Several years ago, I first learned of the “leaving yourself messages” tip from a busy single mom who was also a co-worker. I was talking with her one day about a work project and she excused herself to call her home answering machine and leave a message reminding her to take care of something. I thought this was such a fabulous idea! Instead of writing yet another note or adding to an already-too-long “to do” list—leaving oneself messages can be incredibly efficient.
Now, there are all sorts of ways to use technology to keep yourself on track. For a single parent, we can use all the help we can get to NOT lose important information or forget dates. Sure, we have the date book and palm pilot, but what about those quick messages and reminders that we don’t need to write into our permanent calendar? Consider voice mail, text messaging and e-mail—send yourself a message and when you pick up your messages you’ll be instantly reminded of what you need to do.
The other great thing about leaving yourself the technological messages is that you can get the message to where you need to hear it. For example, if you are at work and you remember that you need to put the recycling out to the curb tonight, you are not in a place where you can do anything about that thought. However, by leaving yourself a message on your home phone, you can let go of it and then when you are home later that night, you get the message and can gather the recycling to put to the curb.
The same thing can happen when you are at home and think of work things—instead of fussing, writing a message, and trying to remember—you can call your work voice mail, or send yourself an e-mail at work—then you can tend to it when you get to work the next day. We single parents need all the organizing help and tricks we can get and leaving oneself a message is a great way to keep things on task!
Also: Interruptions Define the Life of a Single Parent
Single Parent Trick–Get Up Earlier Than Everyone Else
Why We Can’t Do It All–Even if We Want To