You’ve always loved scrapbooking your treasured family memories. Putting together the pages and stories of vacations and major events never fails to bring you joy. Recently, you’ve thought your scrapbooking supplies have started taking up a little too much space. You’ve heard some things about digital scrapbooking, but you aren’t sure if it’s for you. What exactly is digital scrapbooking? How would you even get started with it?

Digital scrapbooking is crafting two-dimensional artwork by combining different elements. You can use digital pictures or scanned copies of older pictures. You do all this on your computer instead of at your kitchen table. You can also work on digital scrapbooking projects on your tablet or smartphone. When your project is completed, you can either have the finished pages printed or share them online.

In this article, we will provide a beginner’s introduction to digital scrapbooking. We’ll explain, in more detail, the concept of digital scrapbooking and its various applications. We’ve prepared a step by step guide to show you the process of getting started with digital scrapbooking. You’ll learn the benefits as well as what it means to create hybrid pages. If you’re thinking of joining in this growing community, then read on!

What Is Digital Scrapbooking?

Have you ever enhanced a picture on your phone with an app? What about decorating an image with frames, stickers, or text? In some ways, you’ve already been doing digital scrapbooking.

As we mentioned in the intro, digital scrapbooking is crafting two-dimensional artwork by combining different elements. It’s scrapbooking done on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You use editing software to create scrapbook pages celebrating different moments in life.

This form of scrapbooking has some similarities with traditional scrapbooking. Both methods let you determine how your finished page looks. You can select different colors, backgrounds, and decorations themed to your pictures. Digital scrapbooking elements can be purchased in kits online. The files in these kits can be resized, recolored, and combined in different ways.

After finishing your scrapbook pages, you can send them to a professional printer. They can print up full size copies of each page for you. Some professionals even have the option to have bound books printed. If you’re looking to create smaller scrapbook pages, those can be printed right at home. You can also share your pages on social media. Family and friends will love the creativity you can display through digital scrapbooking.

These digital methods can be used for other memory-keeping projects as well. You can also apply your learned techniques to greeting cards, invitations, posters, and much more. Scrapbooking is a fun, relaxing hobby, and going digital opens up new creative avenues to preserve treasured memories.

Five Steps to Getting Started with Digital Scrapbooking

Digital scrapbooking might immediately make you think “I can’t do that. Photoshop is way too hard for me.” That’s understandable. Photoshop’s learning curve can be too steep for some people. The thought of using it might even terrify you. What if we told you that you don’t have to use Photoshop for digital scrapbooking? Or that you don’t even necessarily need a computer?

Digital scrapbooking is amazing because it can be done on a variety of devices. You can scrapbook from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Once you’ve decided what you want to use, you have to choose the software you want as well. You can dive in with Photoshop if you’re comfortable or purchase programs made for scrapbooking projects.

After you buy your software, there’s still a big component missing. You’ll need graphics files. Many websites offer free files for download. There are also paid sites selling themed graphics packages. After you’ve chosen your graphics, it’s finally time to start scrapbooking. You could really take to this hobby once you get comfortable.

Let’s take a look now at five steps to getting started with digital scrapbooking.

Step One: Decide Which Device You Want to Scrapbook With

Digital scrapbooking is something you can do using any laptop or desktop computer. You can even work on scrapbook projects on tablets or smartphones. Some people are more comfortable working on a computer for a few reasons. The screens are typically larger, and the mouse gives them more control than their finger or a stylus. Larger computers can also be more powerful. This makes it easier and faster to work on more intricate designs.

An ever-growing number of scrapbooking enthusiasts enjoy crafting pages on tablets or smartphones. These devices offer a convenience that larger computers can’t. Scrappers can take their devices on the go and work whenever inspiration strikes. The majority of digital pictures today are both taken and stored on mobile devices. This makes for easy access when working on a scrapbooking project on a tablet or smartphone.

Consider your personal preferences when deciding on a device you’ll scrapbook with. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, using a desktop computer probably isn’t for you. Working on a smartphone isn’t a good idea if you prefer to get a closer look at what you’re working on. Scrapbooking is meant to be an enjoyable hobby. Work in a way that will allow you to relax and have fun.

Step Two: Hardware and Software Options

If you decide you’re most comfortable scrapbooking on a computer, there is one big thing to keep in mind. Some software programs can use up a lot of random accessory memory or RAM, and working files can be large. Make sure your computer has enough memory to handle the workload. Most modern computers don’t have an issue with RAM or hard drive space. If you have an older computer running tight on space, though, you may need to think about upgrading.

