How Do You Organize Your Thoughts?

I love being organized! My planner is organized, my drawers are organized, my flatware, dishes, shoes, socks, etc. etc.  I am always looking for the "right" way to organize something.  But, alas, there is something I haven't quite found the right way to organize: my thoughts.  You know those random thoughts from "buy creamer" to "I should watch this on Netflix" to "tell Walt to bring home more AA batteries"...you get the idea.  Those thoughts that you get when you are in the shower, at the dentist, on your way to a meeting, or basically anyplace but sitting in front of your laptop/iPad or planner.  Actually, even when you are sitting in front of your laptop/iPad or planner!  Where do you put these thoughts so you can find them again?  

My dad always carried around a teeny tiny spiral notepad and pen in his front pocket.  As a matter of fact, he was buried with a teeny tiny spiral notepad and pen in his front pocket.  We all wrote a special sentiment in that little spiral notepad.  It may have been a cliche since he was a reporter, but it worked for him.  He never left home without that notepad and pen.  I was at the allergist last week, and a lady in the waiting room had a small yellow legal pad.  The first several pages had writing on them and she thumbed through to a blank page and began writing something.  My friend, Kim, uses the Notes app on her phone.  Admittedly, however, she struggles finding the things she puts in her Notes.  My friend Holly has a notebook by her bed and also some kind of notebook in her planner, I believe.  

I've tried special apps for grocery lists, simple tasks, and a whole host of other "helpful" categories.  I've kept to do lists, both structured and unstructured, post-it notes, index cards, laptop apps, you name it!  I have learned over the years that FOR ME, simple is better.  If organizing is too complicated, or there are too many steps, I just won't do it.  Then, chaos ensues of course!  Ha!  I do like keeping all of my like items in one place.  Simplicity.  Maybe my dad and the lady in the Allergy Clinic had it right!  

I realize this post may be a bit boring for some of you, especially those who have it all together or my guy friends, but stick with me!  Teach me something!  I have overthought (is that a word?) this to death, but here is what I'm currently trying: 

I always have my phone with me, so in my Notes section, I have a "note" I'm calling Notepad (No peeking at my gift idea for you, Donna! Ha, ha!) Basically everything in my head goes here.  Braindump.  Some of the items will be put on other lists in my phone or planner, or some will just be deleted, but it's all in that one note somewhere within! I'm not sure if this is "right" though, so I'd love to hear how your mind stays organized!  Any special tips or tricks that you find to be working?  HELP!