Think it - Do it

MAKE IT HAPPEN

How many times have you:

– Forgotten to call someone back

– Left something important behind 

– Missed out on something because you meant to put it in your bag 

– Missed a deadline
– Forgotten to jot something down or set a reminder to do it

Countless times I bet. Has it been because you've been in the middle of doing something else? Likely. Maybe that other thing was more important or fun at the time? Or was it simply because you were being inefficient or worse, lazy? Whichever - you've missed out on something good - something that was going to benefit you in some way, because you didn't do what needed to be done. It's very easy to make the mistake of putting off something until later. I've learned the hard way and that's why I've changed for the better. Ever since making this change, I've experienced countless successes where I can say I've had what I needed because I've stuck fast to a very simple rule. 

Think it - do it

As it comes to mind - grab a pen and write it on the back of your hand - or take out your phone and set a note/reminder. Even better, If you have an iPhone, take a screen grab of the note and save it to your lock screen. There are times when a note will do the trick - but if it's something that's within your grasp - ie. Getting something out of a cupboard to stick in your bag - like a passport. Do it immediately. If it's a quick and easy job - even though it disrupts what you're currently doing - slot it in and do it now while it's in your mind. If it's going to hold you up and miss a deadline or something that requires a bit more time to do - there's another rule...

The 2-minute rule

If something can be fixed, prepped/lined-up or at the least, a reminder easily set for a better time to do the task at hand - and it's a '2 minute job' - do it. For anything longer, the reminder itself fits in the 2-minute window. Do it. As you think it - do it. You may be in the middle of dinner or in a deep and meaningful conversation. Do it. If you just say 'Think it - do it' - if anyone asks why you're breaking the chat or seemingly preoccupied with your phone/notebook - pass on the rule so they can benefit too! Otherwise, just excuse yourself and quickly go somewhere out of the way where nobody can see you.

It's simple
You just need a pen/pencil and paper/notebook - or if you're tech-minded - do as I do and keep an iPad or an iPhone (or equivalent) with the notes app accessible in an easy place - ready for when the moment comes. Sometimes the moment arises when I'm in the middle of watching a film, having dinner, in conversation, driving (use dictation) or even in the middle of the night half asleep - I still jot down that reminder, note, bit of inspiration where it's ready to make good of when it comes - because thoughts are just thoughts at the end of the day and they can come and go if not captured.