Where Did the Weekend Go?

How often do you find yourself being asked at work what you did over the weekend, only to realize it takes all your brain power just to recall a single highlight? In a world of endless digital notifications and constant distractions, our days pass in a blur, leaving us wondering where the time actually went.

The Two Phrases That Define a Life

At the end of our lives, almost every sentiment boils down to two phrases: “I wish I had” or “I’m glad I did.” Memories—even the good ones—aren’t always easy to hold onto automatically. However, we have simple tools today to capture them effectively, ensuring that we actively build a memory bank filled with intentional choices rather than missed opportunities.

Filling Your Memory Bank: The G.I.D. Practice

Recently, I started logging what I abbreviate as G.I.D. (Glad I Did) activities. This practice stems from a story shared by L. Tom Perry, an inspiring speaker and leader, who counselled: “My counsel to you tonight is to fill up your memory bank and your book of life with as many ‘I’m-glad-I-did’ activities as you can possibly crowd into one lifetime.” In fact, a revised version of this statement is displayed on a picture hanging on the wall, visible right when you enter the front door of our home. While visiting the Netherlands, Perry heard a message shared with a group of young adults including these two phrases, applying it directly to making lasting memories. As someone who has experienced episodes of challenges with memory due to epilepsy, this example had a profound impact on me. 

Building Meaningful Memories in a Distracted World

In the Digital Freedom University framework, this practice directly powers the MAPS model—an acronym for Meaningful Memories (M), Autonomy (A), Purpose & Positive Feedback (P), and Skill Mastery (S). Specifically, the G.I.D. concept brings the letter M (Meaningful Memories) to life by giving us an intentional system to record and cherish key moments. When digital distractions and screen overload threaten to blur our days into "I wish I had" regret, actively capturing G.I.D. moments serves as a powerful countermeasure—reclaiming our focus and ensuring our technology works to preserve our life story rather than pull us away from it.

How to Start Your Own G.I.D. Activity Log

Start your own G.I.D. Log today. Keep it simple: open a note on your phone or a dedicated Google Doc, and at the end of each day, write down 1 to 3 "Glad I Did" activities. They don't need to be monumental—a walk with your kids, a phone-free dinner, or finishing a chapter of a book all count.

Your Daily Check-In

Looking back at your last 24 hours, what is one "Glad I Did" activity you can record right now?

Watch the Full Story About Losing My Memory

View my recent TEDx Talk