Have you ever walked into a room and suddenly forgotten why you went there?
Or struggled to remember someone's name just moments after being introduced?
I've heard people say things like this for years. Many assume it means they're getting older, losing their memory, or even heading toward dementia or Alzheimer's.
Maybe. But not always. I call it The Lazy Mind Syndrome.
When I retired, it seemed as though I had caught the "forgetfulness syndrome." It frustrated me and made me wonder if this was simply part of aging. Then I noticed something. My mind was becoming lazy.
When I worked five days a week, my days had structure. I had to remember appointments, names, schedules, and countless details. My mind stayed engaged because it had a purpose.
Then I retired. Suddenly, I had complete freedom to do whatever I wanted. That sounded wonderful.
But without realizing it, my thoughts became scattered. My mind wandered from one thing to another instead of being fully present in what I was doing. Then I recalled something I had taught others for years.
A mind with purpose stays alive. Having a meaningful goal, a worthwhile project, or something we are intentionally moving toward keeps the mind engaged. It gives us direction, clarity, and a reason to pay attention.
Years ago, while searching for ways to improve both my memory and even my golf game, I traveled to La Conner, Washington, to spend time with Pransky & Associates. There, I learned how a busy mind can interfere with memory. When we're thinking about yesterday, planning tomorrow, or replaying conversations, we're often not fully experiencing the present moment.
One simple exercise changed everything for me. I take three slow, deep breaths while gently rubbing my thumb across my fingertips. As I breathe, I let go of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Within moments, I become aware of where I actually am.
No worrying. No rehearsing. Just being present.
When I golfed, I wouldn't swing until I could hear the birds singing. That was my signal that my mind had become quiet enough to focus.
Then something happened that taught me an unforgettable lesson. While my late husband, Ted, was receiving treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center, I spent 189 nights in a hotel in Tampa. Every day I drove to the hospital, parked in a massive garage, and spent 14 to 16 hours with him.
Night after night, despite being emotionally and physically exhausted, I never once forgot where I had parked my car. And I never wrote it down either. Why didn’t I forget? Because in those moments, I was completely present.
The next time you forget why you walked into a room or struggle to remember someone's name, don't immediately assume something is wrong. Instead, simply notice where your mind is. Is it replaying yesterday? Planning tomorrow? Worrying about something else?
Sometimes our memory isn't failing. Sometimes our attention is simply elsewhere. Try becoming fully present and see what happens.
I'd love to hear what you discover. Our brain is far more powerful than we realize.
