Every inventor or entrepreneur knows the importance of getting “great ideas.” But great ideas can come to us at the most inopportune times, can’t they? I’ve had many amazing solutions pop into my head, only for me to forget what they were about later. At least, I think they were good ideas…I can’t really remember.
These events kept happening until I learned how to better my memory. In this list are a few methods I use, as well as a few I’ve read about, that will help you to keep those fantastic brainstorms from slipping away:
1. Write it down.
Write it down somewhere. Anywhere. With all the things you have to remember every day, there is no way you can keep all in your memory. At the very instant that you come up with an idea, the very best thing to do is write it down. Then, just as you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant. I suggest keeping a small notebook in your back pocket at all times.
2. Take care of yourself.
A good memory comes from a well nourished brain. Eat healthy; get plenty of rest and lots of good exercise. Good health will better your memory, as well as increase your creativity and ability to focus!
3. Record your every thought.
You might find yourself driving when a good idea comes to you or you might recall something that you really need to write down. No need to pull over and start writing, record instead! Pull off to the side of the road and use a small hand held tape recorder. This is a wonderful tool to carry around with you, to record your thoughts, or your parking space number, or even a telephone number you see on a billboard as you drive by. Use your handy recorder to be your second eyes and ears.
4. Call ahead.
When you are at work or school and you want to do something when you arrive back home, call ahead to your voicemail and leave yourself a message. As soon as you get home you can listen to your message and remember exactly what you wanted to do.
5. Believe in yourself.
If you keep saying you have bad memory, guess what? You will probably continue to have bad memory. It is important to have a motivated, I CAN remember attitude.
6. Email it.
It’s pretty easy to find an internet connected computer these days. If you’re at a computer, log in to your web-based email, write down what you want to remember in an email and send it to yourself. Then continue with whatever you were doing.
7. Use sticky notes.
Sticky notes can be an essential tool of any inventor/entrepreneur. They’re cheap and you can put them anywhere.
8. Keep a dream journal.
Some of the most famous entrepreneurs and inventors have said that their ideas came to them in a dream. Keeping a dream journal will allow you to preserve your dreams for later analysis. Plus, the simple act of writing down your dreams will strengthen your ability to recall new dreams too!
