A Minimalist Time Tracking System for the Bullet Journal

In this video we're talking about time tracking in a bullet journal, notebook, or simple spreadsheet - here's how it can change your life!

Time Tracking was one of the most popular videos from 2018, and I wanted to update it based on some new techniques and tools.

But why does time tracking matter? It is a helpful practice for understanding how you are spending your time each day and how it aligns with your goals. I have found it very helpful in two specific areas:

First is overcoming my own objections for "not having enough time to do X" - whether X is writing, videos, exercise, journaling, whatever! Whenever I track my time I quickly pinpoint 30ish minutes that I can transform from mindless to meaningful.

Second is a better understanding of how long it takes me to accomplish certain tasks. This is especially useful for work, but can be for anything. For example I learned how long meal prep and cooking adds on to what I considered a "quick meal" or how commuting to and from the gym made exercise time nearly twice as long.

This sounds obvious after the fact, but we all have ways we think about time but don't fully realize until it's being measured.

So here's what we're going to cover in today's video: a few simple techniques for tracking time, the tools you need or can use to start, and how to implement changes in your life based on what you discover through time tracking.

Resources mentioned and used:

Plus all the standard BuJo recommendations, led by my good friends at Baron Fig!

*Bullet Journal Supplies*

*Notebook from Baron Fig*

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My name is Matt Ragland and I make videos about using a minimalist bullet journal to focus on what matters most to you. I’ll show you how to use concepts like 10 Blocks, Time Tracking Grids, and Project Timelines to quickly see what needs to be done and when.

You can look for these videos every week, so please hit subscribe to stay in the loop for each new show!
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You can find me in other places too, like...

[MattRagland]

Thanks for watching! Have you tracked time at all this year? Let me know what you think and if you're joining us for the challenge!

[cptbenjaminwillard]

"My 4yo kept me up" hah! Finally some content for parents! Nothing like the usual "this method will make sure you're not wasting your day!". I'm not trying to figure out how to battle myself, I'm trying to figure out how I can optimize

[Stormbrise]

As you know I still obsess over the time tracking. It is how my mind works. If I don’t write down what I’m doing then I become a
very distracted and nothing gets done! I have a personal time tracker and a thesis time tracker in two small Buju dotted notebook.

[leroykumarsavoy]

Probably my favorite video of yours by far in terms of time tracking

[mcg]

Thanks Matt! I joined the challenge and I got a lot done, specifically reports that needed to be written, wow! I hope I’m able to keep being mndful about how I actually make use of my time.

[jamesburwash]

I will be joining the time tracker challenge, I have tried myself in the past but after a few days fell out of habit. While I love writing in soft and hard cover books, I will be designing a time tracker sheet in excel, converting to PDF and then using goodnotes to write on my sheet each day! I am happy to share how this is done and my end PDF.

[saralyndley]

Thank you Matt, I didn't do SO well last year at the time tracking but very inspired to start your challenge again this year... Brill video!

[mappedoutmoney]

Great video Matt! I got the timueular timer a couple of weeks ago, and absolutely am in love. It's been awesome.

[bcase]

If you use a dot grid notebook, you could turn the book 90 degrees and have more writing space.

[JulietteTLin]

oooh i really like this! i feel like i've been super unproductive lately, so just taking note of what i'm actually spending my time on will be super useful :)

[rickardlindberg]

Hi Matt! I've enjoyed watching your videos and have tried time tracking now for one day. I'm curious what you are writing. Is it for work? Is it journaling? Is it just to practice writing? I'm interested in becoming better at writing, so that's why I'm asking. Maybe you have a related habit?

[becknepomuceno]

THANKS A LOT HAHA I LIKE THE WAY YOU PUT THE 30MINS LINE HAHA

[rl]

Great vid. A friend recommended RescueTime. Have you heard of or used this app?

[elemyy]

Great video for people with ADHD 🎉 I hate my Time-Blindness 😢

[richardcozad]

Hi Matt,
Is that green pad below your field notes journal a desk pad? If so, do you remember where you purchased it? Thanks and great videos. Please keep up your great work!

[johnrmeese]

Took me a minute, but just ordered my Time Timer 😉

[macnacailli]

Thanks for the video. btw that shape is an octahedron. :-)

[pohyokelo]

I track using a weekly planner rather than spend time creating spreads

[kell_checks_in]

5:09 Will there be any housekeeping tasks listed, or is this another "I have a maid to do boring stuff" video... If the kid's awake, why isn't Dad taking care of him? I bet Mom would love some writing time. No laundry. No housekeeping. Just a completely unrealistic and/or EXPLOITATIVE day.