So, now you’ve settled on a device you’ll be scrapbooking with and made sure it can handle the work. The next step is choosing the software you’ll use to create your projects. You’ll need to get a digital graphics software program. This will allow you to edit your pictures and manipulate different graphic elements. There are a variety of software options available today. Here are some to check out:

• Adobe Photoshop Elements: This is an amazing program for anyone just starting out. Elements lets you edit pictures and scrap away as much as you want. It has an abundance of online support and tutorials available.

• Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud: Think of Photoshop Creative Cloud as being the big brother of Elements. This is professional grade editing software. The price tag can be steep, but it offers quite a lot of value for your money.

• Forever Artisan: This is a scrapbooking program great for beginners and experts alike. Forever Artisan offers editing tools, filters, overlays, stamps, and so much more.

• GIMP: If you’re new to digital scrapbooking, you may not be keen on the idea of spending a lot of money on software. GIMP is a free-to-use opensource editing program.

• My Memories Suite: This scrapbooking program offers tons of page templates to give your creativity a jumpstart. My Memories Suite also features the ability to upload your finished designs online.

• Project Life: Are you more interested in mobile scrapbooking? Project Life is an app specifically designed to work on tablets or smartphones.

Step Three: Organize Your Graphics Files and Design Elements

Some of the most important scrapbooking tools to have are different decorative elements. Scrapbooking is artwork, with care and personal touch going into every page. There are several types of decorative elements available for every occasion. Let’s take a look at the ones you can use in your scrapbooking projects.

• Alphabets: Also known as Alphas, these are individual .png letter files. Alphas aren’t fonts and don’t get installed onto your computer. These files have a transparent background so you can layer them on your project to create titles.

• Doodles: Elements drawn by hand which have transparent backgrounds. Think of them as the digital equivalent of stickers. You can either download doodles or create your own using your editing software.

• Journal Cards: One of the great things about digital scrapbooking is typing out your journal cards. These can be printed off and inserted into a pocket page protector. You can even layer it with your editing software to create one seamless image.

• Paper: We aren’t talking about actual sheets of paper in this case. These are 12-inch square pattern templates you can use as your page’s background. Paper files are usually found in .jpeg or .png format.

• Stamps: A digital stamp is a line drawing file of an object or pattern. You can use stamps to craft coloring pages or patterns on a plain background.

• Templates: Full-page templates let you put together a completed page quickly. Different blank layers are already in place in the template. All you have to do is clip your choice of pictures and effects into the layers to create your page.

• 3D Elements: You can include embellishments like bows, flowers, or ribbons on a paper scrapped page for a 3D effect. In a digital setting, you can add these elements to layers with pre-cut files and a drop shadow effect.

If you’re looking for element packs to get started, FreePik has a library of over 8,000 files available to choose from. If you don’t mind spending some money for your elements, check out The Lilypad. There you can sort by holiday, season, or theme across a variety of designs.

Step Four: Start Scrapbooking!

You’ve chosen the device you want to scrapbook with. You’ve picked out your editing software and stocked up on decorative elements. The only thing left to do now is start scrapping! Let’s say you’re going to scrap a vacation you recently took to the beach. You could start with a base template of a sand or water pattern. Layer a picture or two over top of your background. Try experimenting with putting frames around the pictures.

Once you have your pictures placed and framed, you can add themed elements to the page. Seashell stamps or palm trees might look nice. Make sure to leave space for your journal card somewhere. After all, you still need to explain the memory behind the pictures. Finally, create your title using Alpha files or the text tool in your software. Add a drop shadow or two for a nice 3D effect, and you scrapbook page is done!

Now let’s take a look at a more complex example. You’ve decided to scrap your child’s most recent birthday party. Instead of a template, you select a blank canvas and insert an abstract digital stamp over top of it. Use your editing software to color in the pattern with your child’s favorite colors. Resize a few of the best pictures from the party and arrange them on the page. Make some of the pictures larger and some smaller.

After you’ve arranged the pictures, it’s time to get creative with your design elements. Instead of using a preset frame, try creating one of your own. Use a birthday gift stamp to create a great frame around the pictures. You can then resize some balloon images to have on either side of the page. Maybe your journal card could take the form of a larger birthday gift. Finish off your page with different sized Alphas to spell out “party” or “Happy birthday”.

