In retrospect, I started bullet journaling just before the onset of the disorder. Several major projects were already on hand prior onset. Since then, my dedication to bullet journaling phased in-and-out over time.

Discontinuity When Keeping Only One Journal

Albeit its especial importance, I discontinued the first bullet journal within the first month. It was a momentous time in which I recorded the adoption of my second cat, death of a friend, compilation of her memorabilia, conclusion of a 3-year research, and the onset of bipolar disorder…

The second attempt at bullet journaling began in the third month, during which I tallied the days when I could get adequate sleep. This journal also lasted for only a month.

Coming into the sixth month of my illness (and after having stockpiled the bedroom with A5 notebook binders, daily planners, decorative tape and other stationary*), I finally understood the secret to priority management, juggling with my polarized schedules: namely by maintaining two or more bullet journals.

Polarized Interests and Demands

Polarity had become a characteristic of my schedule. During the day, I would work at a regular job. Only until 23:00 did I feel fully alive, as it was during nighttime that I could accomplish what I deemed of true importance. Thus, one journal was needed for organizing and planning the mundane tasks, another was needed for analyzing the real issues.

Too often, one priority obstructed progress of the other. Encroachment was easily observed when the sets of priorities were organized separately.

The types of polarity may differ between individuals, so be sure to structure your journals according to your personal needs.

 

* Buying multiple versions of items is another symptom of bipolar disorder.