You’re lying in bed, moments away from falling into a deep, peaceful sleep.
Suddenly, you remember that important thing you were supposed to do today.
- Buying those concert tickets. (Which are probably “Sold Out” by now.)
- Returning those library books. (Because you've already paid enough in late fees to stock a small home library.)
- Signing your child up for the summer program they've been looking forward to all school year. (Today was the deadline.)
Now, instead of sleeping deeply and peacefully, you lie awake kicking yourself for forgetting.
Well don't be so hard on yourself. It happens to all of us.
But that doesn't mean you want it happening again.
Luckily, there are three time management tools that can help you remember those important tasks and to-dos. And there's a good chance you already have all three of them.
Why You Forgot To Buy Milk
We all have so much to do and remember. And if you're like many of us, you try to keep the majority of that stuff in your head.With so much stuff cluttering your brain and clamoring for your attention, it's no wonder things sometimes slip through the cracks.
Your brain is a wonderful thing, but it can only handle so much. And every time you add something else to your mental list of “things to do,” you increase the odds that you’ll forget something on that list.
Having all of that stuff crammed into your brain also makes it hard to focus on other things, like important projects that need your full attention, or which ingredients go in your secret cake recipe.
You can't fully enjoy your free time either. Not if, every ten minutes, a little voice at the back of your mind is reminding you of something you just can't forget.
So what’s the solution?
You need to get that stuff out of your head so you don’t have to worry about trying to remember it anymore. But you also need tools that will remind you of those important events, ideas and to-dos in a simple, unobtrusive way.
So what are these mysterious tools?
Time Management Tool #1: A Calendar
The calendar is where you keep all of the important dates you try so hard to remember, but often end up forgetting anyway. Birthdays, appointments, special occasions, important events, deadlines. Any date that you need to remember goes on your calendar.The kind of calendar you use doesn’t matter. You can use a calendar on your computer (like the one in Microsoft Outlook), or on your portable device. Or, if you like doing things old school, you can use a wall calendar, or the calendar that sits on top of your desk. (You know, the one that sees more use as a place-mat than an actual calendar. Or it did until now.)
In order for a calendar to do you any good, you have to actually use it. So update your calendar with any new appointments, deadlines or special events as soon as possible. If you don’t have your calendar with you, make a quick note on something else (a scrap of paper, the back of an envelope, the palm of your hand) and add that date to your calendar as soon as you can.
You should also look at your calendar at least once a day, preferably in the morning. This way you’ll always know what important dates are coming up.
Time Management Tool #2: A “To-Do Today” List
Are there things you know you have to do before the day is over? Things you keep reminding yourself not to forget? Like getting started on the project that’s due next week. Or picking everyone’s kids up from soccer practice. (This week, it’s you’re turn.)Well, if there’s something you need to do today, put it on your To-Do Today List. Even if it's something you think it would be impossible for you to forget. Because, believe me, you actually can forget those “unforgettable” tasks if your day gets busy enough.
Yes, I know you don’t think you could possibly forget to pick up the cake for your sister’s birthday party tonight. But put it on the list anyway. After all, how many times have you ended up forgetting to do something you were sure you’d remember?
Exactly.
Keeping a To-Do Today List frees up head space. You don’t have to keep reminding yourself to pick up the dry cleaning or buy socks because you know it’s written down on a list you will be looking at throughout the day.
And, yes, make a habit of checking your To-Do Today List several times throughout the day. Even if you’re sure you know what’s on the list, look at it anyway. You’ll be surprised how often something on the list did, in fact, slip your mind.
Time Management Tool #3: A Pocket Notebook
Your pocket notebook is an extra memory bank, a place to store all the stuff that usually clutters up your brain. In this notebook, you jot down every thought, idea, reminder, or passing fancy that pops into your head, no matter what it is or where you happen to be at the time.Just had a great idea for a novel? Write it in your notebook. Right now! If you don’t, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll forget it. Then you’ll spend the rest of the day trying to remember what you forgot. And there are few things more frustrating than trying to remember a great, but lost, idea.
You don’t have to use a physical notebook. If you want to use a note-taking app on your portable device, go for it. What really matters is that you can take your “notebook” with you wherever you go. (Except maybe the shower…although some have tried).
Unless you have a photographic memory, trying to keep everything you need to remember in your head just doesn’t work. Something—often something important—is bound to fall through the cracks.
Fortunately, you can use a few simple time management tools to clear your mind of mental clutter, and keep track of all the things in life that you don’t want to forget.
In fact, why not give one of these tools a try right now?
- Add some dates you need to remember to that neglected calendar.
- Make a list of everything you have to do today.
- Open a notebook and start jotting down all of the ideas, reminders and tasks that are floating around in your head right now.
You’ll be surprised by how much more relaxed and on top of things using just one of these tools will make you feel.
How about you? Do you use any of these time management tools? Or do you have some other simple tool that helps you keep track of your tasks and to-dos. Leave a comment below and let us know.
