Have you wanted to kick yourself because you forgot to pack something?
When I began my career in the 70’s, my boss taught me the value of a list.
His example was simple. He told about packing for a trip and forgetting his “good” shoes. He discovered it the next morning before his meeting.
He had to wear an old scuffed pair of shoes with his suit. This sounds like a small thing. And it was. But it is an example of how easy it is to forget something that could be a big deal.
I have traveled with people who forgot to pack minor things like a dress shirt or business cards to major things like a wallet or medications.
My boss and mentor, Ken Pike, taught me that the solution is to use a list and that nothing is too minor to include on it.
So, as I packed, I would write down everything that I was taking. After doing this a couple times, I had a useful list to refer to when I packed. Then I would add to the list every time I took something new. Back in the mid 70’s, this was a handwritten and then typed list.
Today there are many tools that we can use on our phone or tablet to keep these records. But, I still have a paper list that I revise in Word from time to time and print.
Every now and then, I’ll get lazy, or stupid, and not refer to the list. Then I strain my back trying to kick my rear. So, I am recommitting myself always to check that list. It can feel silly sometimes, but feeling silly is better than feeling regret and having a sore back.
Don’t be listless.
