3 Tips to Remember Big Family Events Even if You’re Bad With Dates
Some people never forget sales numbers but always mix up birthday months. You may plan for an anniversary several months in advance only to overlook wishing your partner the day of. It’s ridiculous how our brains work sometimes.
Remembering dates does not come naturally to all. Moreover, busy work days and home lives can be so chaotic that little things slip from our attention. Sadly, missing special occasions can be hurtful for loved ones. They may perceive it as a lack of interest on your part, turning passive-aggressive over reminding you that something is up.
Try these three ideas to get some help with keeping dates in your head.
1 Add Them to a Customized Journal
We all have events added to our smartphone calendars or jotted down in diaries. And yet, we still forget. No one deserves blame for this situation, as modern lifestyles sometimes get to you. But forgetting hurts people’s emotions.
The problem with adding events to phones or notebooks is that they are not prominent enough. You probably have several to-do tasks on these lists every day. When the brain encounters these tasks so frequently, it gives them a feeling of sameness. So, your niece’s high school graduation may not stand out from a lunch meeting with a client.
What if you could highlight special occasions in your planner so they are conspicuous in the calendar? That way, you will see daily that April 14 is your dog’s birthday. It will register as a significant event in your brain, reducing the probability of forgetting.
Using a customizable journal can also help you likelier to check it more often. A handpicked cover and uniquely structured pages are more pleasing to the eye than a mass-produced notebook. Plum Paper notes that journals that fit your personality can offer more scope for reflecting your true self.
So, in addition to your events, you can add further personalization, like a cherished photo, for inspiration to check the journal every day.
2 Take Help from a Third Party
Here are two options: an online reminder service and your quirky friend who never forgets anything.
Nowadays, many service providers send reminders before special occasions. They want you to send flowers or buy a gift from their brand. Most of us ignore these messages; they may land in your inbox’s spam or promotions sections. However, some online reminders do not have commercial intent.
For example, Google Calendar lets you set alarms to notify you of crucial events. Recently, the company announced that Google Keep reminders will be saved to Tasks, allowing you to have all the vital stuff accessible and organized.
You can schedule the reminders to go off a couple of days before. It will give you adequate time to plan a greeting or a gift. Don’t miss adding alarms for the D-day to ensure you don’t bypass the occasion after all the preparation (as some of us do!).
What if sharing personal dates with an online provider doesn’t make you comfortable? You may request a close friend or relative to be your reminder service. Some people are excellent with dates and don’t mind persevering to remind others. You can ask them to be a good Samaritan and assist you.
3 Create a Physical Events Reminder on the Wall
If diaries, emails, and phone calls don’t work for you, how about a vibrant forget-me-not on the wall?
A recent feature in the Harvard Gazette observes that when you forget something, general retrieval cues can jog your memory faster than obsessing about trying to remember. Many people are visual learners who recall things more strongly when they see them.
For example, something tangible like the dress you wore at a friend’s birthday bash may help you remember the day more than anything else. Seeing it in your wardrobe may rekindle good memories and help you make the day memorable for her this year. You can recreate this effect by designing a reminder calendar for your home.
Use a board and pin colorful sticky notes with important dates. Next to the notes, keep related objects: fall leaves for an autumn lunch with your family, a big heart for your next date night. The step-by-step process of making and revisiting such a board will boost your memory.
Ensure you place the board strategically to see these scheduled parts of your life during the day. For example, some people like to keep it in the kitchen as it is a central spot for the household. The entryway is also a good option for reviewing the board while leaving the house.
Instead of a board, you can use removable stickers on a wall. It depends on your artistic inclinations. If you have kids, they may also get inspired to begin something creative like this. For instance, they can note their next playdate and ballet lessons. It makes life easier for you too!
Here’s hoping these ideas will ease some stress off your shoulders and help you be present for momentous occasions. Like everything else, practicing them will make a difference over time. Who knows? Trying harder at personal and professional dates may help you with other timelines, from garbage collection days to bill payment deadlines.
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