How to boost your memory.
We've all been there - frantically searching for misplaced keys or drawing a blank on someone's name. In today's information-packed world, a robust memory is more valuable than ever. Whether you're a student, professional, or just looking to keep your mind sharp, there are proven ways to amp up your recall. Let's explore some techniques inspired by memory maestro Dominic O'Brien.
Meet the Memory Wizard
Dominic O'Brien isn't your average Joe when it comes to remembering things. This eight-time World Memory Champ has literally written the book (well, several actually) on memory improvement. What is somewhat surprising is that O'Brien started out with a pretty ordinary memory. He once quipped, "I wasn't born with a photographic memory. I just found ways to turbocharge the one I had." At school, his reports were average and he even suffered from dyslexia, but somehow managed to overcome this and become one of the foremost memorisers on the planet. The main message of much of his work is that his brain isn’t special and anybody can do it.
The Mind Palace Trick
One of O'Brien's go-to methods is what he calls the Journey Method, but you might know it as the Memory Palace technique. It goes something like this:
Pick a place you know like the back of your hand (your home, for instance).
Create wild, wacky mental pictures of the stuff you want to remember.
"Place" these images at specific spots along your chosen route.
O'Brien's advice? "The crazier and more vivid the images, the better they'll stick in your mind!"
The Story-Linking Technique
Another nifty trick up O'Brien's sleeve is the Link Method. He describes it as "weaving a tale where each item you need to remember connects to the next in a memorable, often silly way."
Picture this: You need to grab milk, bread, eggs, and apples at the store. You might imagine a cow munching on a loaf of bread, then laying an egg that hatches into an apple tree. Weird? Yes. Forgettable? Not likely!
Flex That Memory Muscle
Improving your memory isn't a one-and-done deal. It's all about consistent practice. As O'Brien puts it, "Your memory is like any other muscle - use it or lose it!"
Try these daily brain calisthenics:
Memorise a quirky fact or quote each day.
Before hitting the hay, run through your day's events.
Learn and use a new word daily.
The Magic of Making Connections
O'Brien lectures on the power of association in memory. He notes, "Our brains love to connect the dots. The more connections you can make to a piece of info, the more likely it'll stick."
When learning something new, try linking it to stuff you already know. Learning about the French Revolution? Connect it to that amazing crepe you had in Paris last summer.
Wrapping It Up
Boosting your memory isn't about becoming the next O'Brien (unless that's your thing!). It's about making life a bit easier and your mind a bit sharper. As the memory master himself says, "There's no such thing as a 'good' or 'bad' memory - just one that's been trained or left untrained."
So start small, keep at it, and watch your recall improve. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself with what your brain can do!
Now, where did I put those keys again?
Dominic O’Brien’s books can be found on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Develop-Brilliant-Memory-Week/dp/1780287909
