When I was younger, losing things felt like a personality trait. Bags, umbrellas, random items left on trains—it happened so often that I started to expect it. At the time, I chalked it up to being distracted. My mind was usually somewhere else, and paying attention to where I put things just wasn’t a priority.
But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that losing things isn’t just about distraction. It’s also about habits and systems. The way you position your belongings—whether at home, in a hotel, or on a train—can make all the difference between keeping them or forgetting them.
The Science of Losing (and Keeping) Things
Take trains, for example. When you board, the way you position your bag can set you up for success or failure. If your bag is visible, nearby, and easy to grab, you’ll instinctively take it with you when you leave. But if it’s tucked out of sight, under a seat or in a corner, it’s much easier to forget—especially if something unexpected happens, like a last-minute train switch.
This idea reminded me of something from James Clear’s Atomic Habits: if you want to stick to a habit, make it obvious and easy to follow. Keeping track of your stuff works the same way. If you set up a system that’s intuitive and effortless, you’re much less likely to lose things.
Planning for Life’s Rush
These days, when I’m in a hotel or on the go, I’ve started positioning my belongings with more intention. For example, when I’m in a hotel room, I arrange my essentials—like my wallet, passport, and keys—in a visible spot. This way, even if I’m in a rush, I’ll instinctively grab them without having to think too hard.
Packing has become part of this system, too. I always keep my most important items, like my passport and computer, in my backpack—the one bag I always have with me. It’s a small habit, but it gives me peace of mind knowing that even if I do forget something, the essentials are safe.
Yesterday’s Plot Twist
Of course, even the best habits aren’t foolproof. Just yesterday, I forgot a bag on a train. It wasn’t a total disaster—it was a smaller bag with food and toiletries, not my valuables—but it still happened. Why? Because I broke my own rule. I placed the bag too far back, out of sight, and didn’t give myself a visual cue to remember it.
In the past, I would’ve been furious with myself. I’d have spiraled into frustration, thinking, Why do I keep making the same mistake? But now, I see it differently. Sure, I didn’t stick to my system perfectly, and the unexpected train switch didn’t help, but the essentials were safe, and the rest? Replaceable.
At first, I thought about waiting a few days before replacing the things I lost. But then I asked myself: What’s the point? I had the money, and the time was better spent moving forward rather than waiting and feeling inconvenienced. So I went out and got the items immediately. It felt like a small victory, a reminder that losing something doesn’t have to derail my plans.
Learning and Optimism
The most important thing I’ve realized is that losing something doesn’t have to ruin your day. Yes, it’s frustrating, but it’s also a chance to refine your habits and improve your systems. Every forgotten bag or misplaced item is a lesson in what to adjust for next time.
I’ve also learned that preparation is key. By keeping my most important items in one place and creating visual cues for the rest, I’ve reduced the impact of those rushed moments when things are more likely to go wrong. And when mistakes happen? I remind myself that it’s okay. Most things can be replaced, and I’ll do better next time.
Conclusion: Evolving Through Experience
In the end, losing things isn’t just about forgetting. It’s about how we prepare, how we react, and how we learn from the experience. Systems and habits evolve, just like we do.
And when something does go wrong, the best approach is to face it with optimism. Get what you need, adjust your systems, and keep moving forward. Because life—and habit-building—is always a work in progress.