If there is something you do routinely, write down that routine. It could be as basic as the order in which you prefer to get ready for work or school in the morning, or it could be as intricate as the procedure for getting a part of your job done.
If you have ever arrived at the bottom of the stairs not knowing why you went down at all, you have a short term memory problem. Whether your short-term memory problems are due to medical problems or simple absent-mindedness, there are strategies to cope.
1. Pay Attention.
Many short-term memory problems can be attributed not so much to the ability of the brain, but the ability of the person to focus on a single task. If you have already forgotten the name of the nice gentleman who was just introduced to you five minutes ago, it might not be only a memory problem.
Were you really listening when you were introduced, or were you thinking ahead to what to say next?
Make a conscious, active effort to pay attention whenever you know you are likely to forget something.
2. Write It Down.
Whatever it is that you have to remember, commit it to writing. Use a white board, bulletin board, notebook, the palm of your hand, or any other format that helps.
Write down your shopping list, your errands, your schedule, and even what you needed from downstairs, if you need to.
3. Visualise It.
In addition to writing down what you need to do, you can also "draw" it in your mind by visualising yourself performing the task in as much detail as possible. If you need to remember to lock the door, for example, imagine yourself shutting the door and looking down at your hand on the door knob. Then visualise yourself pulling the keys out of your pocket, hearing them jingle The more detailed your visualisation, the more likely it will "stick".
4. Have A System.
Leave items where they are visible and where you will see them until you do whatever needs to be done to them. This could mean things like placing things to go upstairs at the bottom of the stairs, putting bills and paper in a certain, conspicuous location until they are processed, or simply always feeding the cat before you make your own breakfast.
5. Use A Tickler File.
A tickler file is a file that is set up by date. Have folders or divisions in the file for each day of the month. When something arrives in your purview that requires your attention at a later date, place it in the tickler file for that date. Be sure to check your tickler file daily.
6. Keep A Calendar.
Don't rely on your memory to tell you when to be where tomorrow, and certainly don't rely on it for next week or next month. Instead, write it down in the calendar of your choice and make a habit of checking it regularly.
Keep one calendar for all your appointments. Don't keep one for business and another for personal dates.
7. Take Good Notes.
Whether in a class, in a meeting, or simply for personal reasons, take notes. Even if you never re-read them, often the act of writing something down will cause it to go through your brain. If you do need to look back, you'll have a record of it.
Keep a notebook, or keep one notebook for each general subject, project, or interest. Having different colours and even shapes and sizes will help you to keep different notebooks straight.
8. Place Things In Visible Locations.
For example, if fresh vegetables get lost in the crisper drawers until they turn to mush, don't put them in the crisper drawers. Instead, hang them in clear bags or set them on the shelves up where you can see them.
9. Make Up Checklists.
If there is something you do routinely, write down that routine. It could be as basic as the order in which you prefer to get ready for work or school in the morning, or it could be as intricate as the procedure for getting a part of your job done.
You can use an electronic checklist or place the checklist in a plastic sheet protector and use erasable markers to check things off.
10. Confidence.
Memory has a lot to do with confidence. If you think or believe that you have such a problem, it is likely to come up automatically even if it is not there. This applies especially while trying to remember something.
Your lack of confidence would eventually lead to a state where you forget the habit of remembering. Develop confidence by appreciating yourself whenever you remember something you usually forget.
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