Wednesday, February 06, 2008

What Was I Going To Do?

I'm a list person. It works for me.
My boys know if it is not written down somewhere, it doesn't happen.
Here are some simple and effective tips I found that can help you remember stuff.

1. Put it down in stone. If you don't record tasks you need to do, those tasks are bound to be forgotten. Write down what needs to be remembered and place your note in an obvious area, like one the bathroom mirror or the kitchen refrigerator.

2. Give yourself a tool to catch your bedtime ideas. Having trouble falling asleep? It may be due to the many ideas and plans floating around in your mind. Keep a pencil and paper near your bed. In doing so, you can write down those ideas that hit you once you're in bed and get them off my mind so you can rest. The ideas will stay on the paper and you can sleep. You will wake up much more refreshed.

3. Spread some cheer...on time. How about those birthday cards you mean to send out and then forget? Usually near the end of the previous month is a good time to mail. Just send out ALL the cards for the following month at once. (umm....my birthday is coming up next month)

4. Send yourself an email or a voicemail. The message will sit in your inbox until you've done whatever you've reminded yourself to do. Then, you can simply delete it.

5. Use calendar reminders. Yahoo! has a complimentary calendar reminder tool on their web site that reminds you of an upcoming task or event. Many cell phones also have calendar reminder features that remind you when the task or event is approaching.

6. Carry a little notebook. It can be a little bound tablet tucked into your purse or pocket. If you need to do something, just jot it down and you'll be able to refer to it daily.

7. Try and plan a scheduled routine each week. Designate certain days to do certain things. For example, do laundry on Mondays, do errands on Tuesdays and so on.

8. Set your alarm clock. Have to make a call at 11A or pick up your son from soccer practice at 4? Use your watch, oven timer or cell phone alarm feature, so it beeps when you have to leave.

9. Tie a string around your finger. Yes, this tip has been around for decades, but it works. Just tie a string around your finger. Make it just slightly uncomfortable so that it's a constant reminder of what you need to do. Once the deed is done, remove the string.

10. Put it in an obvious place. Have to return DVDs? Leave them in a tote bag on the door handle where you exit your home. Have to stop to get gas before work tomorrow? Leave a sticky note on your steering wheel. Need to remember to take your medication? Leave a note on your bathroom mirror.

How do you remember stuff?

4 comments:

SOUL said...

do you realize that i have tried and failed at every single one of these suggestions?

altho- they are good ideas-- but my memory is just plain gone.

i do have the infamous "list"
but many times it only seems to grow. as i have forgotten that i even have it-- and of course when that happens-- it also means that what is on it remains undone as well.

but hey-- take a wild guess at what i'm doing at the moment-- aside from perusing blogs as i do it--
yup-- making my list for the day--
sad part? i wonder-- each time i begin my list , if i am the only one who has to add
meds, shower, teeth,
that is a bit scary to me. but .. oh well.

it does keep me presentable-- if i follow my list that is :))
ok..
anyhow-- i tagged you for somethin... go see.
and have a happy day--
put that on your list :))

foldingcenter said...

you organize my heart!

Anonymous said...

It's amazing of how I send myself e-mails and voice mail messages to remind myself of things at work. I send it and the next day, I wonder who called. Then I realize what it is.

Thanks,

Richard Rinyai
www.theprofessionalassistant.net

Angie Weid said...

@folding center-my pleasure

@admin assistant - thanks for stopping by