There are many memory tools you can use to keep yourself organized, but if there is one tool above all that you should be using - the most basic tool if you like - it is a scheduler. Schedulers come in many different forms - appointment books, calendars, electronic scheduling devices and software you can run on your computer. They are one of the best tools available to organize your information so you can get things done on time. A good scheduler (and not all schedulers are the same) will allow you to keep a track of the things you need to remember - appointments, contact details, to do lists, and other important information.
But once you have one, what can you do to maximize your use of a scheduler? Here are a few tried-and-true tips:
1. Make sure the scheduling aid you get fits your lifestyle. If you are already using a scheduler look at it closely to make sure that it meets your needs, especially if you are getting ready to buy a new one. Rather than just buying the same scheduler again, compare it with the others on the market. Your circumstances and requirements may have changed, a more suitable scheduler may have come onto the market, or you just may not have been able to get the most suitable one when you bought your current one. And if you are looking to buy one for the first time, make sure you have a look at all the options available and try to imagine using each of them.
As an aside - you may get a “free” scheduler of some kind each year from somewhere (perhaps your work or a bank). While it can be tempting to just use that (after all, you didn’t pay for it), ask yourself if it really does what you need it to. Free items can sometimes end up costing us a lot!
2. A scheduler is only useful if you use it. This comes down to two things - having the right scheduler that fits your lifestyle (see tip 1), and getting into the habit of using it. As soon as you have something to write down (an appointment, an address or important note you need to remember) make sure you put it into your scheduler. Don’t fall into the habit of saying “oh, I’ll write it in later”. Nine times out of time you’ll have completely forgotten about the information later!
If, no matter what, you do keep finding that you aren’t using your scheduler that is a sure sign that you have the wrong one for you. It’s human nature to not use things that don’t suit us. If you aren’t using your scheduler, keep looking for one that you will use.
3. Size does matter - at least with schedulers. You need to make sure that your scheduler has enough room for you to write down all your appointments and information clearly. Exactly what classifies as “enough room” is up to you, but make sure that when you write down your information that you don’t have to squeeze it in, or put arrows to a continuation on another page. The only thing worse than not writing down information in your scheduler is writing it down then not being able to decipher it later on!