Guest Post by Eren Mckay
Have you ever found yourself simply forgetting to do important tasks? Forgetting to do things on time can cause a lot of stress in your family life and even affect your health. Establishing habits and systems can help you remember your tasks. However, it’s essential to take into consideration your personality type and your lifestyle when setting up these habits. If you don’t think about these factors there’s a big chance that the “systems” that you attempt to set up will end up not working for you.
Get Motivated
The first thing that needs to happen when establishing any change in your habits is getting motivated. Remembering to do things may seem simple but it requires a perseverance to maintain the habits. Every person is unique. Specific life situations, experiences and personal make up are things that influence us to get really excited about certain things and not so excited about others.
Discover within yourself what gets you motivated and focus on those things. Getting motivated is the reason why goal based ethics and setting goals is important . By establishing goals we can implement a lot more changes that are necessary for us. The last thing that we want to do, is start to make changes and then lose that drive. Without the inspiration, we’ll end up going back to old habits that don’t help us reach our goals. After you’ve gotten yourself inspired to make the necessary changes in your habits try out some of the following ideas so that you’ll stop forgetting to do things.
Answering Machine Cue
If you have and use an answering machine every day, then calling your answering machine and leaving messages for yourself will definitely work. This is the perfect example of what might fit one person’s lifestyle but not everyone’s. If you have an answering machine but only check it once a week (or once in a while), then calling your answering machine won’t work for you. You need to ask yourself if leaving reminder messages on your answering machine is a habit that you can realistically incorporate into your lifestyle. If it is, then this is a great option for you.
Email Reminders
Setting up email reminders is a great way to keep on top of things. Free services like the Google calendar make doing this very simple. It will email you every new event that you have scheduled. If you don’t want to fill your inbox with lots of email then I suggest only having the calendar set up to email the more important events. However, if you rarely open your email then you’ll need to establish the habit of opening up your email everyday so that this idea works for you.
Post it Notes
Visual people will work very well with post it notes. For example; I have several parts of my room that I have categorized for different kinds of notes to myself. The “prime real estate” (so to speak) of my room is the side of my computer. I call this “prime real estate” because of the fact that it is the area that I’m around most of the time. There is no way that I can miss a post it note if it is placed right there. I only post notes on the side of my computer monitor that need to be done with the next 2 or 3 days. I don’t post notes on things that need to be done 5 weeks from now. This makes it simple to know when there is a task that needs to be taken care of the next two days.
Other areas of my room will have post it notes for different purposes. For example; the right side of my TV has post it notes on money that I need to pay people or they need to pay me. These are facts that I need to keep handy but they are not as urgent as the post it notes on the side of my computer. They’re just there so that I can keep track of how much is owed to whom.
Prioritize Your Papers
Paper is the one thing that can get really confusing. Not only because there’s so much of it but because there are so many action steps that need to be done with each paper. Of all of the papers that we have there are certain papers that need to be taken care of immediately. If you can put all of these “immediate papers” into one priority action folder then the moment that you need to solve something they are all together in one place.
In order to find the exact paper that you need the moment that you need it, you need to know how to organize office files and important papers . If you don’t get your papers in order this will cause you a lot of stress and headaches. Creating a structure and establishing systems takes time but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll find yourself forgetting less and having more time to do the things that matter most to you.
Eren Mckay is a work at home mom to 3 boys. She loves to share her ideas on how to organize a small homeschool room and other resources for having quality family life.
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
Email reminders are the ones which makes me to live. As soon as I promise somebody an appointment or an event I create a reminder in Google calendar and have emails sent as reminder starting 24 hrs earlier to the event to all of my mailboxes. That way I have time to plan for it and everything goes well scheduled. I havent tried Answering Machine Cue yet despite several advices from friend. I think this post has provoked me to do. Thanks buddy.
.-= Mack@Las Vegas Real Estate´s last blog ..Commercial Real Estate Bubble =-.
Getting motivated is a good method. Make a plan then work the plan.
The other trick I use is to use my phone to create an appointment, theat is a great way to remember to do stuff.
Emailing yourself is a good idea, I can send emails from my phone and I often email myself at work when I need to remember something.
@Mack – yeah email reminders are a life saver. They totally work for me because I’m in my email everyday- LOL
@John- I totally agree. Motivation is the starting point to any change.
All the best,
Eren
As helpful as it may be to leave messages for myself on the answering machine, I really think that it is important to write things down. The act of writing helps us remember. I’m afraid that things would get lost in my San Diego real estate business if I didn’t write things down. Even typing isn’t as effective as writing, so I stay away from using my phone as a calendar.
.-= Geoff@Real Estate San Diego´s last blog ..La Jolla Homes Most Pricey In U.S. =-.
I use a combination of post it notes, which i use when thoughts pop into my head, and outlook to do lists for my regular tasks that need to be completed. The occasional answer message works well to.
.-= mark @ roman costume´s last blog ..Roman Centurion Costume =-.
I don’t know why, but I am so forgetful, must be my age lol. This post was really useful to me and has given me some great tips. Thanks.
