#18 Short-Term Improvement: Memory Why Is It Important?

   The success of most memory improvement techniques usually depends on the capacity of an individual’s short-term memory. Short-term memory, also referred to as primary or active memory, is only capable of holding small amounts of information for short periods of time. However, there are several ways to improve the capacity of one’s short-term memory. Moreover, there are several reasons why one would want to improve primary memory.

Importance of Improving Your Short-Term Memory

  • It Improves the Duration of Storage

    • Ideally, the primary memory is supposed to store information for 20-30 seconds. Once this period of time has passed, the memories can either be committed to long term memory or be forgotten. Unfortunately, when memories aren’t rehearsed or maintained actively, they can only remain in primary memory for a few seconds before being forgotten. The improvement of short-term memory causes memories to remain active memory for longer periods of time, allowing enough time for the memory to be transferred into long term memory.

  • Improves Capacity

    • Short-term memory can store between five and nine memories at any one time. However, in the absence of memory improvement practice, the number of memories that can be stored at any one time may decrease. Needless to say, this causes forgetfulness and memory loss. It is therefore your responsibility to improve your active memory so that its capacity remains at its optimum.

  • Improves performance both at school and at work

    • In order to perform a task effectively, our brains must be capable of storing several pieces of information in primary memory for the longest period of time possible. By improving your memory, you can greatly improve your ability to perform tasks faster and effectively.

  • Improves long term memory

    • In order for short-term memories to be converted into long-term memories, they must be able to resist interference from competing memories. Therefore, increasing the capacity and duration of your primary memory can increase the number of memories that are actually converted into long-term memories. In short, the longer information remains in short-term memory, the easier it can be placed in long-term memory. This leads to general improvements in long term memory.

   One of the most effective ways to improve memory is through the use of memory software such as Ultimate Memory. With such memory programs and the techniques they can teach you, remembering names and faces, learning new skills, memorizing facts and speeches and remembering where you put something becomes much easier.