Sometimes I have my best ideas when I am trying to go to sleep, or I am driving home from work or even when I go for my daily walk. If it happens when I am trying to sleep, I have to write it on a notepad that I keep by my bedside. Until I do this, my brain won’t shut down and allow me to go back to sleep. If it happens when I am driving or walking I write the idea down as soon as I get back home. I even keep a notepad by the my recliner in the living room. As a matter of fact, I have notepads placed all over the house. I buy the pads by the multi-pack. My wife does the same thing.

I find that if I don’t write the ideas down I sometimes forget the idea I had. Sometimes it will come back to me. However, I have lost a few good ideas forever. They simply would not come back to me. You may ask what I do with all this stuff I write down? Well, I have a blog for one and I am also an author of several books. So I am always writing something about something. I am also a glamour photographer, so I am always looking for new ideas for my photoshoots. My phone is full of photos that I use for ideas.

Thank God my wife is also a photographer because I don’t know anyone else would understand why I have so many photos of scantily clad or nude women as I do. When we were dating I told her about my hobby and I even included her in a shoot as my helper. I wanted total transparency so that she would know that there was nothing for her to worry about. As a matter of fact, she is always present when I do my shoots so she can help with wardrobe issues. Well, enough of the distractions. I mentioned my photography because reminders can take many forms. They can be photos like in the case of my photoshoots, or even sketches. As a matter of fact, it can take any form as long as it aids in reminding you of what the idea was.

I keep notebooks of my various ideas if I don’t immediately act on them. This is especially true when it relates to my travel ideas. I have two notebooks, one devoted to international travel and a second one devoted to travel in the US. When I decide to take a trip I just look up the respective destination in my notebook, and I already have a list of places I want to see when I go there.

I know this all sounds very anal but you know what it works me, and since I have been doing it for years, it has become like second nature.

I have a notepad app on my phone where I keep my ideas. So I am a little techy as well. Though I have to admit I am a much bigger fan of using paper. You know what, it never needs power. I also use paper maps and guide books instead of phone apps. I do have to admit if it had not been for the internet and computers I would never have written a book and I certainly would not have my own Blog and Podcast.