Imaginative Previsualization

We all have little moments daily where we see or do something that remind us about something we will consistently forget. Huh? You know- you're getting out of the shower and you go to slide open the door and you realize (for the millionth time) that the shower handle is loose and you want to get a screwdriver to tighten it but you can't do anything about it naked and wet so you move on to dry yourself and immediately forget... only to remember the next time you take a shower. Or another example for me is a morning radio DJ who talks about a blog I would like to visit, but I only remember that I'd like to check it out while I'm in the car and can do nothing about it... every morning. Agh!!

Here's how to remember these things. We call it Imaginative Previsualization (though we didn't create the technique). In the case of the shower handle, say you've just discovered (again) the loose handle:

STOP: Freeze, and shut your eyes.

IMAGINE: In your mind, PICTURE yourself at your desk writing down the note: "fix shower handle". Still in your mind's eye, put the imagined note into your inbox.

FORGET: While not really a step, once you've done the above, you needn't worry about circularly thinking about it. Just go about your day.

The next time you get to your desk, your mind will be jogged with the sensation that you've done this before. The act of mentally writing a note will weigh just as much as legitimate memories, and you will recall what you imagined. When this happens, immediately jot down the actual note before you forget again.

It's amazing, and it works.