Long summer days and nights bring fun, warmth, and many memories in the making. Capturing these memories can be as elusive as containing a firefly on a breezy, summer evening. As we continue our #SummerToRemember series, let’s dig into which techniques are best to record all our moments.
We all have our go-to memory techniques that typically work. But what about when they don’t? A new friend tried to recall another person’s name she thought we may both know. It really bothered her when she couldn’t remember the woman’s first name. We laughed at how we knew she’d eventually think of it and she did–about an hour later, as is often the case.
We don’t always know how our unique memory works, just that it does (or sometimes doesn’t)! Typically, we try to associate or write things down. Others capture moments in pictures for posterity and prompt recollections later. These are some of my favorites as well as verbal repetition. I too never used to think much about HOW I remembered, but now I do.
Studying memory in depth and applying specific techniques in my own life has shown I benefit from my go-to favorites but also using many techniques in tandem. I’m a visual and auditory person. I prefer these avenues of taking in information as opposed to being more hands-on and tactile. To that end, visual and auditory memory techniques like visualization and written and verbal repetition are my go-to techniques.
I also benefit from a heavy dose of visual association. When traveling, I like to see the map. I recognize visual landmarks and can typically remember where I was and who I was talking to when visually recalling a venue. All of this plays into my strengths and aids in making memories.
My daughter has a great memory for the golf courses she plays. Since I’m often watching her play, we’ll discuss various holes and I recall them best by visualizing the landmarks of each. First, I need to pay attention, but as we go over it, she’ll mention a visual cue and then I know what hole she’s referencing. I don’t remember like she does, but the visual cues help. If that doesn’t work, I refer to the notes I take as she plays. The different techniques blend together and ultimately, assist my memory.
How do you best remember? Is it by visual cues or associations? Do you like to hear things, take notes or pictures? This week, let’s dig into HOW we remember.
Your challenge for this week is to think about how you best like to receive information because then this will be the best way to also recall information. Are you more visual, auditory or tactile? Do you like to see, hear or do things to remember? Once we identify this about ourselves, we can use memory techniques that fit with our strengths and remember more this #SummerToRemember!
For more in-depth resources on memory, check out the Academy subscription service or contact me for a memory wellness presentation for your group in the future! Let’s pay attention to how we remember and capture more of our memorable summer moments!
