Novel Visual Reminders

Unlock the Power of Novel Visual Reminders

Although the symbol may seem disconnected from the task at hand, just seeing it triggers a reminder to complete the task. This novel approach harnesses the brain’s ability to form associations and focus on something fresh and unexpected.

How It Works: 

Our brains are constantly scanning the environment for cues, and novel visuals stand out against the background noise of daily life. The unrelated symbol becomes a mental anchor, catching attention and signaling your brain to recall an important task. It’s the element of surprise and disruption that prompts a shift in focus. 

Here are a few more novel ways to use visuals effectively as reminders or motivation tools:

1. Visual Tally Marks: Track Progress Creatively

Instead of using numbers or lists, draw tally marks or symbols representing each task completed during the day. For example, draw a small star or a unique symbol for each milestone. Over time, this builds a visible representation of your progress, giving you both a sense of accomplishment and motivation to complete more. This is also a great way to develop and practice drawing new icons.

2. Mood-Based Color Coding

Use different colors to represent your moods or energy levels throughout the day. For example, you might use blue for calm tasks, yellow for high-energy tasks, and green for those that require focus. Create a colorful chart or visual reminder to assign tasks based on how you feel. For example: You might color code high energy tasks like making sales calls a sunny yellow color.

Why It Works: By connecting colors with emotions, your brain associates certain tasks with the best time to do them, leveraging your energy and emotional states for better productivity.

3. Mind Map Reminders

Create mind maps to visually organize complex tasks. Instead of a linear to-do list, use branches that break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps, with icons or symbols representing each part. This visual breakdown can make overwhelming tasks feel less daunting. If you're new to mind mapping or need a refresher check out our Visual Thinking Ace in the Hole blog post from more information.

Why It Works: Mind maps are a natural fit for visual thinkers, breaking up cognitive load into smaller chunks and allowing you to see the big picture while focusing on specific details.

How It All Works:

The underlying mechanism behind all these methods is the brain’s natural affinity for visuals. Visual cues, especially those that stand out as novel or different, grab our attention more easily than text or routine reminders. These visuals create associative memory links, meaning that seeing a specific image or pattern triggers a recall of the task it's connected to. Over time, the brain builds these visual-task relationships, making them reliable mental triggers for daily habits or tasks.

I've been using this approach for the last couple of months. Every time see the sticky notes with my symbol, I am reminded to stretch and reinforce my positive new habit.

By using novel, unexpected visuals to break through the noise, you can leverage your brain’s visual processing power for improved focus, better task management, and even a boost in creativity!