A few weeks ago I shared my 2018 Work Bullet Journal Update which included an overview of my current setup and a complete walk-thru. This week, I’m sharing Part 2 which includes my process for transitioning to a new journal as well as my top 10 work layouts that help keep me organized and productive—some are even great for managing multiple projects!

If you missed Part 1 of my Work Bullet Journal Update, check it out here. In Part 1 I shared my bullet journal cover, the notebook I’m using, my planner supplies, and did a complete walk-thru of my index, layouts, collections, and reference pages plus explained the tips and techniques I use for managing multiple projects.

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My work bullet journal in action!

 

(*Note: Included below are some affiliate/referral links to help you find items I’ve purchased, use, and love!)

 

Transitioning to a New Bullet Journal

For Part 2, the first thing I’m going to explain is my process for transitioning to a new bullet journal. To prepare for this step, I use my ‘brainstorming journal’ which I first introduced in my 2018 Planner Setups – Primary Planner blogpost and video. This is where I ‘brainstorm’ on paper prior to the upcoming year what planner cover/type I’m planning to use, which life area it’ll be used for, what layouts/inserts it will hold, and what specific information I’m going to capture, track, and manage. I also use it to:

  • analyze my current work setup
  • determine what worked and what didn’t work
  • identify the work layouts I need to transfer
  • review the index to see how I utilized my current work journal
  • brainstorm ways to fix any issues or gaps found

Since November 2016 thru present day (February 2018), I have used the 600 page Miquel Rius grid journal—there are only about 95 pages left, can you believe it?! The great thing about this setup is that it contains ALL the details for my current projects. The bad thing is, it’s a BIG book! Most of the pages were used for meeting minutes/notes so for my next setup I’ve decided to move it into a separate book so I can keep my yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily layouts in my ‘primary’ work bullet journal.

Top 10 Work Layouts

In addition, I picked my Top 10 Work Layouts that were the most effective in helping me not only manage my workload but also manage multiple projects. They are:

  1. Monthly Index Logs – summary of important things that happened throughout the month—it’s a lot easier than trying to find this information in the weekly or daily pages! (click the link to learn more)
  2. Goals /Accomplishments – also helpful when preparing for your yearly performance review!
  3. Yearly Training – also good for tracking training recommended by a colleague
  4. Pending List – to not lose sight of delegated tasks or things you’re waiting on from someone
  5. Communications Log – to help you remember any discussion points the next time you meet with a supervisor, colleague, or client
  6. Organization / Department Reference Information  – log key information you need regularly
  7. Project / Process Reference Information – track workflows, project phases, POCs/SMEs, required documentation, etc.
  8. Master Task List – an ‘inbox’ for capturing tasks due in the future (since those layouts don’t exist yet)
  9. Major Project Decisions / Changes / Milestones – a log of key information for long-running projects at your fingertips!
  10. How to / Instructions for {xxx} – e.g. how to complete travel forms, setup your work voicemail, submit a project request, etc.

To learn even more about my transition process and top 10 work layouts, check out my video below:

Great news! Many of you have mentioned you’d like to get a closer look at my work bullet journal layouts. For obvious reasons, I had to blur my pages in the videos to protect company information BUT…I’ve come up with an alternate solution that will allow me to share a clear view of my bullet journal layouts—a ‘stunt’ work bullet journal! This is a separate bullet journal that I’m setting up which will contain my actual work layouts but with sample information. It will include everything I’ve shown previously: indexes, yearly/monthly/weekly/daily layouts, work collections, color coded examples, project management layouts, reference pages—everything! I’m about halfway done setting it up so stay tuned for a future video of a full and CLEAR walk-thru!

Summary

Life is ever changing which means our planners are ever changing. You may be starting a new job, received a promotion, or gained new work responsibilities. Whatever the case, a bullet journal provides the flexibility needed to adapt to those changes quickly and easily. Some plannernerds dread the process of transitioning to a new journal but actually it’s a great opportunity to evaluate what’s working and what’s not working so you can make changes and adjust accordingly. In addition, having a few highly functional layouts such as my ‘Top 10’ will get you off to a great productive start!

What about you? Do you have a process you follow when preparing to move into a new bullet journal? Do you have some ‘tried and true’ work layouts that you just can’t live without? If so, please share in the comments below and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!

Until next time, 🙂

♥ LilD ♥