Step Five: Store and Print Your Finished Scrapbook Pages

We mentioned before how digital scrapbook working files can run large. Make sure you’re protected from losing any of your progress or finished work by backing up your files. You can do this with either an external hard drive or a cloud-hosting service. Both methods have their benefits..

External hard drives act as a back-up drive to your computer. This helps protect you in case of a crash as well as keep your computer from becoming overly cluttered. These drives come in a variety of sizes. Choose the size of your drive based on how many pictures and supplies you’re looking to store. You can transfer what you need, unplug the drive, and store it away somewhere. You could even bring your scrapping supplies to a friend’s house to use.

Cloud-hosting services are another good option for storing your files. External hard drives have their advantages, but they run the risk of crashing, just like a computer. If you’re concerned about losing files this way, cloud hosting may be for you. This service allows you to store your files online and access them from anywhere at any time. You can check out Carbonite or similar services if you’re looking to go this route.

Printing digital scrapbook pages isn’t something you can easily do at home. These pages measure 12 inches square in most cases. That’s too wide for the printer you have at your desk. Save your completed pages as .jpeg files and order prints through an online service. Persnickety Prints is one of many services you can use to have full-sized scrapbook pages printed. You can get your pages printed one at a time or all at once. It’s up to you.

The Benefits of Digital Scrapbooking

Digital scrapbooking comes with many benefits. These range from making it easier to stay organized to supply shopping from home. Going digital can even help you take more risks and be more creative. If you’re still not quite convinced, let’s take a look at some of the benefits in more detail.

Digital Scrapbooking Keeps Things Clean and Organized

When you work on a traditional scrapbook page, there’s a lot of cleanup involved. Paper scraps end up on the floor. There’s a drop of dried glue on the table that won’t break loose. You’ve still got glitter up your forearms three days later. You can eliminate all this cleanup with digital scrapbooking. Everything is contained in one place on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. Cleaning up consists of hitting the delete button and closing out your software.

Easy Storage for Your Finished Scrapbook Pages

Traditional scrapbook pages can become thick depending on different factors. There may be multiple layers of paper on the page. You might have elected to use some bulky 3D elements. As great as your pages look, you can’t fit many into a book because of their thickness. Digital scrapbook pages lay flat. You could potentially have hundreds of pages bound into a neat looking coffee table book.

Fixing Mistakes Is Simple and Stress-Free

Making a mistake when working on a traditional scrapbook page could spell disaster. Gluing a picture or element in the wrong place costs you an entire page if it’s not caught soon enough. Before you know it, you’re on your way back to the hobby shop to replace the ruined supplies. With digital scrapbooking, mistakes can be fixed with a simple “undo” action. You can take design risks in digital scrapbooking you wouldn’t dream of otherwise.

Digital Design Elements Make for Instant Shopping

Issues with your supplies aren’t just limited to making mistakes when scrapping. Running out of design elements can slow down your progress. You then have to stop what you’re doing, get in the car, and head to the store to pick up what you need. If the store is out of stock, your progress could be completely stalled. Digital scrapbooking allows for instant shopping online. Place your order and download your new design elements immediately.

Your Design Elements Become Reusable

Another benefit of digital scrapbooking is reusable supplies. Not only can you buy design elements online instantly, but they can be used as many times as you wish. You’ll never find yourself running out of letters, ribbon, or paper ever again. It’s possible you may end up paying a little more for design packs when you buy them, but that’s a fair trade-off considering they come with an unlimited amount of uses.

Free Up Space in Your Home

Scrapbooking supplies can take up a lot of room around the house. Reams of paper, design elements, and your scrapbook bindings themselves can quickly end up hogging an entire bookcase. Digital scrapbooking takes up as much space in your home as your computer or mobile device. It allows you to open up that space to other things you may need the room for more urgently.

Digital Scrapbooking Offers Unlimited Customization

Moving to digital provides endless customization options. You’re not constrained by the size you can have your pictures printed by a local store or online service. They can be reduced or enlarged depending on your needs. Many of the other elements you’ll have will be customizable as well. For instance, you can adjust colors, sizes, shapes, and more. The sky is the limit, so push yourself to create something amazing.

