If you’re like I am, you’re almost always thinking about whatever is stressing you. It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, your brain is always going. It doesn’t even matter if you are aware that you’re thinking about your stressors, your subconscious is cranking away behind the scenes; that’s why you may suddenly come up with a great solution to a problem that you weren’t even thinking about.
No matter what the reason, though, ideas will come to you. Some good, some bad, some big, some small; ideas will suddenly pop into your mind when you are least expecting it. What do you do with the good ones, the ideas that you want to remember? How do you capture them so they are not lost forever?
It could be something big like an idea that will completely solve one of your problems, or it could be something relatively minor, like a call you have to make or something you need at the store.
Don’t you just hate it when you remember that you had an idea, but can’t remember what it was? It’s not just the frustration; you’ve lost the value that the idea would have brought you unless and until it pops back into your mind (and you don’t forget it again).
If you don’t already have one, you need a system to keep track of your ideas, because once they’re gone, they’re gone. It just so happens that I have one.
The most important part of any system of this kind is to capture the idea in some form; the exact form you choose should be based on your own personal style. Here are two choices: paper or digital.
The paper system involves putting pens and small pads of paper around your home and office. When an idea pops into your head, write it down (a simple reminder will do) and put the paper in your pocket. Make sure that the papers all end up in a central location by getting into the habit of accumulating them in specific "staging areas" until they find their way to that central location.
The digital system involves getting a digital voice recorder (DVR), available at electronics stores for $25 and up, depending on the number of minutes of recording time. Like the micro-cassette recorder, you must carry it with you everywhere so you can record reminders of ideas immediately, but a DVR is much smaller and more flexible for playback. Another digital solution could be in your cell phone, which may have a voice-recording feature.
Now that you have captured your ideas, you must organize them into categories; for example, “Things to do”, “Things to buy”, “Calls to make.” With the paper system you can simply sort your pieces of paper into folders or envelopes for each category. With the tape or digital system, you must transfer the items from the device either to paper or to your computer. If you transfer them to paper, you can sort them into folders or envelopes, or you can keep a "master list" for each category and simply add to them. If you put them in your computer, you can create a file in your word processor with a different section for each category. As you play the messages simply type the items in the appropriate section.
Whew! That’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because when you are ready for them, all of your ideas are right there in one place, ready to go.
Now that's a good idea; make a note!
Dealing with cancer, some other major illness, or life in general? Our free daily tips will help you cope: sign-up at http://www.CopingQuickies.com For even more stress management tips and techniques visit http://www.CopingUniversity.com where world-class experts share their wisdom to help you cope. Hours of FREE online audio programs will help reduce your stress and restore your hope. Topics are unique, unusual, fascinating, and just plain fun! Learn how to find humor when nothing seems funny, how to love the way you look no matter what, and how to be romantic even during a serious illness. Our online content is always free, so visit today! And, check out our YouTube channel for entertaining coping ideas: http://www.YouTube.com/copinguniversity
Edited by Alison Stanton