Visual reminders: how they help me remember & tackle commitments
I used to be rather forgetful as a child. In adulthood I have worked on and improved this characteristic a little every year.
A few things that I just stumbled on without too much thought, ended up being instrumental to improve.
Notes in shoe?
I used to put a little not in my shoe, for example:
"Go to the ATM and get cash," or, "Have to buy butter and milk to make the cake later."
Particularly if I was about to step out (and presuming I wore same shoes most days) this worked rather well for me. I'd stick the note in my wallet and on the off-chance I forgot what I needed to do, easy enough to check.
I rarely do the above anymore, though I do very much like pen-written to-do-lists, or lists on my phone, for example a packing and do not forget to do ABC list before I go on a vacation.
Striking-through the already done items is motivating and clear
Visual reminders
I use these for things that I'd like to do soon, but that aren't extremely critical.
Examples:
*Full garbage bags, put them by and almost blocking the door. That way I can not forget the second I leave the house. Especially since I live a few floors up, it is far nicer to just grab them when I am on the down rather than making a separate trip when I suddenly remember it needs doing.
Laundry basket. I need to take-down my laundry from the line or need to run a machine, an empty or respectively full, laundry basket right in front of my door in the hall I have to walk past, means I never really forget. And avoid smelly laundry stuck in the drum too long or rained on laundry on the line. If the basket is a bit in the way, good.
Even a bit dirty food bowl on top of my bed, sure it looks a little weird, but I certainly won't forget that I still quickly need to do the dishes before I go to bed.
There are of course limits to this idea. The more steps and time a task requires, the less likely you will do it at once the second you see the reminder. For instance, I could dump bunch of tools and materials right in front of my door, so that I remember to do a 2 hour DIY job,.. but in practice it may instead mean that I will just have a mess/clutter in front of my room door for some days, because I will think "Later." "Too busy, no time now." That is just a nuisance and distraction, instead of a way of 'freeing up some space on your brain SSD' = one less thing you have to think about and remember.
Visual reminders work well for one to twenty minute chores and small tasks that need to and can be, finished within the next ten minutes to six hours.
Do at once, first time you see else forget and nuisance
Phone reminders, two