Have you ever gone shopping and forgotten your list or your reusable grocery bags? Have you inadvertently missed your best friend's birthday again? If so, these
10 techniques will help keep your mind organized so you remember better.
1. Make it concrete. If you don't jot down tasks you need to remember, they're likely to slip your mind. Write down (or record in your phone) what needs to be remembered.
Place your paper note in a prominent area, like on the bathroom mirror or the kitchen refrigerator.
If you are recording digitally, be sure to set audible reminders as well.
2. Spread some cheer...on schedule. What about those birthday cards/gifts you intend to send but then forget?
Toward the end of the previous month is a good
time to mail all birthday greetings for the coming month.
3. Send yourself an email. When you have to do something, try sending yourself an email message. When you check your email later, you'll be reminded of that TO DO. Keep it there until you've completed the task you've reminded yourself to do. Then, you can
delete it.
I've also sent text messages to myself on my cell phone!
4. Keep a small
notebook handy. Whether it's a spiral-bound paper notebook, or a phone or tablet, when you need to remember something, record it for easy
reference. 5. Establish a weekly routine. Allocate specific days for specific tasks. For instance, do laundry on Mondays, run errands on Tuesdays, and so forth. Routines are habits, and therefore it's easier to remember to follow them.
6. Use alarms. Need to make a call at 11 or pick up your son from soccer practice at 4? Set your watch, oven timer, or cell phone alarm to sound when it's time to leave.
7. Tie a string around your finger. This age-old trick
still works. Tie a string around your finger, making it slightly uncomfortable so it serves as a constant reminder of what you need to do. Once the task is done, remove the string.
8. Place reminders in obvious spots. Need to return library books? Leave them in a tote bag on the doorknob as you exit your home. Have to
refuel before work tomorrow? Stick a note on your steering wheel. Need to take medication? Leave a note on your bathroom mirror.
9. Purse Reminder Trick: Before heading to the grocery store, place your purse inside your reusable grocery bags. This
way, when you grab your purse on your way out, you'll automatically pick up the bags, ensuring you never forget them again.
10. Create Visual Reminders: Use visual cues to prompt your memory. For example, if you need to remember to take out the
trash, place the trash can by the front door as a visual reminder before leaving the house. If you light a candle, put your car keys near the candle which will remind you to blow that candle out before you leave your home.
Remembering important tasks and events doesn't have to be a constant struggle. With these simple strategies, you
can keep track of everything more efficiently and free up mental space for the things that truly matter.
