Use this quick memory hack to remember when you can’t write
By Christian Howd | July 16, 2007
Sometimes I need to remember something and I don’t have an opportunity to write it down. Maybe I just don’t have a pen and paper at the moment. Maybe I’m in the car and it just isn’t convenient to write a note. Or maybe I’m just being lazy at the moment. But when I need to remember something and I can’t immediately write a note to myself, I just use this quick trick to tide me over until I can capture the idea on paper:
Grab a random item and let that be your idea placeholder.
Here’s how it works:
- Grab a random item. Pick something that sticks out and is nearby, like a napkin, remote control, piece of scrap paper, spork, whatever.
- Put it somewhere that you can see it. Set it on your lap, in the middle of the floor, in the middle of your desk, on your keyboard, even in your pocket.
- Tell yourself what to remember. When you grab the item, tell yourself what the item represents: “This spork means to call Jeff about the Tigers game.” Tell it to yourself a couple of times.
- Capture the idea as soon as you can. When you are freed up to write a note, jot down the important information you are remembering using your random placeholder.
This variation of the “ribbon around your finger” method probably isn’t going to help you remember something for longer than an hour, but when you need to remember something and can’t write it down immediately, this trick can keep you from that annoying there was something I was supposed to remember and I can’t remember what feeling.
What tricks do you use to remember important things when you can’t write them down immediately? Share in the comments.
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July 16th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
I phone my Jott line and speak a message to myself that is transcribed and then sent to my email via jott.com. Of course, this is not as spontaneous as your method!
July 17th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Jott is a great idea for when you have your phone handy. BrainCast is another idea. The difference is that Jott transcribes your messages, while BrainCast just sends the mp3 file to your email address.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:01 am
Hey I made it into your blog (at least I think it is me) - good idea too! Although I usually don’t have sporks laying around.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
My wife is always saying grab an item and set out of place. Who knew she was right?
February 7th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
My wife is always saying grab an item and set it out of place, who knew?