Keeping a handle on things when schedule gets busy

Q. Although I am "getting on" I lead a very busy life. In fact, it seems almost frantic these days. So many things going on--social affairs, household necessities, and so on. Recently I realized that I have been forgetting a few responsibilities, and even an appointment. I think I need help!

A. This sounds like a situation that will benefit from the word "organize". You need to find ways that will require less time than you now spend while attending to all your responsibilities. What methods do you use to help you keep track of all the things you must do?
One essential for both current and long-term planning is a calendar. A daily check of the day's activities is necessary, of course, and perhaps even more than once to make sure you have not forgotten anything. Also start preparing for the next day and often even longer than that.
Lists are also important. Don't go shopping without one. Whenever you think of something you need, write it on the list immediately. Do not wait or you may get distracted and forget all about it. A certain way to use time is to find it necessary to make two trips to complete an errand when one should have been sufficient.
Another type of list that can be most helpful is a scrap of paper and a pencil kept at your bedside. Many of us have new ideas, or remember responsibilities at around 3 A.M. It often helps me get back to sleep if I just jot it down, knowing then that it will not have slipped my mind in the morning.
Do you ever forget to take a particular object with you that you have promised to someone? Perhaps a friend wants to borrow a book, so you have promised to take it to her when you went to lunch. Then at lunch--no book! How do you make sure that you won't forget? Put the book where you cannot miss it. Place it directly in front of the door where you will exit, or take it to your car well before you plan to leave.
Both of these methods are very effective.
Try to organize your daily errands in the most efficient way. Unless a time schedule interferes, take the shortest, and therefore the quickest route. Know ahead of time exactly where you are going and the route you will take. It really pays off in time saved.
Are you trying to remember things that are unnecessary? Try to consider all the things that it is all right to forget. For example, if you have made a complete shopping list, you need not remember the items on it. You can just read it at the proper time. I personally read some books for rest and relaxation, and purposely do not remember them or their authors. Those details are not important to my life. Nobody will be harmed if I forget them.
As I always stress, try to find a few minutes each day for some mental stimulation such as a crossword puzzle. I realize that you are already busier than you want to be, but organizing should help you to save time and some mental activity will help your concentration, memory, and other mental abilities.