The Foolproof Trick to Never Second-Guess If You Locked the Door Again
We’ve all been there – halfway to work or lying in bed when the dreaded thought hits: “Did I actually lock the door?” Instead of turning your car around or losing sleep, try this simple neuroscience-backed technique that police officers and security professionals swear by.
The Verbal Anchor Method
- As you lock the door, say out loud:
“The door is locked at [time] on [date].”
(Example: “The door is locked at 7:32 AM on Tuesday, June 4th.”) - Make it dramatic:
- Say it in a silly voice
- Do a little dance
- Snap your fingers as you say it
Why this works:
- Speaking aloud creates multiple memory pathways (auditory + physical action)
- The specific timestamp acts as a mental bookmark
- The unusual behavior makes it stand out in your memory
Backup Strategies for the Truly Paranoid
🔹 Take a photo of your locked door (creates visual proof)
🔹 Text yourself “Door locked” when you leave (digital paper trail)
🔹 Use a smart lock that sends confirmation alerts (tech solution)
Bonus: The Wallet Check Combo
As you verbalize locking the door, tap your wallet/keys/phone and say:
“Door locked. Wallet on me. Good to go.”
This creates an unforgettable multisensory checklist.
Why Your Brain Makes You Doubt
This common anxiety stems from automaticity – when we perform routine actions without conscious attention. The verbal anchor forces your brain to actually record the memory instead of running on autopilot.
Pro Tip: If you still can’t remember later, ask yourself what you said rather than trying to recall the action itself – the verbal memory will be clearer.
No more midnight door checks! 🚪🔒