The Beauty of Hybrid Scrapbooking

For all its benefits, digital scrapbooking does come with a few disadvantages. The first is the learning curve of the editing software involved. Learning Photoshop can feel like a daunting task if you’ve never used it before. Another disadvantage is the lack of a physical projects. You aren’t creating something in your hands when you scrapbook on the computer. Sure, it’s in front of you on screen, but any creative person will tell you it’s just not the same.

This is where the concept of hybrid scrapbooking comes into play. Hybrid scrapbooking is the practice of combining digital scrapbooking products with traditional methods. Bringing the digital and paper craft aspects together can create amazing things. This is great if you’re someone who appreciates more of a hands-on approach to crafting.

Imagine starting a scrapbook page digitally. You lay out your background, place your pictures, and maybe even add in your journal card. Then you have it printed and decorate with traditional scrapbooking embellishments. This creates what scrapbooking enthusiasts refer to as a hybrid page. Hybrid scrapbooking is a perfect way to combine two different styles. It can also help you to explore digital scrapbooking if you’re unsure about it.

Conclusion

Digital scrapbooking is a tech-based twist on a traditional paper craft hobby. It can be enjoyed by both first-time scrappers and long-time enthusiasts alike. Once you settle on your preferred device, software, and supplies, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget the most important thing – have fun!

Digital journaling can be very inexpensive or even free if you choose the right apps. They can also be costly depending on what features you’d like to add on. From the software to templates and even stickers there is a wide variety of options for every digital journal need.

When looking for ideas online you will find that most Digital Bullet Journal users promote various apps. You will see GoodNotes, KeyNote, Pages and Procreate, to name just a few of the products available.

You do not have to be an iPad or Apple user to digitally journal. Products are available for  PC and Android also! There is no need to get discouraged. There are products that suit everyone’s needs these days.

Getting started from the blank template can take a little time, but setting up your journal in the beginning will make the task of daily updating so much easier! There are a few pages you need to make use of. These include:

• Title Page/ Cover/ Year
• Index Page
• Key or Guide to symbols you are using
• Daily View
• Monthly View
• Future

Most journal templates come as a customizable set with many add-on pages available. Almost all are able to be customized with color, images, drawings and links to make them more personal to your needs.

If you have ever had a personal journal you will find digital journaling very easy and a bit more convenient. Items including correcting errors, adding hotlinks, and copy/paste make most users very happy. Being able to add in hotlinks can keep items you wish to shop for just a click away and make vacations very easy to book! You can even hotlink your reading list right there as digital books so you can pick up a new read in seconds when you are ready to move on to your next book.

No more lugging around a journal in your purse or side bag. You can access your journal from multiple devices you already carry! This is very helpful in case you misplace your phone or tablet during the day. Everyone forgets something in the rush to get out the door – but VERY seldom do we forget our smartphone.

You can start new journals each year, but still have the historical data there to look back on. Almost all journal software now have text searchable capabilities! Being able to search through your entries is one of the best reasons to go digital with your bullet journal. What a time saver this small feature is.

With digital journals you can easily add in pages in the middle as needed – not messing up your journal structure at all. It usually just takes a couple of clicks or swipes to put a new page in where you need it.  You can create a new format, copy a previously used format, or start with a blank page.

Making your journal “yours” is super easy. You no longer have to have a journal that looks like everyone else’s in the office. With certain software you can import your own cover designs, use photos, and pick your own colors and fonts.

Navigation in a digital bullet journal is easier than ever. For example, in GoodNotes you can just click on the page number in your index and you will be taken there. Bookmarks are also available to ease your searches. Even your handwritten entries can be searched in some of the better journal programs like GoodNotes. In other software, like Notability, you can scroll through pages instead of swiping. The choices available are endless!

No longer will there be a need to worry about accidents with fire, water or the dog eating your journal – it can now be stored in “the cloud” safe from all physical dangers. Having the ability to sync your journal across multiple devices is a game changer for sure!

You’re doing well for the environment by going paperless when you start using a digital bullet journal. No more stacks of pages that had errors or bottles of Whiteout needed.

Having all your content digital means no more notes to fall out of your journal – items you may have jotted down on napkins and thrown in between pages, contacts’ business cards and directions – now everything is secure in your digital pages.

Journals are password protected for security, but some software takes this even further allowing you to password protect individual entries. No one would want their private journal to fall into the wrong hands; this makes your journaling experience more freeing. The feeling that you do not have to worry if a co-worker flips through a couple pages of your journal while you take a break is in itself comforting.

