Episode 52: Notebook + Pen = Dream Life

Whenever I talk to a busy mom about reducing their overwhelm, my #1 tip is to start a bullet journal notebook system. Why? I have been using this system for years and I swear that when I use it consistently, it does wonders to bring down my stress. And not only that, but most importantly, your MAP Book can actually help you get closer to living your dream life.

When I Knew I Had To Start A Bullet Journal System

I still remember the day that I was sitting in my quiet classroom while my students were at lunch. I was completely overwhelmed. There were just so many things that I had to keep in my head as a young mom. I now had two little kids in daycare and the inputs were endless. There was always something I was forgetting, then panicking about at the last minute. I never felt like I was on top of anything and to be honest? It made me feel like I wasn’t being the mom that I wanted to be.

So in a desperate moment, I walked over to the cupboards in my classroom. I flung one open, grabbed a blank composition notebook and headed back to my desk. It’s kind of crazy that I can still remember this exact moment. It truly did feel like a turning point as I opened the notebook. I spent the next 10 minutes just writing down every single thing that was in my head. Was it pretty? Nope. But by the end, the weight that lifted off my shoulders was immense. 

It may sound dramatic, but my decision to start a bullet journal was really what started my journey towards my dream life. How? By reminding me of my why and keeping me focused on aligned actions. It also helped me to get consistent with habits that led to actual changes in my life. And finally, my notebook system helped get all of the mom things out of my head so that I could finally focus on what really mattered. We are going to dive into these ideas a little further.

How To Achieve Your Dream Life With Your Notebook System

Keep You Focused

First, a notebook system will be constantly reminding you of the bigger picture. In my MAP Book, I keep my annual goals for the year and my dream life vision. Each day, I write down 3 statements that I want to make true in my life. This helps to keep me focused on my dream life, rather than distracted by the details of every day life,

Aligned Action

Second, your MAP Book will keep you focused on aligned action. What do I mean by aligned action? When I decided that I wanted to start my own business, I would frequently make lists of everything that had to happen. Then, I was able to really go through these lists, knowing that I didn’t have time for everything. From there, I could decide what would actually help me make progress and focus on those things. My 3-year action plan also really helped to keep me focused on aligned action. You can learn more about this advanced strategy with a 1:1 coaching session. 

Consistent Habits

I would argue that your MAP Book is also a great way to get consistent with habits that you need to actually make a change. Each day, I have 5 habits that I hope to achieve. When I complete each one, I check it off. Think of it like a habit tracker that is in your face, all day, every day. If you’re anything like me, checking those habits off just feels like success! 

Reduce Overwhelm

Finally, when you start a bullet journal notebook system, you will just be able to get everything out of your head. Yes, I know that you could do this on a sticky note. But, what will you do with the items that aren’t urgent? Things that are floating around that will be relevant in 4 months, but not now? The bullet journal for moms system that I have created allows you to capture these ideas and revisit them when it is time. Imagine if you knew that these items would get the attention they need later on, too!  

How To Start a Bullet Journal Notebook System

If you are convinced that starting your own MAP Book might be the tool you need to start moving towards your dream life – congratulations! I am so excited for you. The best part is it will be so easy (and cheap!) to get started. All you really need is a notebook and a pen (the more boring, the better). Honestly, moms get hung up on this – go ahead and grab any old notebook, I promise. If you get a fancy one, you will feel a lot of pressure to make it perfect. We don’t have time for that! Go old school with a black and white marble notebook. And as for a pen? Anything works. I went to Staples and bought a box of 12 fine tipped pens that I use religiously and I have one everywhere (in my notebook, my car, my purse). No excuses! 

Next, download my free MAP Book set-up guide from my website. The guide will be instantly sent to your email inbox and you can get started right away. After getting a lot of feedback from clients, there are two ways you can set up your notebook. If you have an hour right now, you can go ahead and do the whole thing. If that doesn’t work for you, you can break it up into a 5 day challenge.  You will see both options in the guide. 

Final Tips For How To Start a Bullet Journal System

Other than that, my final tip is to just stay consistent with it. Challenge yourself to follow the process for at least 30 days to see how it can transform your life. I truly credit my notebook system with the fact that I am living my dream life right now. Imagine if it could be the same for you! 

Finally, be sure to bring your notebook with you everywhere, especially in the beginning. Whenever I find myself waiting anywhere, I am able to whip out my notebook to check in, number pages or just get caught up.

Let’s Make a Plan!

I am so excited for you as you begin to create your first notebook system! So your plan for today is to get your hands on a notebook and pen, then download your MAP Book set-up guide. Find a time on your calendar to block out one hour to go ahead and get it set up. Do not let this be a tool that just sits in your inbox, mama! 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe on Spotify so you don’t miss next week’s episode. With all of this talk about dream lives and dream life visions, I thought it would be fun to look at a few examples of dream lives and decide which one matches your dream of the future the best. Think of it as a little Choose Your Own Adventure: Dream Life Edition! 

Finally, if you want to connect between episodes, be sure to give me a follow over on Instagram – @sharonlegercoaching. I would love to support you on your personal growth journey!