I often say, “There are three things that happen as you get older. First of all, you lose your memory. Then… Um…. Well, what do you know? I forgot the other to!”
That’s my favorite joke I tell when I am frustrated at forgetting something… again. It’s a humorous deflection to hide my irritation at forgetting something… again.
How many times have you thought of something during the day—something you needed to do, should do, or would like to do—only to find yourself later wondering, What was that? You might even wish you’d remembered sooner as you replay the day in your mind. Capturing those fleeting thoughts is essential for productivity, peace of mind, and sometimes even for responding to the quiet nudges from God.
Here are some practical and creative ways to catch those ideas before they slip away:
1. The Digital Notepad
- Use a notes app on your phone or computer to jot down thoughts. Many apps allow syncing across devices so you can access your list anywhere.
2. Text Yourself
- Send yourself a quick text with your idea. You’re likely to see it next time you check your messages.
3. Email Yourself
- For longer thoughts or action items, email yourself. You can even set up a separate email account dedicated to random ideas to process later.
4. Voice Memos
- Use a voice memo app or your phone’s assistant to record reminders. Bonus: set reminders with your voice assistant, like, “Remind me at 4 PM to call Tom.”
5. Pocket Notebook
- Carry a small notebook in your purse or back pocket. Writing something down can help solidify it in your memory. This also gives you a record of To-Do’s to look back on to see progress or to follow up on again in the future.
6. Post-It Idea Board
- Keep a corkboard or wall space for sticky notes in your office. Write ideas as they come, and enjoy the satisfaction of pulling them off when completed. You can carry a pad with you to jot notes on-the-go and add them when you return to your office. Some people people enjoy this colorful and visual approach.
7. Call Yourself
- Leave a voicemail with your own brilliant thought—just remember to check your voicemail later! Be sure to tell yourself how awesome you are!
8. Set a Calendar Reminder
- Add an idea or task to your digital calendar for a specific time. Make it actionable, like “Pray for Jane at 10 AM.”
9. Brain Dump Journal
- Dedicate a notebook to a nightly or weekly brain dump where you write down every stray thought you can recall from the day.
10. Use an App Like Trello
- Create boards for different categories (work, personal, ministry, etc.) and add ideas as cards. It’s an organized way to track progress. Trello synced between devices so it can be very handy whether you are at your desk or out and about and only have your phone.
11. Photo Reminders
- Take a picture to jog your memory later. Need to buy something? Snap a photo of the empty pantry shelf or the item in the store you don’t want to forget.
12. Mind Map
- Use a mind mapping app or paper to connect related ideas. This works well for brainstorming or visual thinkers.
13. Idea Jar
- Write ideas on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Pull them out when you have time to address them.
14. Sticky Notes on Your Dashboard
- For short-term reminders, slap a Post-It on your car dashboard or monitor (but don’t let it block your view!).
15. Use a Timer
- Need to follow up in 30 minutes or an hour? Use a timer or alarm on your phone or watch.
16. Index Cards
- Keep a stack of index cards handy to jot down ideas, then review them daily.
17. Use An Audio “Capture” Device
- Use a small digital recorder if you prefer audio reminders over written ones.
18. Brainstorm Buddy
- Share your fleeting thoughts with a trusted friend or colleague. Sometimes just saying it out loud helps you remember.
19. Whiteboard in a Central Spot
- A whiteboard in your kitchen, office, or other frequented spot can serve as a communal or personal thought repository.
20. Prayerful Reflection
- At the end of the day, pray and ask God to bring back to mind anything important you may have forgotten.
Why It Matters
Capturing those fleeting thoughts isn’t just about avoiding frustration or staying organized. Sometimes, they’re more than random ideas—they can be God’s gentle nudges, reminding us of something we need to do or someone we need to reach out to. Pay close attention to ideas that involve people, as these often carry eternal significance. Ministry is, after all, about people.
So whether it’s through sticky notes, apps, or voice memos, find what works for you and stick with it. It doesn’t matter how odd your system might seem to others—the key is consistency. Don’t let those God-inspired moments slip through your fingers. Capture them and act on them. You never know how one small thought might lead to something life-changing.