You have the ability with a digital journals to build your stories with video and audio. Save keynotes from a training event or your kids voices singing you happy birthday – there are no limits here either!

Choices of templates are endless for your journal. You can find ideas on Pinterest, Etsy, YouTube, Instagram and many other locations.

Weekly and monthly reviews are a breeze with a digital journal. You can now copy and paste items that did not get completed or easily delete items that are no longer relevant. A good tip is to highlight items as they become more or less important. You can enter in recurring times easily  as well.

You are unrestricted when using a digital journal. You are no longer locked into someone else’s designed planner. You can add in pages that are important to you – maybe a bird watching list or schedule for your son’s soccer game. You want to track the things that are important to you!

You do not have to be an artist. Don’t get intimidated by all the pretty artsy journals you will find online. Remember, your digital bullet journal is to keep YOU on track. The whole reason to have a digital journal is ease of use. Some folks will want to go out and make their journals really beautiful with varied scripts, fonts, quotes, etc. Others may have 4 pages of a personal journal each day and other just need to remember to buy eggs and mail a holiday card. There is no right or wrong way to keep your journal – there is only YOUR way.

Keeping a bullet journal, for years, has been one of the best ways to stay focused, improve habits, and take a real look at where you have been; so you can make better decisions to move forward to where you want to be. This activity should not be cumbersome. In fact, for you to be successful at keeping a bullet journal it needs to be efficient. Going digital is the absolute easiest way to make this happen.

Resources available to get you started are Ryder Carroll’s book, the Bullet Journal Method or you can watch YouTube videos on how to use the system. Truly, it is the least difficult system to adapt to and it helps you achieve a lot of productivity.

So, if you have an iPhone, iPad, Android, tablet or digital pen – give digital bullet journals a try. You might find that you like having that orderly list to guide you along your way each day. There is nothing more satisfying at the end of the day than to look back and see how productive that day was!

Happy Journaling my friends!

The world produces more than 300 tons of paper. The introduction of computers made it easy for office setups to go paperless.

Not only does the paperless transition save space devoted to the storage of files, but it also aids in environmental conservation. Paperless office technology and tools are widely available, and they save money.

The papers are supplied to all office environments for printing and writing purposes. This figure is alarming, especially when you consider that the cost of production is very high and the documents lead to environmental pollution.

Is It Possible for All Businesses to Go Paperless?

Most business can’t go completely paperless since they need to protect their legal documents and necessary contracts.

However, most documents such as receipts, business cards, and bills can be scanned and stored electronically for future reference. They can also be shared online to save money and time.

With the latest online apps and technology, it’s possible to cut out excess paper usage in our offices. Check out these top 7 tips to transition to the paperless business environment.

1. Initiate the Process

Essentially, most employees are willing to go to a paperless office. The only thing that holds them back is the lack of proper management initiative. They can only operate a paperless office when they are given the go-ahead and the right tools.

So, to go paperless in your office, take the initiative and lead the way. Your employees will copy from you.

Start by researching online on how to make the best paperless transition. Look also for the businesses that have already done the change and learn from them on how to go paperless.

Once you get the idea of where you should start, set goals for your different business departments to encourage the transition. You can also set a reward initiative aimed to encourage the employees who participate in the efforts.

The key thing to note here is to lead by example. If you have filing cabinets where you store your documents, transition them into an electronic system.

2. Get Your Staff on Board

You can be an excellent example to your employees but fail to have the transition if you don’t ensure that your employees are on board.

How can you involve your employees in the plan?

• Inform your employees about your new decision. Show the benefits of having the transition and demonstrate how the paperless office will make their work easier. Mention to them that the change will save time and efforts.
• Address the compliance concerns- finance and legal departments are the most resistant to change, due to the sensitivity of their documents.  To help them change minds, inform them that the electronic system will be more secure, and will help them to be more compliant.
• Show them how the transition will help customers- most consumers today prefer the electronic data storage systems as compared to the traditional filing system. A customer is the first essential element of a business and your employees will, therefore, be delighted to make a change for the sake of the clients.

3. Discourage Paper Use

Now that both you and your employers are aware of the benefits of the transition, start the new process immediately by reducing the paper usage. To achieve this, track the number of pages that every worker prints in the office and generate a monthly report. Find new ways that can reduce that number of printed papers, and also look for alternative ways.

Secure your printers using passcodes and also put a limit on the number of papers which should be printed per day. You can also reduce the convenience of printing by minimizing the number of printers in your office.

