Write it down!

A popular stage comedian in Ireland, one Hal Roach, often encouraged the people in his audience to write down any jokes they particularly liked, especially because most of them would quickly forget the jokes after the performance. "Write it down - it's a good one!" he'd cajole them. If most people wrote down their own best ideas, instead of depending on their faulty short-term memories, they'd realize how many good ideas they actually have. Probably 90 percent of people are convinced they have a "good memory," in the face of abundant evidence that they do not. A great idea pops into someone's head and he or she says - "Wow! That's a good idea; I've gotta remember that." Or, they think of something they need to do, and tell themselves that they'll somehow remember to do it - "later." An hour later, they may vaguely remember - at most - that they had some kind of an idea. The idea - and its possibilities - have evaporated from their short-term memories. By keeping a pen and some note cards within easy reach - in the car, the kitchen, beside the bed, in every bathroom - one can accumulate a surprising number of good ideas, and remember lots more of those useful and important "things to do."