Remembering long lists

by: ShielaMul | Total views: 104 | Word Count: 377 | View PDF | Print View

Find
it difficult to memorise long lists without forgetting essential
elements? It is a common problem, yet one that can be easily combated
by the use of simplistic memory training. People learn by
association, which is why young children learn the alphabet by use of
recognition ie A- Annie Apple; B- Bouncing Ben and so on.

A
slightly more advanced, but equally effective technique is the
journey method. This works by associating information with landmarks
on a journey you are very familiar with. For example, the trip to
work in the morning; the route you take to your parent’s house or
the supermarket. In fact, once you have mastered the ability to
associate information with everyday journeys, you may soon be able to
invent new journeys that fix in your mind and apply them.

In
order for the technique to work most effectively, it is advised to
mentally prepare the journey in full first. By doing this you have a
clear map of each of the landmarks before you attempt to apply
information. A good idea is to write down the most prominent
destinations in order, then try to remember the less obvious, and
then the trivial.

The
next step is to nominate a segment of your list to one of these
easily recognisable landmarks. It helps here if you associate
paramount information with prominent landmarks. The list is extremely
effective and works with objects, times, people and dates. The longer
the list is the more trivial landmarks will be needed, and the
shorter the list, the shorter the journey!

Here
is an example of a simple journey list, along with memory hints,
applied to a shopping trip:

• 
  Front
  door: washing up liquid (spilt on doormat)

  
  

• 
  Rose
  bush in front garden: bunch of tomatoes (look similar to roses)

  
  

• 
  Car:
  potatoes/veg (sitting on drivers seat)

  
  

• 
  End
  of road: French bread rolls (similar to road markings)

  
  

• 
  Traffic
  lights: (wrapped in cling film)

  
  

It’s
really that simple. By training your mind to associate simple
elements with familiar landmarks your memory can improve
dramatically, ensuring you do not forget any essential information.

About the Author

Sheila Mulrennan from Professionaldevelopment.ie specialises in writing articles relating to Personal Development Training, Communication Skills, Prfesentation Skills and Time Management. Visit her website at  www.Professionaldevelopment.ie   for more.

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