Rule 4. Write it Down.

If you are like me, I struggle to remember everything that I have to do/accomplish by a certain date. There is so much going on in my brain at any one time that I literally have no space to remember absolutely everything.

I have found that writing a simple list, can quite literally de-clutter your thoughts and save space in your brain for more important things...like to check that online store you love that has 50% off starting on Tuesday......story of my life....

To help with this, I really suggest that you keep a pen and paper next to your bed every night. So that when you get a thought or a task that you need to do, you can write it down rather than forcing your brain to try and hold it overnight to then accidentally forget it in the morning.

I also currently have a list stuck on my cupboard door called "Things I want to do", yup that simple. I see it every time I wake up so that I know to keep in the back of my head, there are many others things in life than the day to day tasks and jobs. On my list I have items such as "Go for a walk and feed the ducks" or "Go to a nice art gallery". Simple things such as these helps us look forward to little adventures that you can do pretty much any weekend (when we aren't in lock down and it isn't raining..) If someone recommends something for me to try or do, I just pop it on the list!

I am not even joking, in my phone at the moment I have 586 notes. Yup. No word of a lie there. That is because I write down any important thought that comes into my head when I am on the go away from home. Lets be real, i'm a girl...some of those notes are baby names (ladies can you relate?), but some are even quotes I've come across or even funny things I have heard people say that made me laugh!

It's often normal these days to really not write down anything, maybe because like me sometimes you feel lazy and just can't be bothered, or maybe you just take screenshots of the things you want or need to do. But actually writing things down and making lists that you can refer back to can really just keep you focused.

Another strategy I have is that when it comes to working (especially in the corporate world) it is so essential that you write a list of everything you need to do the following day. Yes, I know what you are going to say "But so much happens in my day that I don't expect". Well, still add it to the list! No matter how late I finish work each night, I would make sure that I write a list of what I had to do the next day. I would literally spend maybe 30 mins just sitting and thinking so that once I logged off for the night, I didn't have to think "Oh, remember to do this tomorrow". If it helps you I would also write the due date of tasks as well...and if you want to take it to the next level like I usually do, write where you are at with each task. Have you completed part of the task? What information are you waiting on?

This can also be applied to any scenario not just work, this could be uni, following up on a assignment you have to do or even studying for exams. How many subjects have you really prepared for? What chapters do you need to focus on more?

Let's be real, now days living in the 21st century we don't really write as much (ie. Pen to paper) but it is almost quite essential that you jot down anything that comes into your head or anything that you need to remember even if it is in your notes on your phone! Just do it!

Grab a piece of paper and a pen and leave it on your bedside table or close to where you sleep. Stick a piece of paper onto your wall and name it "Things I want to do". It is so simple but trust me it really makes you feel so much better!

#write #lists #clearmind #relax