What is a reminder made in one’s mind to help recall information later called?

A reminder made in one’s mind to help recall information later is called a mental note. This term refers to an informal cognitive strategy where an individual consciously registers a piece of information with the intent of remembering it later. The act of making a mental note is often spontaneous and serves as a personal cue, enhancing the likelihood of retrieving that information when needed.

In contrast, other terms like "memory trigger" or "cognitive reminder" may imply a more external or systematic approach to remembering information, while a "recall prompt" often suggests a specific tool or aid designed to facilitate memory retrieval. However, a mental note distinctly emphasizes the personal, internalized aspect of remembering, as it relies on the individual’s intentional focus on information without the necessity of external cues.