Hey Eren I have a problem with post it notes because I am disorganized and lose the notes half the time. I am going to have to read your post below very carefully and put in effect all your tips
http://www.embracinghome.com/organize-office-paper-files/
@Geoff – I completely agree with you. Writing things down is something I do all the time. When getting organized there’s a conjunction of things that need to be done. The great advantages of writing something down is that you can take that paper wherever you go. I actually always stick my papers into my clothes that way I don’t lose them – LOL.
@Mark When things pop into our minds – that means that something triggered off that task and we remembered it at that moment. Taking advantage of these triggers so that we actually do remember and get things done is essential. that’s why I have paper and markers at every place that I spend time around. For example : Next to my computer, next to my bed, inside my purse, etc.
@Kat I’m so glad they helped you
@Dan I know how you feel. That’s why categorizing our post it notes makes it easier to find them later. The other thing I do that might help you is “brain dump walking”. It may sound crazy but it really works. I walk back and forth in my hallway to do exercise while having a piece of paper and marker in my hand. I start to write everything that I need to do and that I remember while exercising. This kind of exercise does not require your brain so you can actually work while getting healthy
Now the important thing to do is to go back over your “brain dumped list” and prioritize what is most important and what need to be done today, tomorrow, or next week.
This second classification is crucial to be able to actually get the things done on the “brain dumped list” that you created. I hope this helped you and didn’t confuse you more
All the best,
Eren
.-= Eren Mckay´s last blog ..Disney cars birthday party theme supplies and cake ideas =-.
I confess, my desk looks like a post it note factory exploded. I have reminders everywhere. I started using google calender and it has helped a lot. I used to have a program that would track everything for me on my old pc, but haven’t gotten around to putting it on the new one.
.-= Charles@Summerlin Real Estate´s last blog ..Time Running Out for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit =-.
I have a weekly agenda in a very simple Word format. A day by day calendar with all the important tasks, special events, and marketing plan.
Hi every body, the system people can use email alarm or sytem alarms now some good flash alarms are available in net. the out going people like marketing can put alarm in their cellphone, and can have notes in small letter pad etc.. but for important works we have alarm in our heart. i.e. to meet girl freind …….
.-= How to lose weight fast´s last blog ..Home Exercises to Lose Weight Quickly =-.
I’m afraid that things would get lost in my San Diego real estate business if I didn’t write things down.
One more, if you are serious blogger then plz don’t forget to post newsletter when you are away from home, so that your friends and fans receive your articles on time.
I have tried a lot of these techniques, btu I find that over time I just naturally blot out my reminders. For example, I know here is a post-it note on the mirror, so instead of acknowledging it, I ignore it after the first week or 2. Any tips to help focus on these reminders better?
.-= Joey@Top Ski Slopes´s last blog ..vienyc on Worlds Top 10 Ski Slopes =-.
Thank you for posting these useful tips. Everyone can use a little extra reminders, especially me! I’ve just started using Google calender and find it works great.
Hey Eren,
This is a great post. I did not know about Google calendar emailing me reminders so I am off to set up Google calendar and give it a try.
.-= Clay Franklin@Social Media Marketing´s last blog ..Blog Post Search Keywords Optimization =-.
I agree with Charles, my desk is beginning to look like a postit not factory.
I generally don’t do too much to remember things. I do find though if I have a goal to achieve something I spend time thinking about it and tend to remember stuff easier.
@Charles & @Ed - One of the biggest misconceptions is that things need to be all clear and pretty in order for them to be organized. I’m a “right brain organizer” which means I’m a creative and visual organizer.
I have to be able to see things in order to remember where they are.
There is nothing wrong with having lots of post it notes as long as they serve their purposes.
If they are used inside of a system that works, we can put post it notes on every space of our offices. It’s all about the functionality of the system and not what society tells us an organized desk look like.
Organized means we can find it easily. If an office space is all clear but you can’t find what we’re looking for, then it’s not organized. Just wanted to clear that up. Because once we understand this we can embrace our individual way of organizing and get a lot more done.
@Daniel – Sounds like you have things under control
@Lose Weight - Yeah I guess love can be a great motivator to remember
@Indyainfo - Writing is part of my daily life. I write everything down too.
@Dave Sappers – Good advice. The email subscription program that I use ( aweber ) allows me to do just that.
@Joey - Hey there- only put up the post it note on the day that you are going to have to do it. Like tonight: I needed to ask hubby to sign something and to get some money. So I put a post it note on the side of my monitor. As soon as it was done I threw it away. That way it’s only there if it’s urgent. Hope that helps.
@Matt - reminders are such life savers aren’t they?
@Clay Franklin - Google calendar is really amazing. It has reminded me of stuff that i know i would not remember. We just need to take the time to plan ahead and it all works out great.
All the best,
Eren
.-= Eren@ Embracing Blogging´s last blog ..Why is Twitter so Popular? Why should we Tweet, use Facebook and Other Social Media? =-.
Like your idea on sticking post it notes at different locations. Like using post it notes because it is fun to tear them up as the job gets done.
Great post!
.-= Reina @ Mini Food Processors´s last blog ..Cuisinart Mini Prep Plus Food Processor =-.
Yeah having the post its in different locations truly helps categorize and know where to put our focus on.
