Is your key or phone missing a dozen times a day, or can't you find the TV remote until ten minutes after a favorite show has begun? Such faults might be accompanied by a nagging fear: Is something wrong with me? Probably not. But for the most part, people can overcome the tendency to misplace things. Here is some advice.
When you put something down, say its location. You'd say, "I'm setting my mouse to the right of my computer." And saying that, either in your mind or out loud, focuses your attention on where you put it, upping the chances that you'll remember its location later.
Make up a song or rhyme. You could make up a rhyme, or sub in your own lyrics to a catchy song. 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, ' and be sung into "My remote is sitting by the lamp. By the lamp. "
Take pictures. Ever wander around the parking lot because you can't find your car? Take a picture of your parking spot. The same advice applies to lots of things: Photograph all those spots where you store easy-to-lose objects. When you can't find them, pull up the photo.
That might mean placing a basket by your front door where you drop your keys and wallet immediately upon entering your home, or labelling one drawer as the scissors drawer. Then, at the end of the day, "scan the areas where you've been, find the items that need to be taken back home, and return them to their spots. Be kind to yourself. It's certainly understandable if you're frustrated with your tendency to misplace things. But if you keep beating yourself up about and start to think that there's something wrong with you, and you get anxious about that. When your thoughts spiral in such a manner, you're even less likely to be able to focus and keep track of your possessions.
A. Set up a routine.
B. Make your belongings stand out.
C. So, remember to give yourself a break.
D. It's a common occurrence and certainly annoying.
E. There are many gadgets designed to keep track of items.
F. Turn keeping track of your items into an opportunity to be creative.
G. One way to be more mindful of where your things are is to verbalize where you put them.
