Has it ever happened that someone repeats a story they told you just a week ago? You wonder how they could forget they already shared it so recently. As they talk, you think, “I know this story.” You’re unsure how to respond. Should you politely tell them you’ve heard it before?
These moments can be awkward—especially when the other person is surprised they don’t remember. But the truth is, people have a lot going on, and it’s easy to forget who we’ve told what to. I’m sure I’ve done this myself, though no one has told me, so I remain unaware. If they did remember and chose to say something, I imagine they might feel uneasy, not knowing how to bring it up.
We’re all forgetful at times. Thankfully, tools like smartphones help us stay on track. For me, reminders are essential.
I use reminders for both work and family life. I set them for daily responsibilities—who’s picking up the kids, after-school activities, and appointments. We keep a shared calendar visible to all family members so everyone stays aligned and accountable.
At work, reminders are just as crucial, especially for team projects. They help track who’s doing what, what’s due when, and who needs to connect with whom. While that may sound obvious, I even set reminders for things like taking breaks. It’s easy to forget to step away from the screen, but breaks are important—they clear the mind, reduce eye strain, and get your body moving.
Reminders don’t just help with forgetfulness—they also prevent assumptions. For example, if my wife and I don’t discuss who’s picking up the kids, and no one does, it’s not forgetfulness—it’s assumption. The same happens at work: something doesn’t get done because someone assumed someone else would handle it.
That’s why my rule is to over-communicate—even if it feels excessive. It sounds simple, but it takes effort. We forget details and assume others know what we know. Being clear and thorough requires practice.
I’m forgetful, and I make assumptions. But I’m learning. Setting reminders and communicating clearly—even when it seems obvious—has made a big difference.
Take care.