Do You Write Things Down?

Putting things down in writing has two advantages. You remember clearly what you need to remember and the act of writing it down reinforces your memory even without looking at it. Instead of referring to your memory, you are able to see the full picture clearly when it is recorded in black and white. What are the things that you should put in writing?

1. Goals: Written goals demonstrate your determination to achieve your dreams. When it is written you can view it every now and then. You can measure your performance, check your progress, make adjustments to changing situation and remind yourself the steps you need to take every day to bring you closer to your objectives.

2. To-do list: You are an effective and organized person when you carry a to-do list. You don’t want to burden your mind when you can have a list with you. A list facilitates getting things done in an orderly manner by doing first thing first.  The greatest satisfaction is to cross out each and every item that you have done for the day.

3. Ideas: Ideas, which are elusive, come in a flash and you need to capture it in writing or else it will be forgotten in the next moment. A pen and a note pad is all you need.  Ideas will occur when you are walking, driving or doing something else. 

4. Telephone messages: Telephone calls are always an interruption to what you do at the moment. The easier thing to do is to write down the telephone messages and continue with your work. If there is something to do and it takes only a few minutes just do it right away and get done with it.

5. Be efficient: In meetings and conferences, you get useful insights. Be ready to record the pertinent points. In a discussion at work or among friends the only way to remember is to put in writing about things your need to do

  

6. Journal: This is the place to record the highlight of the day, your feelings, thoughts and hopes among the blunders and achievements in a day. Review and learn from the journal to avoid making the same mistakes and do more of the right things.    

7. Don’t burden the brain: Don’t stress the mind and try to remember a list of things to do. Use the brain for what it should be – to think creatively and get new and unique ideas. I have the habit of writing things down. I remember what I need to and yet I have a carefree mind. I feel calm and I am happy about it.     

The old fashion way is the most useful and effective way. All you need to remember something is a piece of paper and a pen. A memo pad and a pen beside the telephone will be very handy. Keep a diary to record your journal. Put the to-do list for the day in your shirt pocket plus a pocket notebook to jot down a sudden surge of ideas and things to remember.  Bring along a note pad with you to record important issues in a meeting or discussion.