Harden Elkington
The human brain is fantastic. And the more you use it, the better you become at doing things, including remembering where your keys are.
However, if your mornings are spent rushing around looking for misplaced items that you swear you had just set down somewhere, then this article is for you!
Using simple techniques to train your mind to stop being absent minded and be more attentive will help you to become a lot less stressed.
Techniques to train your mind
Start using task lists
Put yourself on a schedule with absolutely everything that needs to be done in your day. Every time you move on to the next step, cross it off your list.
This is great for small things like taking out the trash or laundry, but it also works for bigger things like cooking dinner.
For some people, this works more effectively than others. If you’re more of a visual learner, then your task list can become a “to do” board displayed prominently on the wall or refrigerator that has post-it notes and magnets for added functionality.
Categorize what needs to be done
In addition to your task list write out a detailed-to-the-point grocery list so that when you go shopping, you’ll remember everything on it.
When you get home from the store, check each item off the list as you put it away in its respective place. This is a great way to avoid forgetting items (and the resulting trip back to the store).
For tasks that aren’t categorized (like bills), make yourself a simple checklist with items like “call X company”, “write check #Y”, and “mail check Z”.
Visualize what you need to remember
Think of whatever it is that you’re trying to remember. How you do this affects how well you will remember it.
For example, if the thing that you need to remember is something concrete like a face or location, visualize yourself interacting with that person or place.
Try as hard as possible to actually see what they look like and any other details. If information isn’t concrete, then try picturing yourself doing whatever it is that you need to remember, like when you’re setting the table for dinner.
Create a memory palace
Palaces have been used for centuries to remember people and places that can be difficult to keep straight.
A memory palace works exactly how it sounds—you construct a building in your mind where all of your memories are stored. The more absurd the design of the building, the easier it is to remember.
And when you need to recall something, go on a little journey through your memory palace.
Make yourself accountable
Tell somebody else about all of your goals so that they can ask questions about them later.
For example, tell someone that you’re trying to lose weight (or stop spending money on lottery tickets), and that you’ll check in with them at the end of every week to let them know how you’re doing.
If they ask, “What’s your goal?” then you can’t get away with making up an answer because you didn’t actually say what your goal was (even though it’s perfectly okay to change your mind later).
Limit distractions during tasks
Having a hefty to-do list is great, but if you don’t actually get it done then it’s a giant waste of time. Limit distractions during any task that needs to be completed so that you can focus on being attentive.
For example, turn off the television (or at least lower the volume), put your phone in silent or airplane mode, and ask your spouse to turn off any unnecessary background noise.
Switch up tasks
If you’re an introvert like me then most of what you do on a daily basis is pretty much automatic because there are so many different things that need to get done.
Switch things up by finding someone to take over some of your responsibilities like cleaning the house or washing dishes (or if it’s possible, let them help you).
Be sure to take breaks
If you spend too much time doing one thing without taking a break then it can become exhausting and seem more difficult than it really is.
Take a break so that you can better handle the tasks ahead of you and have a much higher likelihood of completing them all… but maybe take a break every hour or so because nobody is perfect.
Prepare for what’s next
When you’re done with something, don’t just put it on the side and let it hang over your head (literally).
Make sure that whatever the task is, you’ve completed it so that when someone comes to ask about it, you can honestly and confidently say that it’s done.
And if it’s not fully done then at least you know what needs to be completed and by when so that you can set a timeline for getting everything finished.
Use technology to your advantage
There are so many apps for literally everything, including organizing tasks.
You can break up your day into sections with timers so that you know when it’s time to switch from work to exercise or schoolwork to chores.
And when something has been completed, just cross it off your list and move on because once it’s done, it’s D.O.N.E.
- See also: Process for storing and recalling memories in the human brain
- See also: Is Minimalism Really a Practical and Effective Way to Be Happier
Start small
When you have so many goals that they seem overwhelming, start small by picking one upfront and just doing it until you’re comfortable with carrying out the task on your own.
If you’ve never cooked before then try to cook something simple like scrambled eggs before you attempt something more complex like beef stroganoff.
You might not get it right the first time, but at least it’s a step in the right direction… and if you don’t take any steps then nothing will ever move forward.
Conclusion
You can do whatever you want to do. You might not be the best at it right away, but you’ll get there eventually if you’re dedicated to your goals and put a little bit of time into them every day.
It’s okay to take a break every once in a while (maybe after your first 10 tasks), but don’t make it too long because you’ll get comfy and before you know it, another week will go by without accomplishing anything.
The next time someone asks about your goals or what you’ve accomplished recently, tell them exactly that.
Don’t make up an answer or say that you don’t have one because they asked for a specific reason.
If you’d like, list off the goals that you’ve accomplished recently if it’s appropriate to do so (just don’t come across as bragging).
And if someone tells you that you could be doing better at something then take their advice and use it to help improve yourself.
Nobody is perfect and some people just want to see you succeed so they’ll give you suggestions on how to do just that.
