There are many ways to improve your memory. The Association technique… connecting new information to things you already know, like parts of your body or items in your home, as discussed last week, is only one method. I hope you had fun practicing this technique!
PEGLISTS
Creating “peglists” is another way it to store information you want to remember later. In this memory technique you use words that rhyme with a known list, such as numbers or the alphabet. For example, 1 – bun or fun, 2 – shoe or blue, 3 – tree or bee, etc. using rhyming words that will remind you of what you want to remember. You can also create a story that connects the items in a list you want to remember with the rhyming words. For example, 1 is fun, the fun you are going to have at the party tomorrow (and you want to bring a gift). With letters you have even more flexibility - you can use a rhyming word or a word that starts with the letter, alphabetical order or letters that form a word that is easy to remember.
You can also use the shapes of letters or numbers to represent items that you can then associate with creative actions that will trigger your memory. Here’s an example: 1 is like a candle; imagine it’s on a birthday cake; picture yourself lighting it, to remind you to get a cake mix. Number 2 is shaped like a swan; swans like swimming in water, so this can remind you to buy bottled water. The digit 3 looks like handcuffs and could remind you to get a key made, or sideways, number 3 looks like two bowls and could remind you to get soup mix or salad. You get the idea… Use different images to remind you of what you need to remember and add action if you can to make the memory more solid.
Although these techniques may seem like more work at the beginning, with practice they will become second nature – an easy way to make a list of items stick in your mind!
NAMES
Remembering names has never been my strong suit. Repeating names often, even if only in your mind, or writing them down can help. Try creating a file of names and “clues” to who this person is on your phone or computer to help your memory. A friend who is particularly good at remembering names, told me she often does this...it works!
Another memory technique for faces and names, is to link a feature with an image that reminds you of their name. For example, a woman named Angela who has beautiful blonde or white hair, might remind you of an angel (or angel hair pasta...). When I was in university, and wore blue jeans constantly, my friends called me Jeans – perhaps they originally did this to help remember my name, Jeannie!
You can use any association that pops into your mind – the sillier, the better – but, if it’s not complimentary to the person, don’t let on how you remembered their name so easily!
I think that’s enough to practice for another week. As Mark Spitz, winner of seven gold medals in the 1972 Olympics said, “We all love to win but how many people love to train?”. Most don’t. But training will always help you improve. Working at learning memory systems and making them habits will enable you to have a better memory.
One more memory technique to come next week...be sure to sign up on my email list so you'll get a direct link to part 3!
