#25 HERE ARE FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO INCREASE MEMORY

   Increasing your memory may not be an easy task, but it’s definitely possible if you know how to go about it. Here are five simple steps you can take to increase your memory.

   Acquire accurate information. The amount of accurate data that comes out of a computer depends on how much accurate information we have put into the computer. The same can be said with our memory. Dr. Bruno Furst, in his book Stop Forgetting notes that: “If we don’t [hear a person’s 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.” When you are introduced to someone, make sure you know how their name is pronounced and spelled, and practice matching the name to the face.

   Visualize. Try putting an image together with what you want to remember. For example, if you are to remember an errand that you have to perform later in the day, visualize yourself doing it. Putting a detailed image in your visualization will help you to easily remember it.

   Visualization techniques can also help you form associations between unrelated things. For instance, if you have to remember to buy both onions and light bulbs at the corner grocer’s, you might create a mental image of yourself peeling a light bulb and crying as you’re doing it. That image will definitely help you remember!

   Develop interest in the subject. There may be certain subjects you are required to know about but that you find uninteresting. However, if you think about the reasons why you need to remember them or analyze the cost of forgetting them, learning about them will be easier. As you learn more about a certain subject, the more it will become interesting to you.

   Apply newly learned information. Once you learn a new skill, or after you learn valuable information, make sure you use the skill or apply the information frequently. This will reinforce your memory making them easy to remember. Mentally review the things you want to remember, from time to time. For example, try to use newly learned information during a conversation .

   Use computer software. There are memory software systems on the market which are designed to improve your memory. One of the more well-known software systems is Ultimate Memory. This software is user friendly and fun and provides tested methods to improve your memory in no time with regular use and practice. When deciding on which memory software to buy, check out the user reviews. If you know what other people have found and learned from the software, it will be easier to make a decision.