i wrote stuff down on a legal pad. i rarely left my desk without it because i would often be stopped and asked for something (i was the data and reports guy on a floor with several hundred people)

i crossed stuff out when done or add a short note if it was a work in progress and i had taken an action or was waiting for someone

every few days i would transfer all the open items to a new page with the date at the top, prioritizing as i did so.

i may not have been the best and brightest data and reports person but i would have to be asked for something only once, while others with jobs similar to mine who didn't write stuff would have to be reminded again and again

now, there were some people who would ask for stuff without thinking it through, or really needing it. i would ask them to send me an email request, and asking them to put that little bit of work into making their request often ended it.