Hey there! I have a question for you—how often do you forget to do something important until it’s too late? Maybe you remember at the last minute that you needed to order something online, or you realize too late that you forgot to pay a bill. We’ve all been there, and honestly, it’s frustrating!

That’s why I’m bringing back one of my most popular episodes—because this one little trick, “Catch it as you think of it,” has been a total game-changer for so many of my listeners, my clients, and even my own family. My daughter jokes that this phrase should be on my tombstone because I say it so often—but for good reason! When you start using this simple habit, you’ll stop forgetting things and start feeling more in control of your life.

 

Why We Forget Things (And How to Catch Them?)

Our brains are amazing, but let’s be honest—they’re not great at storing every little detail. We think of something important, and then poof—it’s gone, buried under a million other thoughts. The problem is, it usually resurfaces at the worst possible time, when it’s too late to do anything about it.

That’s where “Catch it as you think of it” comes in. The moment a task or reminder pops into your head, you need to capture it somewhere reliable. This could be a planner, a notes app on your phone, or even a quick voice command to Siri. The key is to get it out of your brain and into a system you trust—because if you don’t, you will forget.

Step 1: Choose Your To-Do List System

The first step is deciding where you’ll keep track of all these thoughts. It has to be something you’ll actually use, so think about what works best for you:

• Paper Planner: If you love writing things down, this might be your best bet.
• Digital App: If your phone is always with you, an app like Notes, Reminders, or Todoist is a great option.
• Voice Commands: If you’re driving or on the go, just say, “Hey Siri, remind me to buy milk.”

 

What doesn’t work? Sticky notes and random scraps of paper. If your brain doesn’t trust that you’ll see it again, it’ll keep trying to remind you—which just leads to mental clutter.

Step 2: Train Yourself to Catch It

Now that you have your to-do list system, the next step is making it a habit. Every time you think of something—whether it’s an errand, an appointment to schedule, or even an idea for a future project—capture it right away.

For example:

• You’re folding laundry and remember that your child has a dentist appointment that needs to be scheduled. Instead of hoping you’ll remember later, stop and write it down.
• You’re driving and realize you need to pick up ice for a party. Use voice commands to add it to your grocery list.
• You’re in the kitchen and notice you’re almost out of dish soap. Add it to your shopping list right then.

 

The more you do this, the more natural it becomes. Before you know it, you’ll stop forgetting things—and you’ll avoid those last-minute scrambles that cause so much stress.

Step 3: Review Your List Regularly

Here’s the final piece of the puzzle—if you don’t review your list, it won’t help you. Make it a habit to check your to-do list at least twice a day:

1. Before bed – This helps you plan for the next day.
2. In the morning – A quick review ensures you don’t forget anything important.

 

You can also check it after dinner or whenever it makes sense for your routine. The goal is to make sure the things you wrote down actually get done!

 

What Should You Catch?

You might be thinking, “Okay, but what kinds of things should I be writing down?” Here are some ideas:

• Errands to run (so you don’t forget printer paper until you need it)
• Grocery items (write it down the second you run out)
• Gift ideas (so you’re not scrambling before birthdays and holidays)
• Home projects (like replacing light bulbs or fixing that leaky faucet)
• Conversations to have (reminders to check in with your spouse or kids about important things)
• Books to read, movies to watch, places to visit (so you don’t forget great recommendations)

 

Basically, if it’s something you need to remember, catch it as you think of it!

 

Let’s Make This Work for You

So, what’s your next step? Here’s what I want you to do:

1. Decide on your to-do list system. Paper? Digital? Voice commands? Pick what works best for you.
2. Start using the mantra. Anytime you think of something important, capture it immediately.
3. Set a daily check-in time. Before bed? In the morning? Choose a time to review your list so nothing slips through the cracks.

 

This one small habit can make a huge difference in how organized and in control you feel. I can’t wait for you to try it!

 

I’ll be back in March with brand-new organizing tips, but in the meantime, give this a shot and let me know how it works for you. You’ve got this!