This month's bullet journal feature is Rachael of Planning with Maggie Rae. Rachael does some seriously cool work. Additionally, she is super kind and great to talk to. The bullet journaling community is a great place, and I love being able to share other bullet journalers, their journey, and some tips they have for bullet journal beginners. So, without further ado, here is Rachael of Planning with Maggie Rae!
Meet Rachael of Planning with Maggie Rae
Hey all! It’s Rachael from planningwithmaggierae.com, and I’m so excited to be featured by Elizabeth here on Jihi Elephant. I blog about bullet journaling and easy to implement time management strategies. The goal for me is to help people make the most of their time so that they can spend more of it doing the things they truly enjoy.
I’m new on Instagram but would love it if you would follow me, @maggie.rae_!
Fun Facts:
- The last four digits of my phone number spell RACH. Thanks, mom 😊
- I have a twin sister and both our eldest children have the same birthday, the day before ours (not creepy at all…)
- My handwriting is abominable
Rachael's Bullet Journal Journey
The Beginning
I was coasting. I was never late or forgot about appointments, and I never missed deadlines. But I didn’t plan, and I was scared of setting goals. So I did the minimum. I was lucky, though, my minimum was still a straight-A student with a part-time job that earned almost twice as much as my peers. I was doing fine but I wasn’t thriving.
After graduating university with an honours degree and having two beautiful daughters, I was still in the same spot. It hit me. If I kept doing what I was doing, I would stay right where I was. And that was a jarring realization.
Making A Change
I wanted to be somewhere different, so for the first time, I set a goal. Learn more about the method I used HERE.
So, I started planning my days in a way that would lead my life in the direction I had always seen myself going. I started with an agenda and swapped it out for a variety of different styles, but I could never find one that was just right for me.
Regardless, I needed places to put notes, tasks, goals, and accomplishments. I needed more space. But I couldn’t find anything that fit what I was looking for.
Trying The Bullet Journal
In my enthusiastic search to get my life together, I came across bullet journaling. It hit me like a ton of bricks! Of course, why wouldn’t I just make my own planner?
Uh, because I grew up believing I wasn’t creative or artistically gifted.
But the bullet journal was a productivity tool, and that was what I needed. I decided to commit and try it out. It was a decision that had a massive impact on my results at the end of every day. I was able to get a new job, which led me to open my own business and then adapting it into two more! I could stay on top of my meetings, my daily goals, my family responsibilities, and I even found that I had way more time than I ever realized I had.
My bullet journal made me more efficient and effective. And it let me dabble in some doodling. At first, I was super self-conscious. But, as I did it, I allowed myself to get creative in my journal, thus, allowing myself to think I was more capable when it came to my planning. I set bigger goals and got more confident.
What Bullet Journaling Has Done For Me
Because of my planning journey, I ended up with a business that brought in almost $400,000 in revenue in the first year. I was able to stop working in that business and start working from home and got more time with my kids. I started my blog and was able to make it profitable in less than six months. My bullet journal has been instrumental in this, and using it for goals and planning has been key!
I have a Learn to Plan Challenge on my blog you can sign up to for free if you’re ready to start making significant changes in your life too!
Rachael's Tips for Bullet Journal Beginners:
Keep it simple, at least at first. It’s easy to get carried away with all the fun ideas and trackers that are out there. But by keeping it simple, you’ll allow yourself to get familiar with the system, what’s important and figure out what works for you.
If you’re using it for productivity, reflect often. Was your last spread easy to use? Was there a section of your monthly set up that ended up empty? Is there something missing? Adjust your approach as you go until you create the perfect system for you.
Have fun. Your bullet journal is for you and no one else, so make it exactly what you want it to be! I love how flexible the system is and how you’re able to make every single spread custom. You want to add crazy colours and designs, go for it! If you want to keep it classy in just black and white, do that. The possibilities are endless in both decorating and spread options.
If you like Rachael’s planner or want to check her out, head on over to her Instagram Here! Thanks so much, Rachael for taking part in my bullet journal features and sharing your journey and tips with us!
If you are interested in becoming a featured bullet journaler, check out the details and apply here!