Consolidate the printers into one low-end machine at a central location. Without printers on each desk, employees will reduce their printing habits. Encourage your employees to take digital notes- paper notes are the primary source of papers in the office. With the range of high note taking apps available today, your employees should no longer take notes using them.

The electronic apps are more organized, and they ensure that the notes do not get lost easily. Inform them about the apps and make it compulsory to use the apps.

The general note-taking apps are Google Keep, Ever Note, Simple Note, and the Microsoft OneNote. Be creative as much as possible to limit all the exercises which require employees to print more papers.

Also, make a conscious effort to pay your bills online, as this will reduce the number of papers you use on receipts.

4. Support Paperless Infrastructure

Now that you have discouraged the use of paperwork, get the right infrastructure to support the idea. There are many digital documents management systems that you can use to ensure that your office remains paperless.

To start, look for a professional to make you a list of all the digital equipment you require. Be sure to research on the best digital planning apps and then compare the options before you make the final decision.

The equipment you need should depend on your amount of storage, data backup requirements, audit logs, number of user accounts, and automation.

Here are some of the crucial software tools, pieces of hardware and services that you need to replace the paper filing system:

• Dual or multi-monitor setup- workers print documents to cross-reference them. If you set up a multi-monitor workstation, you will reduce the need to print every time. Also, consider the LCD monitors as they last longer than computer upgrades.
• Cloud storage – it allows you to have quick access to your important documents anytime you want them, provided that you have a reliable internet connection. The cloud also protects your documents from getting damaged or losing your information.

The large scale businesses print many papers per day. With the online cloud sharing apps, employees can reduce their printing frequency.

If possible, use the Fresh Books website to pay your employees. It is a cloud-based accounting solution which allows business owners to create invoices. It also helps them to track the expenses they incur without having the manual calculations.

5. Get Started Right Away

Start your transition immediately when you get the right equipment. Since your employees are already trained on how to use the software, allow them to scan and file documents electronically with the vendor scanner selection.

This is also the best moment for you to watch the performance of your employees with new tools. To enhance efficiency, use the first two weeks to input details of the already existing documents to the computers.

Start filing your taxes electronically. To file up for your federal taxes, go to the Electronic Deferral Tax Payment System and sign up. The service is free and will save you time. To get the account, you will require your taxpayer’s identification number, name and address, routing numbers, and bank account.

6. Tell Your Clients and Service Providers to Share Electronically

Once you have switched to digital planning and management, you can’t stop there yet.

Let all your shareholders, clients, and service providers know that you have made a switch. If possible, send emails addressing security concerns and highlight all the benefits they will get from the transition.

Also, make sure that they are familiar with the electronic version you decide to use. Answer all the questions and consider their opinions.

A crucial step when going paperless is to introduce your clients and suppliers to the electronic signatures. This will help your company to be more organized and consistent with the paperless system.

7. Be Consistent

Your plan will only be successful if you maintain discipline in following the new rules.

To achieve this, get rid of all the traditional paper filing systems and tools so that your employees stick to the electronic method only. They will probably be tempted to keep using the documents if they will still be kept around.

Also, ensure that your computers and electronic tools are regularly checked. They should also be taken good care of considering that they can easily be hacked and put your clients’ information at risk of cyber theft.

Finally, move your marketing strategies online. Email marketing is less costly than the direct mail campaign. On top of the email, you can use social media pages such as Facebook, Twitter Instagram, and interest to market your products and get rid of the envelopes and magazines.

Going Paperless

It’s normal to feel vulnerable when you know that you don’t have hard copy backups for the information you keep in your cloud. If that’s the case, buy an external drive and transfer the essential documents on to it.

Also, sign up for a second cloud-based system for backup purposes. This way, you will have multiple protection means just in case one computer crashes or one of the cloud servers fails.

So, don’t waste time, start your journey to a paperless office now! You might need to seek the help of an expert to walk you through the process for effective results.

Everyone says they want to start to journal the story of their life, but few do…and the ones that start usually don’t keep it up for long. Why? There are many reasons:

• Takes too much time
• Not easy
• You don’t know what to say

To be successful at journaling you have to make a habit of it.  Each day you have to make the effort to log your thoughts and activities. You can do this in 2-3 words or in full dissertations, pending on time available. I read once, “How do you expect to improve yourself if you don’t know yourself?”, this is a great question. Consider starting with a digital bullet journal. A digital journal is the easiest, most convenient way to start. There are many programs available for your phone or notebook. Bullet journals can be as simple as just lists of things to do, books to read, exercise or food logs, or even projects.

