Preparing for 2018
When you’re preparing for the new year, it can be easy to get swept up in elaborate spreads for your goals and habits. While those are great (and I’m totally doing them too), it’s important to take a second to consider some of your more basic bullet journal spreads. One of my favorite simple spreads is my 2018 thumbnail calendar!
Materials Used
My Struggle with Time
Let me explain why I love this one so much. I’m a very visual person. That’s the whole reason I like the bullet journal over digital schedules! If I try to use any kind of digital taskmaster or calendar, it simply doesn’t stick in my brain. I need to write it down and see it, ya know? Well, that same mental limitation applies to my perception of time.
Of course, I know when all the months are in the year. But I struggle to internalize and wrap my mind around how close or how far certain dates are in relation to now. That mental confusion has caused me to be startled when Jon points out that Christmas is only ten days away, or when he tells me that a deadline is closer than I expected. I just can’t cement a solid perception of time into my head no matter how hard I try!
My 2018 Thumbnail Calendar
My struggle with time is the reason why this simple 2018 thumbnail calendar is so handy. This spread is one I can flip back to again and again to orient myself in the year and get a good grasp on upcoming dates. Having the months visually laid out like this in my bullet journal just helps in such a fundamental way!
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Keeping my 2018 thumbnail calendar a bit more minimalist wasn’t an accident, either. I want this spread to be one that I can see at a glance without having to look past elaborate doodles or decorations. I just added a little dash of color with some watercolors and kept my lettering small and simple. And you know what? I think this page looks pretty stellar if I do say so myself.
Simple but Handy
If you’re looking for things to add to your 2018 bullet journal set up, then I’d suggest you consider this simple and elegant 2018 thumbnail calendar. It’s good looking, effective, and a great page to reference throughout the year. What more can you ask of a bullet journal spread?
Check out all of my posts about planning for the new year!
Are you getting ready for the New Year?
If you're looking for inspiration to help you get ready for the new year, you can check out all of my new year bullet journal and productivity content in one convenient place!
Alternatively, if you're looking for a quick way to get ready for the new year, you should check out the Fox Den Resource Library. The library is packed with tons of free printables and lettering worksheets, including a January printable to help you tackle the new year.
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Margaret says
Good morning (barely)!!
Is there a printable for the 2018 thumbnail calendar?
My printing/handwriting just isn’t as pretty as yours…
I’ve been practicing, but it’s just not there yet and kills all inspiration when I look at it!!
Thank you!
Happy new year!
Little Coffee Fox Team says
At this time, there isn’t Margaret. Sorry!
Susan Goffman says
How many squares did you use for each month? I love how this looks but if that’s one square per day I’m not sure I can write tgat tiny!
Little Coffee Fox Team says
It is one square per day Susan. The trick is to use a very fine tip pen so you can make super small numbers.
Anis says
What ink do you use that doesn’t smudge with the watecolour?
Little Coffee Fox Team says
Hey Anis, I use Faber Castell Pitt Artist pens and they work wonderfully with my watercolor!