#24 FIRST STEPS IN IMPROVING YOUR MEMORY

   It’s not uncommon to occasionally forget things. However, it is just frustrating to go to a store and only remember half the things you meant to buy, or to go into a room and forget what you went in there for. Remember, though, your memory is far better than you might realize—and it can be improved. Here are the first steps to take to improve your memory.

What Goes In Determines What Comes Out
   The amount of accurate data we can retrieve to a computer depends on how much accurate information we have put in the database. The same can be said with our memory. Dr. Bruno Furst, in his book Stop Forgetting makes this observation about remembering someone’s name: “If we don’t get the name clearly and accurately, we cannot even speak of remembering or forgetting. We can neither remember nor forget something we never knew. Therefore our first step must be to get the name in such a way as to leave no doubt as to its pronunciation or spelling.” If you’re introduced to someone and don’t quite hear their name, ask the person to repeat it or even ask how it is spelled.

Visualize
   Try to put an image to what you want to remember. Is there an errand that you must not forget? Try to visualize yourself doing it. The more detailed your visualization is, the more easily you can remember it.

   This technique can also help you form associations between unrelated things. For example, let’s say you have to remember to buy onions and a light bulb at the store. You might try to create a mental image of yourself peeling a light bulb and crying as you do so. This is an image you are likely to remember - and therefore you’ll remember both items on your list.

Be Interested in Your Subject
   If you’re required to learn about something new, it might be on a subject that doesn’t really interest you at first. Before you start to get bored, think about the reasons that you need to learn this information and remember it, and focus on the cost of forgetting it. Is this something that will help you do your job more easily, or lead to a promotion? If you keep this in mind, you will be more focused on the topics and it will be easier for you to learn them. And as you learn more about any subject, the more interesting and useful it will become.

Organize
   If you need to perform several tasks within a period of time, try putting them in categories. For instance, you may try to decide calling three clients first, then finish four letters and lastly reproduce two sets of marketing materials. Of course, the initial order you choose may change according to priority. Organizing your tasks will help you pay more attention and you’ll be less likely to forget any one task.

Use Newly Learned Information
   Once you learn a new skill or have learned new and valuable information, using what you learned frequently will reinforce your memory, making it easy to remember later. Mentally review the things you want to remember. For example, try to use newly learned information during a conversation if appropriate.

Use Reinforcement
   Saying things out loud is another way of remembering. For instance, if you have to remember to put the garbage out, say out loud, “I have to take out the garbage tonight.” You might feel silly, but using verbal reinforcement will create a stronger link to the memory. Reinforcement also occurs when you practice memory-improvement techniques regularly. One of the best ways to do this is to use memory improvement software like Ultimate Memory. The exercises in this program will give you excellent reinforcement in how to use memory improvement techniques and apply them to your daily life.

   Take the first step towards improving your memory today, and you’ll benefit from it both today and tomorrow.