This article was originally published on Substack.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the decisions we make and how they impact our lives. Even small ones can prove very important. But how do you know which opportunities to say yes to? Right now, I need to be extra mindful of my time and how I choose to spend it. I’ve also had a lot going on around me lately, and it feels like that has thrown my gut feeling a bit off course.

I recently made a mind map in my Bullet Journal where I wrote down all the things I would like to do regarding my work now and in the near future. What would I like to focus on, and what things do I need to do? I called it my “Creative Compass.” 

To be honest, I wasn’t sure I was using my precious time effectively while scribbling away in my Bujo. Then, a few days later, I suddenly had to make a decision about a business opportunity. Should I say yes to being part of an actual store? It felt both frightening and exciting at the same time. I had no idea if it would actually be beneficial for me. I made a long list of pros and cons. Without thinking it might help, I laid out my Creative Compass in front of me and looked at it. I realized that when I asked the question, “Is this opportunity in line with my goals?” for every box I had drawn on my mind map, the answer was yes for about 80% of them.

That made me feel much more confident that “yes” was the right answer. I decided to take a chance and do something I had never done before. Hence, I am going to sell my art at Spinneriet, a cool place in Lindome just outside Gothenburg. I will also be offering art courses (starting with carving). Now that the decision is made, it feels right, and I am grateful that I spent the time doodling away on my Creative Compass. It proved extremely useful.

Bullet journaling has been a great way for me to organize my artistic (and often chaotic) brain. For some reason, I don’t want to adapt to a pre-made calendar that someone else has designed—I tried that for years and it doesn’t work for me. 😬 I apparently need my own system.

Planning my time as a parent and freelancer can be challenging. My girls stay with me every other week now, since February last year. That means I try to cram in as much work as I can when they’re not here, and I can’t have a consistent routine from one week to another. My journal helps me stay organized, and without it, I definitely feel lost. For me, keeping a Bullet Journal is the difference between reaching my goals or not. My only problem with keeping a Bullet Journal is that I am addicted to notebooks. It’s therefore very likely that I get bored of my old one before running out of pages and that I just happen to go shopping for a new one. Anyone else have the same problem?

Usually, I spend this time of year setting up my Bullet Journal system. It’s become a ritual to start the year. But I bought a beautiful new notebook in October and ditched my old one just three months ago, so I’m all set up for once. I used to decorate my Bullet Journals a lot, but then I would fall behind in my planning because I wanted to make it special. That was really counterproductive.

Now, I only decorate the occasional spread, like my Creative Compass, for example. But it’s no longer that pretty to look at, so I won’t show you anything from it. But here are a few of my old spreads instead:

I had plans to send out a newsletter last week and, among other things, show you the Christmas prints I made. In my cabinet filled with stamps, I had picked the drawer filled with Christmas stamps that I wanted to show you. But life got in the way and I decided that was ok. At least I had some fun printing. I wish I had a Christmas sweater like the one I carved below. I would wear it all the time.😊

Hope you will have a creative start to the new year and see you soon!

All the best,

About the Author

Viktoria Åström

I’m a children’s book author and illustrator living near Gothenburg, Sweden, with my two teenage daughters. I have been a freelancer since 2003, after completing a PG Certificate in Animation at Central Saint Martins in London.

For the past 20 years, I have worked as an animator, art director, and illustrator. When I’m not illustrating or writing, I create and sell my own art —  handprinted pieces, watercolours, and large ink drawings. My Bullet Journal helps me stay organised, and I can’t do without it.

You can find more of Viktoria’s work and thoughts via:
www.viktoriaastrom.com
Instagram: @viktoriaastrom