I don’t travel at all for my job so some of this doesn’t apply to me, but I am very forgetful. Because of that I do use aggressive and detailed calendaring and lists to help keep me out of deep doo-doo.

I also keep a couple of notepads nearby for quickly jotting down thoughts as soon as they hit me. I keep one on my desk because I find that’s easier and less disruptive when I don’t need to switch away from whatever task I’m working on on the computer. Just take my hand off the mouse for a second, write a few words, then get back to work.

The other one I keep in my pocket. That way I can write a note when I’m out and about in the office. For example, if I’m on my way to the coffee pot and an idea hits me, I can quickly get it down while it’s still fresh in my mind because I’ll surely forget it before I can get back to my desk!