Make your prospective memory work for you

Create a to-do list.
Consider getting a notepad or a to-do list phone app that can accompany you at work or grocery shopping. It’s not sufficient to let yourself try to remember everything on your list or every step you need to take by memory. Make sure to check it daily or hourly!

Write it down immediately.
Don’t wait till later to write it down, you might forget! Whether an idea, an event to go to, or a friend’s birthday date—write it down quickly so you won’t forget it later. Also, write down specifically what you need or want to avoid confusion.

Put it in your calendar.
Start putting important events in your calendar with time alerts and reminders, or else it just sits in your calendar, forgotten.

Place your cues in places you can’t miss.
Going to a birthday party and need to bring the wine? Instead of trying to remember when you leave the door, place it right in front of the door so you can’t miss it at all.

Place your medications or vitamins in pillboxes.
One of the most common prospective memory failures is not taking medications. Instead of asking yourself if you did or didn’t take today’s meds, try using a medication pill box to see the exact days you did.