You are busy and you have tons of things to do. How can you possibly remember it all?
Having a sharp mental recall can be as simple as finding ways to help jog your memory throughout the day. Here are 10 quick ideas:
Write it down
With the amount of things you have to remember in any given day, why should you try to stuff it all into your memory bank? When you want to remember something, the very best thing to do is write it down. Then, when you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant.
Keep it together
When you write down things you want to remember, keep them in one consistent place. Otherwise, you're going to spend a lot of time looking for your notes.
Maintain good health
Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise. These are all important for your memory, staying focused and being alert.
Record your thoughts
Sometimes you might want to remember something, but it's impossible for you to write it down, such as when you're driving. A little handheld tape recorder is a wonderful gadget to carry around with you and record your thoughts, or your parking space number, or a phone number you see on a billboard.
Call yourself
If you're at the office, and you want to do something when you arrive home, call your answering machine and leave yourself a message. When you get home, you'll listen to your message and remember exactly what you wanted to do.
Believe in yourself
If you keep saying you have a bad memory, you'll probably continue to have a bad memory. It's important to have a motivated, I–can–remember attitude.
Send yourself email reminders
There are many free email reminder services available. You simply type in what you want to remember, such as a birthday, anniversary or event, and you then receive an email reminder when the date is approaching.
Post sticky notes
Those wonderful, little sticky notes can be amazing memory helpers. Want to remember something before you leave the house? Jot it down on a Post–It® Note and stick it on the inside of your door. You'll be sure to see it as you're getting ready to walk out. Have to make an urgent call first thing in the morning? Leave a Post–It® Note on your telephone.
Set timers and alarms
Take advantage of alarm clocks and timers throughout the day. Have to take the clothes out of the wash at 3:00? Set your alarm clock to remind you. Want to leave for the basketball game by 6:15? Set your timer to beep a few minutes before.
Use visual reminders
Visual reminders can help you remember and focus. I especially like visual reminders for remembering your goals. If your goal is to take a trip to a beautiful island in a few years, keep a magazine photograph of the island right on your desk. If your goal is to own your own business one day, find a picture or ornament that will help remind you of this goal each day.
Author information: Maria Gracia is the author of Finally Organized, Finally Free. For more information about organizing your office, home, or life, go to Gracia's Web site, Get Organized Now.
