When thinking about our phone apps we immediately think of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Venmo and Spotify. Usually all of the apps that we paid for or downloaded. But what about the one that came with our handy-dandy sidekicks? The "Notes" app on my phone is probably the most important one to me personally. Since I have a terrible memory, I rely on my notes for almost everything. Of course most of us note our grocery lists, passwords, and shopping lists. But there's so much more you can do. Here are a few ways you can use your notes that you probably didn't think of before.
1. Food Orders
You never know when you're going to need to let someone know your Chipotle or Starbucks order. It's happened before, a friend calls and says, "Quick, I'm in line for chipotle what do you want?" I have my basic orders listed in my phone under their titles (Chipotle, Subway, Starbucks, Cava, etc.) just in case. Then all you need to do is copy and paste!
2. Fine Wine
This one's important. There's always that event where you have an amazing glass of Riesling and don't remember what brand it was. Write it down in your notes! Taking a picture of the bottle will just get lost in your Camera Roll, so list down your favorites and never have trouble next time you're on a wine run. Pro Tip: Separate them under headlines in the notes (ex. Whites, Reds, Moscato...) saves you time and helps you stay organized.
3. Quotes that Stick
Day to day I come across amazing quotes and sayings whether they're from a lecture, a conversation on the metro, a TV show or a book. I really value quotes because there are lessons to be learned from someone else's thoughts and opinions, so write them down. Going back and reflecting on them is also the best part.
4. Moments with Friends
This one is kind of similar to the quotes tip, but it's about actual stories and memories you have with your friends. Again, my memory is terrible. But my friends always say the most interesting and funniest things that I just can't let myself forget so I write them down. It gets fun when you pull up a conversation or quote from months back and the laughter from the memory is still fresh.
5. Crucial Conversations
Another thing that sucks about having bad memory is that you forget what to bring up at times when the conversation might be super important. If you're having a conversation with a friend or significant other, try jotting down the main topics in your notes and don't be afraid to read them off your phone. It's better to have covered everything you needed to than to go back and remember something you forgot to mention.
6. Closet Tracker
You know that girlfriend that always borrows your clothes and eventually you start to forget what you own? Until one day, you look back at pictures and wonder where that cute romper went? Simple solution, write down the things your friends borrow next to their names in your notes to keep track of your closet.
The Notes app is one of the most important apps in my phone. I have probably a hundred notes beyond the ones listed above. Having a terrible memory blows, you forget the wrong things at the wrong time. Go beyond making lists and writing down names of songs and explore your notes app further. There's even a new update to the notes on the iPhone where you can doodle in your notes to make them a little more fun and even add photos! Explore the app and use it to navigate your thoughts or help you exercise your memory. Enjoy!