Is the stove still on? Did you lock the car? Have you taken that pill? Did Fido/Fishy/Kitty get fed today, or was that yesterday?
A new breakthrough in psychology research explains why these questions befuddle otherwise bright and agile minds: Your memory confuses your intention to do it with the action itself, and creates a false memory of the task.
THE SOLUTION?
Easy: When you notice yourself intending to turn on the washing machine or send a text, do it. Otherwise, the thought of wanting to do it can be misremembered as actually having done it.Another strategy is to set up a system that automatically logs actions, such as snapping a photo of yourself feeding a pet each time you do it, or using a pill case marked with days of the week.
Fast Company