Starting with short, to the point, entries you will be able to fit in the time to jot down new to do items and check off completed items. This is a great way to start tracking progress during your day to day tasks.

Keeping a journal on individual items when combined and reviewed side by side could be eye opening! Journaling how you feel each day and your daily expenses may give you insight on why you are having trouble dieting (if you are a stress eater). Maybe spending $20 a week on coffee is keeping you from saving $80 a month or $240 quarterly that could have paid for your flight to a location on your bucket list (another needed list!).

Setting your goals as a list in your journal is something beginners tend to start with. Begin with what you can to get started for the short term. What do you need to get done today, this week, this month? Check items off as you accomplish them and add new items as they come up. In a digital bullet journal you can move most important item to the top of the list.

Next you can list your longer term goals. Consider what you want to have completed before the end of the year, a 5 year plan and of course the dream list. Once you put these items where you can see them, start working on a plan – then WORK THE PLAN. A goal just remains an idea until you have a plan to attain it.

Log the not so important things too. Sometimes noting your joys and worries each day can help you in addressing those simple (and sometimes larger) nagging items that can be pushing you forward or preventing you from growing.

It is good to keep a reading list. Books, articles, and even blogs can help you learn and grow. Each day we see items that we would like to learn a bit more about. You might have seen someone at the airport reading a book that looked interesting – jot it down! Friends and co-workers often share items that they find enjoyment in, it takes a matter of seconds to forget them… or just a few seconds to log in your digital bullet journal.

The easiest way to journal is to not think of it as journaling at all. Think of it as just taking a note for later. Keeping your chosen app on your devices home screen speeds up the process of putting your thoughts to words. Maybe you heard at the water cooler the secretary’s birthday was Friday, The lady that serves you coffee each day is graduating from college, or your best buddy’s mom was going to have to have a medical procedure. These short and simple notes are just the sort of thing you can open up at the store to remind you to pick up a greeting or gift card. In this world of so much disconnection, you will gain much appreciation from these personal touches you add to not only your close, but also your distant relations.

You can see the quality of your thoughts when you write them down. You will see your life changes clearly looking back over time. In your early 20’s you may have found your focus was more frivolous than in your 30’s. and as you near your 40’s you can look back and see the benefits of changing your habits and saving then afforded you the home that you wanted for your new family.

We can only benefit from keeping a journal. It can be difficult to get started. You also could not ride a bike the first time you got on one (well most of us couldn’t). Just keep trying. Start small. One list is enough – make a habit of checking it daily. It will take 2-3 months to get in the groove. Once you get comfortable, add in another list. Soon you will be going to your journal keeping your day straight. You may find yourself doodling, writing down quotes or even writing out your dreams.

Remember it is YOUR journal; it is not there for anyone else to judge how you use it or what you write in it. Do not write it to impress you girlfriend or mom. Once you begin your journey you can log as little or as much as you want. You will find when you start writing things down, they become real. There is something that happens when you take your thoughts to paper. When you actually see them, they become more attainable. For example, if you want to go to Greece log it in your bucket list. Then a few months later you can put a link to a certain town, next you can peek at flight schedules, lodging and attractions. Each time you log an item you are a step closer to taking your trip. Soon after watching your budget you realize you have the funds for the trip and you have all you need right there in front of you. All that’s left is the packing.

So now you know how to get started.

It is up to you to just make it happen.

One bullet list at a time.

The design of the bullet journal is credited to New York digital designer, Ryder Carroll. After spending 20 years coming up with the best way to stay focused and organized, he shared his tips with the world in his book,  The Bullet Journal Method, published in 2018. Read an excerpt from his book and interview by INC. at https://www.inc.com/ryder-carroll/bullet-journal-method-how-to-do-mental-inventory.html

Check out the official video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm15cmYU0IM

This very simple system is designed to keep you on track and productive. It can contain as little or as much as you see fit to enter into it. This organizational system now available digitally will help you “keep track of the past, organize the present and plan for the future”.

You can go old school and grab a notebook and start logging as in the above video, but there are new digital software versions that make this task much faster and even searchable!

