Remembering the details of life–doctor’s appointments, picking up milk on the way home, returning DVDs, etc.– takes up lots of memory. By now, you have probably developed different ways to remember what you need to do each day.

Sometimes when we are working on making life changes, remembering is our biggest challenge. It isn’t that we’re not committed to doing something new, better, and more effective. It just takes a lot less energy to do the same things, the same ways we have always done them. It takes an offsetting amount of energy to do something new.

You will see this same phenomenon when you commit to being a Fred. Even if you agree with the Fred Factor philosophy and want to resemble Fred in spirit and behavior, your good intentions will fail if you don’t first remember what to do.

Here are five easy ways to remind yourself to be a Fred:

1. Stamp it into your memory – literally. Who is the original Fred? My postman. What could be a better reminder than a postage stamp? You could stick a postage stamp to your calendar, your computer, somewhere in your car, even on your bathroom mirror. Each time you see that stamp, you’ll be more aware of your commitment to being a Fred. You’ll be on the lookout for opportunities to serve and to improve what you provide.
2. Let Fred become music to your ears. Choose a song you like, one that you hear once every day or so, and use it as a reminder. Each time you hear that song, you will think about the Fred opportunities in front of you, the Freds you have seen recently, and how you can be like Fred throughout your day.
3. Learn from the Freds of history. A great way to make a trigger is to post a quote where you will see and read it often. Over time your mind will be transformed by the ideas. Those quotes will become part how you think and speak. Choose a few quotes from famous people in history that capture the spirit of Fred. Print them out and post them.
4. Recognize the Freds you encounter each day. Recognizing others for doing the kinds of things you want to do is a terrific way to integrate the ideas into your own life. And taking time to thank and appreciate the Freds around you is itself acting on The Fred Factor philosophy.
5. Regularly review. Once a month, make an appointment with yourself to review the principles of The Fred Factor, the book itself and the notes you might have made. One of the reasons we created Fred Factor MemCards was to make it easy for people to regularly and quickly review the philosophy and principles.

Fred Factor MemCards was to make it easy for people to regularly and quickly review the philosophy and principles. Making any substantial, meaningful change requires diligence, awareness, and a conscious effort. It helps to be periodically reminded of and inspired by Fred, and how simple it is to follow his example. The best way to be a Fred-and help create that spirit and attitude in others-is by first remembering, then doing.

Blog of the Moment (from www.marksanborn.com/blog)

Beyond Best Practices. I’ve never been fond of “best practices” although most of my clients profess to be constantly pursuing them. The problem is that today’s best practice is next week’s second best practice. There is a danger that in thinking we’ve identified a best practice that we quit looking for better practices.

That’s why I’ve been an advocate of better practices; looking for ways to improve on what are considered best practices.

I’ve shifted my thinking yet again. The ultimate goal should be “next practices.” Better practices improve on what’s already being done. Next practices are the innovative new things that change the game. Zappos used next practices to revolutionize online shoe buying.

Best practices are good. Better practices are… well…better. But next practices are best.

What are you pursuing in your organization?

Quote to Consider “If you aren’t guided by your higher purpose you’ll probably be ruled by your lower passions.” – Mark Sanborn