As 2024 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time for a 2024 Bullet Journal Year in Review to reflect on the spreads, layouts, and creative ideas that shaped my bullet journal this past year. From productive planning pages to decorative designs that brought joy (and sanity) to my daily routines, my 2024 bullet journal was more than just a tool—it was a space for growth, organization, and creativity. In this post, I’ll share my top spreads, the lessons I learned, and ideas to inspire your 2025 setup. Whether you’re a seasoned journaler or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone to spark new inspiration for the year ahead.
2024 Bullet Journal Year in Review: Covers
Top Spreads
When I think about my top bullet journal spreads for the year, it’s really hard to choose! It’s definitely easier to decide which ones I really didn’t like, but what I liked is a little more difficult. My goal going into this year was to be more creative and not just do some basic tracker spread like I always do. I’m not sure if that helped or hurt me in the end but I definitely think I achieved that goal for sure! So, I looked at all of my spreads and I chose my top four.
I really love the sunflower mood/habit tracker combo. I thought it was a great way to save space in my bullet journal. I hope to do this more next year as well.
Both the umbrella mood tracker and the rainbow habit tracker are a couple of my favorite spreads as well because they have more artistic qualities to them. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to draw an umbrella until I did the umbrella mood tracker. The rainbow habit tracker is a more vibrant version of a tracker I did a couple of years ago that I loved. I actually liked the less vibrant one better but I still really loved this spread.
Finally is my January cover page. I really love the two-page spread. It’s so simple but so satisfying. I’m also a huge reader so thinking of the months as chapters in my book of life every year was a fun thought for me. I may consider doing this again next year as well.
2024 Bullet Journal Year in Review: Lessons Learned
Every year, I find that I learn a lesson or two when I’m working in my journal and 2024 was no different. Here are a couple of things I learned this year that I hope to carry with me.
- Keep things simple — I found that I went a little overboard sometimes with my spreads. Example, June Calendar. I’m still trying to figure out what I was thinking.
- Don’t use watercolor — This kind of turned out okay but the paper turned wavy and it annoyed me.
- Always sketch with pencil then go over with pen — I know mistakes happen but they really mess with me so if I can limit them by using pencil or stencils.
- Be realistic — if you know it’s going to be a busy month/week, plan ahead and give yourself grace. Planning helps ease your mind but if it doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world.
- Cut out Waste — If you didn’t use the spread last year, and you didn’t use it this year, then you’re probably not going to use it next year.
2025 Plan
I always find bullet journaling funny, at least my type of bullet journaling, because I find myself planning for planning. Like I’m making a plan to plan. So here I am, planning my journal for 2025. This year, I purchased a washi tape for each month to keep with a theme. I am continuing that tradition this year as well but I’ve only planned/purchased the first 7 months so far.
January – Retro Pattern
February – Pink Foil Hearts
March – Books
April – Tulips
May – Bright Flowers
June – Bees
July – Fireworks
I ordered all of the washi tape from Etsy. I try to order one larger order from the same shop to help with shipping costs. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. When I ordered 2024 Washi Tape it worked. For next year it didn’t because I didn’t realize I was ordering from the UK until today when I checked on the estimated arrival. DON’T BE STUPID LIKE ME! Check where your items are being shipped from BEFORE you do all the work to decide on washi tape. This time
Things I’m Keeping
- Themed Washi Tape
- Colored Washi Tape Edges
- Being more artistic versus basic
- Color, Color, Color
- Movies Tracker
Things I’m Cutting Out
- Book Tracker — I keep a separate book journal
- Funny Things Syd Said tracker — This never gets used. Her comments are usually too long to include anymore and mostly get posted on Facebook
- Free-Handing with a Pen
- Complex and intricate spreads
- Future Log — I’ll just use my Google Calendar
As I wrap up this 2024 Bullet Journal Year in Review, I’m reminded of how much joy, growth, and creativity my journal brought to my year. Reflecting on these spreads and lessons has not only highlighted how far I’ve come but also fueled my excitement for what’s ahead in 2025. Whether you’re inspired to try new layouts, refine your planning process, or simply embrace the creative journey, I hope this post sparks fresh ideas for your own bullet journal. Here’s to another year of organization, creativity, and making every page count!
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