What Actually Helps Me Function
My memory is different now. Here’s a short, practical list of what actually helps me function: external checklists, tiny timers, repeating calendars, voice notes, and writing in public. If your brain has been through a storm (or you just feel scattered), borrow anything here. If it helps, keep it.
Context (multiple strokes)
I’ve had multiple strokes. My memory works—but it works differently. Relying on “try harder” is a trap, so I design around it. I use small, boring tools that don’t care how “on” my brain is that day. Below are the five things that consistently help me remember, start, and finish.
Five tools & practices
1) External Checklists (not in my head)
- Why it works: Offloads decision-making and recall into a visible list.
- Rule: One checklist per context (morning, publishing, errands). Keep each list to 5–9 items.
- Tip: Start each item with a verb. End each item with a “proof” (something I can see).
My “AM Start” (example)
- Make bed → sheet flat, pillows up
- Drink water → empty glass on counter
- 2-min stretch → timer done
- Meds → pill case changed to next day
- Open “Today” board → board is on screen
2) Tiny Timers (2–10 minutes)
- Why it works: I can do almost anything for 2 minutes. A timer is a commitment device.
- Rule: Never set a first timer longer than 10 minutes.
- Tip: Start with 2 minutes for “activation,” then chain another 8–10 if I’m rolling.
Activation bundle (example)
- 2:00 “Start” → open task, no pressure
- 8:00 “Continue” → if it feels possible
- 1:00 “Close out” → write what’s next
3) Repeating Calendars (memory that pings me)
- Why it works: External pings beat internal hope.
- Rule: Repeat anything I need more than once a week—meds refills, review day, laundry, admin hour.
- Tip: Title format: Verb + Object + Proof (e.g., “Review Finances → screenshot ledger”).
Weekly cycle (example)
- Mon: Admin Hour → inbox at zero starred
- Wed: Health → meds count + refill check
- Fri: Review → 15-min write-up in notes
4) Voice Notes (fast capture, later naming)
- Why it works: My fingers stall; my voice doesn’t.
- Rule: Capture now, name later. Keep it under 60 seconds.
- Tip: Begin with a tag so I can spot it later: “Note—shopping…”, “Idea—post…”, “Task—email…”
Voice template (spoken)
“Task — email Sara about forms. Block 10 minutes tomorrow afternoon.”
Later, I batch-rename and move these into the right list or calendar.
5) Writing in Public (gentle accountability)
- Why it works: I remember better when I share small updates. People reply; that creates helpful “hooks.”
- Rule: Post small, post often. One useful sentence beats a perfect essay.
- Tip: Use a fixed template to reduce friction.
Daily public note (example)
- Today’s one thing: Ship timer template
- What I did: 2×10-min passes; created PDF
- Blocker: Naming steps clearly
- Tomorrow’s nudge: Test with two tasks
Simple templates (copy/paste)
1) One-Page Day Card
DATE:
Top 1: [ ]
Support 3:
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
Timers:
[2:00 Start] [8:00 Continue] [1:00 Close]
Admin (choose 1):
[ ] Inbox 10
[ ] Bills 10
[ ] Files 10
Proofs:
• Screenshot / photo / checkmark
2) Weekly Rhythm
Mon – Admin hour → star count = 0
Tue – Errands list → photo of receipt
Wed – Health check → meds counted / refills
Thu – Projects review → next actions written
Fri – Money review → ledger screenshot
Sat – House reset → floor photo
Sun – Plan week → 3 focus lines
3) Voice Note Tags (spoken)
“Task — …”
“Idea — …”
“Note — …”
“Log — …”
“Win — …”
4) Micro Publishing Template
Today I will: [one verb + object]
Timer: [2m / 10m]
Result: [one visible proof]
Next: [tomorrow’s nudge]
5) “When Stuck” Card (kept on desk)
[ ] Drink water
[ ] 2-minute timer on ANYTHING
[ ] Read today’s Top 1
[ ] Ask for one small help
What I’d try next (on my list)
- NFC tags + phone Shortcuts (tap a sticker to start a timer or log a task)
- Physical cube timers (turn to 5/10/15 to start)
- Shared “proof” album (drop photos of finished steps)
- Color-coded rooms (one color per routine)
- Weekly buddy check-in (5 minutes, send each other “next 3”)
Make it work in the wild (3 rules)
- Visible beats perfect. Put the thing in your way.
- Timers before feelings. Start the 2 minutes; decide how you feel after.
- Proof over memory. End with something you can see.
CTA
Comment with one tool that helps your memory; I’ll test it for a week. If it works, I’ll add it to this post (with credit).
- randomblink
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