Finding misplaced objects is never easy. Studies actually show that the average person loses up to nine objects every day. If you’re usually late for work because you can’t find your keys or your work badge, and if you never seem to be able to find your phone, then just take a look at the next suggestions, because they will help you save time and frustration. Samuel Johnson wrote, “It is by studying little things that we attain the great art of having as little misery, and as much happiness as possible,” and he couldn’t be more right! So, here are a few extremely effective tips for finding misplaced objects that you should try the next time you lose something:
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Don’t Look for It!
I know this may sound crazy, but according to Michael Solomon, the author of How to Find Lost Objects and the world's only professor in a new and incredibly useful science he nicknamed “findology,” this is one of the most effective things you could do for finding misplaced objects. He says that when you notice that something is missing, you shouldn’t hurry; instead you should just wait until you have some idea where that thing might be.
Look Where It’s Supposed to Be
Even if it may seem hard to believe, things are often where they are supposed to be, you are just too confused to look there in the first place. So, don’t waste any more precious time and go see if that thing is in its place. Even if you don’t remember putting it there, someone else may have done it for you.
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Check Your Immediate Surroundings
If you realize you’ve lost something, then just check your immediate surroundings and the places you were recently. Most likely, that object will be in the most obvious spots, so try not to miss them. First, just look around to see if that item is in plain sight and don’t go searching under piles of clothes just yet.
Recall Where You Have Been
Try to retrace your steps and recall where you have been. Just think about what could have happened in the places you’ve been before and see if you could have lost that object there. For example, if you got something out of your bag, your phone may have slipped as well.
The Camouflage Effect
The object you are looking for may be right in front of you but it may become hidden from view. This is what Michael Solomon calls “the camouflage effect.” So, just make sure you check under anything that may be covering the object you’re looking for, like a newspaper or a hat, for example.
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Check on Yourself
I know this may sound a bit silly, but before you go looking for that lost object somewhere else, try checking on yourself first. Most of the time, your glasses might be right on your head, your keys or your phone could be in your pocket or even in your hand. Also, make sure you check in your purse or in your backpack, because there’s a big chance you might find them there.
Clean Your Surroundings
This strategy is extremely effective, especially if you don’t need that object you’ve lost right away. A tidier environment will help you find what you are looking for much more easily, and it will also cheer you up. So, just try to get rid of all the clutter from your purse, your room or even your entire house.
Studies show that lost objects are usually found within eighteen inches of their original location. Even if this sounds impossible, if you think about it, you will realize that most of the time, it’s pretty much true. What do you do when you lose something? Do you know any other useful tips for finding misplaced objects? Please tell us about them in the comments section!
Sources: psychcentral.com, dailymail.co.uk, wikihow.com, professorsolomon.com
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