Power Memory

Memory problems are extremely common in today's society and many people feel the need to somehow improve their memory capability in order to retain important information longer or more reliably. The good news for these people is that human memory is not something that comes in a fixed quantity like in a computer, and can be improved (often quite dramatically) using simple techniques and a little patience.

Why Does Memory Fail?

There can be many reasons why memory fails, but one very convincing argument can be made for technology's part in attention span and memory decline. The arrival of technology to make just about every part of our lives easier has also brought much less need for us to strain our brains to remember information or even to concentrate for any length of time. Computers in particular have allowed us to use our brains much less. Those that surf the net in a manner similar to channel hopping on TV may be damaging their attention span, allowing the computer to remember everything for you may be contributing to the loss of your own memory. This isn't known for sure of course, but isn't it best to be safe than sorry? Working out your memory, imagination and problem solving skills regularly can help to reduce the rate at which they decline with age and keep them sharper for longer.

How Can Memory Be Improved?

The two key concepts to master if you wish to improve your memory are association and imagination. Association involves linking the things you wish to remember with fixed locations in your mind, and the imagination helps by allowing you to come up with useful mnemonic memory devices to recall the data easily later on. For example, one world record holder in the field of memory states that his ability to remember and recall the order of an entire deck (or more) of cards is built around creating a story while examining the deck where each card is assigned a character or object in a fictional world which can be retold in his mind to “play it back” and recall the ordering of cards. The power of imagination and association should not be underestimated and with a little practice and finding the best type of mnemonic memory trigger for you personally, you too can develop a super power memory.

Sense Memory

One great way to boost memory ability is to learn how to associate the senses with something you wish to remember. Many people with naturally powerful memory associate things with their sense of touch, taste, smell, hearing, sight or even the positioning of their body in order to recall things easier. We all know how powerful smell can be, when a particular scent can trigger all kinds of happy or sad childhood memories and this power can be harnessed and made to work for you if you try.

Association Tricks

Although association is a valuable memory tool, it can be hard to know how to use it. Many people have found that “placing” things to be remembered inside of imagined pigeon holes or similar with some form of personal markings helps them to retrieve them later, using the association with the marking to recall the memory. Another great way to boost your associative power is to use humour and assign something funny to your memories.

You can develop a super power memory; anyone can. It just takes a little work.