How many times have you said, “If I just had a few more hours each day I could get everything done?” Horse people always schedule like there are 13 hours on our clocks. Because of that, we often find ourselves apologizing because we forgot something.
Remember the days when “I Forgot” was a plausible excuse in today’s hectic world? Unfortunately, with the advent of computers and smart phones, your calendar and alarm system are always with you. So instead of bemoaning that fact, embrace it!
Set Alarms
Not oversleeping or being late to meetings, lessons or events is important when you are running a business. But that is not all that I find alarms are good for.
Of course I set alarms to remind myself of meetings. I also set alarms to remind myself to work on a specific project or work on a problem. I set alarms to remind myself to get up from my computer and stretch.
I used to keep a pencil and pad of paper beside my bed to write down that good idea or thought about something I needed to do the next day. Now I do that in my iPhone. Because my phone is my alarm clock, it is right by the bed, so I can use it to set reminders and jot down notes. Or, you can send ideas or notes to yourself as an email.
I love Post-It notes. I have them in every shape, size and color! And for a quick place to jot a note or put it front and center of your workspace, they are great tools. But setting a reminder with an alarm works better. (Don’t worry if you can’t give up your sticky notes…there are a lot of us out there with offices full of them! Just phase in the reminders and alarms and you will find yourself saying “I forgot” much less!)
One place the cell phone in my house still hasn’t found a home is the shower (although there now are waterproof cases down to six feet under water!). Never fear! You can install one of those scuba diving “chalk boards” in the shower to never forget that “great” idea you had.
Once you get into the habit of setting alarms and giving yourself options to make notes immediately as they cross your mind, you will find yourself becoming more efficient. You aren’t worrying that you have forgotten something, and you can spend that time being more productive.
By being more efficient, you really can find more productive hours in a day!