Here are a few for you to check out:

• Trello
• One Note by Microsoft
• Evernote
• GoodNotes
• Momento
• Todoist
• Journey
• Grid Diary 2
• Journalist
• Day One Journal
• And there are so many more! Just do a search online and you will see!

When starting your journal you first have to think about your motivation for taking on this new task. Your journal will change over time, but you need to think about what your goals are for today, for this week, even this month. Do you want to work towards a new job, fitness goal, learn a new language or track volunteer hours? There are many reasons to start listing daily items to keep yourself on track.

Shop for and select the digital journal software you believe will be the best fit for you. You do not have to worry if it is not the perfect fit. You can change journals whenever you wish. (Note: you may lose your history when doing so unless files can be downloaded and backed up for future access).

The great thing about digital journals is that the indexing will most often be automatically done for you and one of the priorities when choosing your software should be that it is “searchable”.

Keeping lists or “collections”

A bullet journal is a working set of lists that reference items you wish to accomplish. Keep your daily and monthly tasks separate and move undone items forward or allow completed items to drop off after you review them at the end of the month. Keep separate notations for events, tasks, etc.

You monthly log should have a calendar page as well as an accompanying task page.  Use this calendar page for short notes on what happened, upcoming events, scheduled items. Use the task area for a list of the tasks you wish to complete before the end of the month.

Daily logs are the heart of your journal. You will update this section throughout your day, quickly noting items that you need to remember. You do not have to log every day, but this is where most of your overall growth will come from. Looking back on your daily tasks you will see where your productivity is lacking and items that may be dragging you in a direction opposite of where you want to grow.

Other items you can include in your journal are limited only by your ability to think of listing them.

Fitness goals, drawings (if digital app offers this option) video journal, travel logs, bucket lists, books to read, restraints to try, movies to see… the ideas are endless! Some find it enjoyable to have a list of favorite songs while others list what they are grateful for and daily devotions.

Log notes for training sessions, write in new language you are learning, maybe do a mind-map.

List your goals – but leave room for planning to accomplish those goals too! Short term, long term, and each progression- This is including what you will do as these goals are accomplished.

One of the things that is so cool about bullet journaling is the ability to capture all of your thoughts and goals in one place.

Rapid Logging in your journal you will find is most efficient and a quick way to keep your journal updated. You do not have to write a full chapter if you only have to remember to get the dogs meds, pick up dry cleaning and a bottle of wine for dinner party the next day. You can rapid log on any page of your journal.

Set up a simple key that will help you place importance on rapid tasks and keep you more organized

Try these bullets

•  Place before all tasks

X  Once complete

>Moved to another day/month

< Scheduled

O Event

• Priority
• Note – items you want to remember, random thought, quotes, etc you pick up during day

As you can see this will make your list very easy to navigate at a glance. You are free to use as many different bullets (signifiers) as you choose. This is your journal. Maybe noting items by color will work better for you.  For example, if you work from home and you have a web meeting you might note in blue – but if you have to go to a meeting at another location you may want to put in red. Highlighting important items to text and crossing though completed items may better suit your personality.

Digital journals give you the added convenience to log live links for shopping, movies, research, contacts and more. Some even have the ability to enter tasks in by voice.

Don’t forget to review/migrate tasks

The next step is to review and migrate tasks as completed or rescheduled. At a minimum, you should do this monthly, but you may find reviewing weekly will take less time overall. During this time you will want to review if items are not going to be done (things you can drop off your list), if you need to move to a future date, or re-plan an activity or list differently. As you move items into the following week or month you will find that you will be in a better position to choose how you will spend your time.

In this article you have learned more about what a bullet journal is for, and how to set one up. We have given you options on software to download to log your journals digitally. We have also provided you the basic flow of your bullet journal, including information on how to move forward month to month.

Each year you can start a journal fresh if you wish or just continue adding to your existing log. It is nice to be able to search text items such as “Debbie’s Birthday” to be able to add in your calendar for the next year. It can be enlightening to see your personal growth month to month – and year to year. What’s even more enjoyable is seeing items on your bucket list get checked off and adding new ones!

Check out these Pinterest boards for even more BuJo (Bullet Journal) ideas”

https://www.pinterest.com/hillaryfout/digital-bujo/

https://www.pinterest.com/bohoberry0530/bullet-journal-berries/

https://www.pinterest.com/Sumana/bullet-journal/

We hope you enjoyed this information. We hope that it was helpful and informative enough to get you started on your first digital bullet journal!