complex system, and individuals can take elements from different systems and incorporate them into their own journal to suit their needs [(00:06:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=363s). - It is essential to remember that a journal is a personal and flexible tool, and individuals can use it however they like, whether that's with art, simplicity, or different writing tools [(00:06:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=388s). - The primary goal of journaling is to find a system that works for the individual and brings them happiness and benefits [(00:06:38)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=398s). - For some, journaling can become a daily habit, and starting with a small notebook can help build confidence and a sense of achievement [(00:06:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=412s). - The benefits of journaling can include a clearer mind and a sense of enjoyment, leading to a continued desire to use the journal [(00:07:30)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=450s). - Mark, a "Jedi Master of planners," is mentioned as a resource for questions, and the author can be found on [[Instagram]] at desktop node [(00:07:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=454s). ## Mark's Journaling Story [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=470s) - Matt's approach to journaling is appreciated for being different, and his method will be tried out in a bullet journal [(00:07:50)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=470s). - The bullet journal journey started over seven years ago as a search for a productivity method to help with work, initially trying digital methods and notebooks but not finding consistency [(00:08:14)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=494s). - The bullet journal method was initially put off due to its complexity, but once understood, it made sense and has been used for over seven years, almost exclusively for work [(00:08:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=522s). - The reason for keeping a bullet journal is that it can be made exactly what is wanted, with the ability to customize layouts, fonts, and add personal preferences like [[Fountain pen | fountain pens]] and hand lettering [(00:09:15)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=555s). - The initial focus of bullet journaling was on grids and layouts, with a goal of creating a structured system for tasks, notes, and meetings, rather than just a decorative list [(00:09:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=593s). - The bullet journal has become a library of different notebooks and layouts that can be used for inspiration, with the ability to keep the same layout but include different types of elements [(00:10:53)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=653s). - Journaling can be customized with various materials such as pens, stamps, stickers, and more to give each page a unique feeling, even with a common layout [(00:11:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=663s). - Focusing on the mental wellness aspect of journaling, including reflection pages and setting intentions, can add to its benefits and promote mindfulness [(00:11:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=677s). - Writing things down is incredibly important, and using a good pen can make the experience more enjoyable, with options ranging from fancy pens to fountain pens and customizable inks [(00:11:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=697s). - Journaling helps with task management, reducing stress and anxiety by allowing users to capture and organize their thoughts, tasks, and deadlines [(00:12:07)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=727s). - Initially, comparing oneself to others' journaling styles can be overwhelming, but it's essential to focus on what works best for the individual and include only what is necessary and enjoyable [(00:12:43)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=763s). - Over time, it's possible to develop a sense of what is needed in a journal and what is just for fun, eliminating the feeling of being forced to include certain elements [(00:13:11)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=791s). - The foundation of a journal can be simple, with a pen, ruler, and notebook, and can evolve to include additional elements like colored pens, stamps, and other art supplies [(00:13:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=797s). - Functionality is key, but visuals can add personality and life to a journal, and it's essential to strike a balance between the two [(00:13:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=820s). - Stamps can be a great way to add visual elements to a journal, especially for those who don't enjoy drawing or doodling, and practice can help improve their use [(00:13:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=839s). - Journaling is about embracing imperfections and being okay with making mistakes, as it reflects the reality of having a bullet journal, [(00:14:26)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=866s). - The bullet journal's aesthetic is subjective and can be "perfectly imperfect," as it's about finding a style that works for the individual, [(00:14:47)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=887s). - Creativity in journaling doesn't necessarily mean being artistic; it can be as simple as drawing a box or adding a small colored drop shadow, [(00:15:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=904s). - A journal can be straightforward and functional, such as using Monday through Friday weekly spreads to keep track of events, tasks, and notes, [(00:15:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=916s). - Capacity tracking for a team can also be included in a bullet journal, making it easier to refer to and find information, [(00:15:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=939s). - Adding color to a journal can be a personal preference, and some people may choose not to use color due to color deficiency or personal style, [(00:16:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=964s). - It's essential to find a notebook and style that works for the individual, rather than trying to fit into someone else's idea of what a journal should be, [(00:16:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=1002s). - The journaling community is about sharing inspiration and ideas, and it's okay to use others' work as inspiration while finding one's own unique style, [(00:16:51)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=1011s). - The goal of sharing journaling experiences is to inspire others and encourage them to try journaling, whether it's to find a new hobby or to make it a part of their daily routine, [(00:17:03)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=1023s). - The video ends with a closing statement, addressing the audience as "crew" and bidding them farewell until the next time [(00:17:29)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY&t=1049s). ## Sources - [website](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW5-S951BiY?si=e-xpwdSHEMUUU4QY)