How to Stop Forgetting Things

Inevitably we forget things. I think we all have the best intentions to not forget, but no matter what, it happens. And if you think about it, it makes sense. Did you know that we make over 200 decisions a day around food alone? 200! I only remember maybe 6 of those a day. Our brains are certainly impressive, keeping track of things we don’t even realize for all our projects and tasks, all while keep our foundational systems running to help us stay alive.
 
I used to think that if I just focused more or worked harder on remembering things, I would be able to stay on top of things. That may work for some of you still, but, after letting myself down time and time again, I realized that I needed a system to help me. I started with just pen and paper to-do lists, but I ended up leaving them between work and home and not getting much actually checked off.
 
So, slowly but surely, I implemented little things to help me get better. It started out with my hot list to do system (all about it in this post in case you missed it) and as I started getting better from that, I added in other aspects like the Boost Action planner to help keep myself accountable not only to one off tasks but also to consistent habits that help me improve my health, well-being, and specific intentions for the year. 
 
Every Sunday I spend 5-15 minutes reviewing my Boost planner and setting myself up for the week ahead. I realized that I was naturally doing a few other things on Sunday’s to help prep for the week (although not consistently) and when I did, I felt so much more on top of it and was able to reflect on a weekly basis on how well I was doing. That way if, by chance there was anything I forgot, it didn’t go months and months before getting the attention again.
 
I love this system because at the end of the day, the only way we can stop forgetting things is to keep ourselves accountable to our Intentions and actions. If not for ourselves, then for those around us, because if we don't hold ourselves accountable, for many of the things on the list, we don't just let down ourselves, but we also let down someone or some grand goal or vision down as well. 
 
This month's March Boost action planner includes my week start checklist to help you set yourself up for success each week. It will help keep you refreshed, focused and grounded in your intentions so that you can reset and keep moving toward them each week. CLICK HERE to download your template. 

This year, I plan on sitting down and doing a similar exercise for a personal quarterly review. I've included my template in the March Boost Action Planner (click here to get the March Boost Action Plan)
 
Here is how I break it down: 

1. Review Your Intentions

What did you tell yourself at the beginning of the year that you wanted to achieve or improve one.

2. Reflect on Your Progress

Where were you in January? Were you only working out once a week and where are you now?
If you’ve been using your Boost Action planner, use metrics! (i.e. I used to do 1 workout a week now I am consistently doing 2 a week) or I’ve been achieving 75% of my goals so far. (i.e. drinking 60 oz of water 22 days out of 30).

3. Improve: Set Your Next Progress Intentions

Where do you want to be at the end of next quarter. It’s ok if the answer is keep up with the improvements I’ve made and maintain consistency. It’s also ok to say, one of your intentions is no longer something you want to prioritize next quarter. Think about what you really want to get in the next 90 days to get you to your big goal you set out to achieve this year in this category and make your new intention for the quarter.

If you have missed the previous Boost Action Plan templates, click here to get the full template and remember it’s never too late too start!
 
This is the system that works for me, I’ve tweaked it along the way and there are probably a million more ways to adjust it so that it works for you. Try it out, see what works and evolve it. The system only works to help you if it’s working for you. The best way to stop forgetting is to start a system, so put a system in place for you and see where it goes. You can make adjustments along the way.
 
If you want to talk about how to improve your system. You can always shoot me an email. I love talking productivity and how we can integrate into our individual lives to work for us.

xoxo, 
Jessica

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