Tearing the posts its eliminates distractions for sure.
All the best,
Eren
.-= Eren Mckay´s last blog ..How to make a prayer journal =-.
I have to use a list. Grocery list, to do list, travel list. Anything I need to remember gets a list unless I forget the list and then I forget to do it.
.-= Dwippy@DoFollow Blogs List´s last blog ..Blogs with Top Commentators =-.
The best way I find to get things done is to make everything as simple as possible.
Don’t have too many tasks to achieve and don’t surround yourself with distractions like Facebook and Twitter.
I tend to forget a lot even with Post-its and email reminders and so forth. If I only have one priority task to achieve a day, it makes it easier for me to do it. I can’t forget one thing.
Then, if I have time for secondary tasks, I’m ahead of the game for tomorrow.
.-= Roy@Hostgator´s last blog ..How To Get Hostgator Hosting For $0.01 Using A Coupon =-.
The post it notes really work! I use it all the time. I actually have a small pad of post its in my wallet and whenever I get a great idea or need to remember something, I write it down on a post it and put it on the top left corner of my computer screen or somewhere else where I go to frequently. Post its are the best method, imo.
before, i use to have post it notes all over my desk(they really help) but when i bought my cellphone it change it all..i use it for all kinds of stuff it really helps..
Great tips! I’ll try using post-it notes
They’ll be perfect for my whiteboard.
.-= Mary Washington@Flirting Body Language´s last blog ..Attraction and Body Language Signs You Must Know =-.
Bah! It’s quite true what you point out… Not what I’m looking for me it’s more like trying to figure out how to not to get distracted by more important work and then forget the previous 5 projects I was working on….Ahh good old time management…
.-= Cross Country Running Shoes´s last blog ..CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING SHOES =-.
I have a weekly agenda in a very simple Word format. A day by day calendar with all the important tasks, special events, and marketing plan.
iI u have a good enough motivation all other ways of getting things done r relative. U will just do it by any means. So the questions should be how to get motivated enough
Peace and Love!
.-= novimobiteli´s last blog ..IrRemote – univerzalni daljinski upravljač na mobitelu =-.
E-mail reminders are a great way to help you get things done, I use them very often. I also like that you listed stay motivated, maintaining motivation is the first step to ensure that you will get work done.
i think the best Idea to Help you remember to get things done is to write them in post it notes and stick them on your mirror, it´s the best place
if me, for a short term i write on a piece of paper and put the paper beside my PC so everyday i can read it and remember it. for long term just put the schedule on my calendar.
I’m not to good using technology because I’m simply easy to forgot using technology.
.-= tommy ´s last blog ..Where Your Taxes Go =-.
I agree that the first and foremost important to do is get yourself psyched up. If you don’t have the motivation or excitement to get things done, you will not be as productive.
I use email reminders and post its (beside the monitor) relative effectively, but I will try the remaining methodes mentioned in this article!
Will come back to share my experience!
.-= Benjamin@online marketing´s last blog ..New Year Giveaway Event is Open For JV Partners! =-.
Buy an I Phone or PDA!
the best way to avoid forgetting what you need to get done is to buy an electronic agenda
.-= liz@Voucher codes´s last blog ..Robert Dyas – 75% off Radio Controlled BMW X5 – Black at Robert Dyas =-.
everybody has this kind of problem..i think what everyone is advicing is good .. a iphone or electric agenda can help
I was listening to Zig Ziglar and he says before you go to bed at night write down on a piece of paper a to do list for the next day.
.-= ppo´s last blog ..PPO Insurance and Plans and deductibles =-.
I’m such a slacker. I needs to get motivated…
.-= Kaja@Kajanova´s last blog ..Douchebag of the Decade | Glenn Beck =-.
Thank you for posting these useful tips. Everyone can use a little extra reminders, especially me! I’ve just started using Google calender and find it works great.
Sometimes I have a terrible time remembering things. I have to ask my wife to remind me of things. She has a much better short term memory than I do. lol
Best way of remembering to get things done is to be motivated. And the best way to be motivated is to enjoy what you’re doing. Simple!
(… if only this was the case the whole time!)
This is one of those very simple, yet very useful lists that we all need to be reminded of. I am a family man and small business owner and small things like post it notes and reminders truly keep my life in order.
John Kohl@Get YouTube Views´s last [type] ..Get YouTube Views
Good article. I would like to add some extra information about time management.
Workplace time management is an absolute essential skill to master if you are to ever enjoy true accomplishment on your job. Nothing is more frustrating than being busy all day long, but hardly making any progress.
It is important to properly employ time management principles in the workplace, so that you ca reduce stress and maximize efficiency.
Do you want to know moreabout cursus time management
I’d call my answering machine and leave messages to myself but then I’d forget to check it lol!
Wolf @ Nevada Realtor
Sometimes find it hard to be motived but other times not. I suppose it depends on how much energy I do or do not have lol
How motivated you are depends a lot on how tired you are. Good to get some good rest to be motivated.
I think the most useful idea is to get motivated. Anyway, I found sticky notes in Windows 7 are also a great tool to remind you to get things done every time you turn on your computer!
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