Strangely enough, Google, and now maybe a new software application called Evernote, may help me age a little more gracefully. I’ve always been an information geek–not in a “I know a lot of shit” way–but in the “I can find it” research librarian way. I like digging for answers to obscure and curious questions and finding applications for the info in my life.
What my brain doesn’t do well is file that information. This is not a new dilemma, it’s been with me all my life. If I don’t handle information in a very specific hands-on way, I have a terrible time finding it again. I made my way through school as a copious note-taker, chapter out-liner and chart-maker. In my personal life I don’t remember the names of books or plots or songs or bands I like. I can’t remember a movie I saw a week ago, nor can I retell a story or joke. In my work life, I have learned to adapt with maps and charts and lists. Sometimes I am required to write or do things over and over to make them stick in my memory. And now as I age, I’m noticing the time it takes to manage my memory is increasing. It’s worrisome.
So how have Google, and now possibly Evernote revolutionized my memory challenges and eased my mind? I have stopped worrying that information found is immediately lost without having to make charts and lists and maps for finding it again. With Google, I know that I can get to what I need to remember with just a snippet of information.
But what about all the personal details of my life, my work? Managing personal information has become more and more overwhelming. I have huge lists of bookmarked websites, emails with links, piles of materials filed/stashed in my office, notes on calendars and on my phone. Now what?
Enter Evernote, a software application geared to help with filing bits of personal information so it can be found again. Author and journalist David Freedman, takes an in-depth look at Inc.’s Company of the Year, their amazing rise to the top in “Say Hello to Your New Brain on Evernote”.
Will Evernote help me with my personal information struggles? I’m downloading it now. I’ll let you know how it goes, that is if I can remember to make a note of that.
