How can I improve my memory?

Memory is improved by following adhering to the 3 golden rules. ( I say 3 rules because 3 items are the easiest to recall):

Structure. Location. Imagination.

Structure - When our brain takes information in. It trys to get it to stick by clustering it with existing related information. In a way it wants to file the new information into the most relevant bucket.
For example, if I am reading about US presidents. It will throw the new information I get into the bucket in my brain labeled US presidents. Here I keep all my information on US presidents. If I try to put this information into my bucket on US cars it justs won't stick.

Using this insight. When learning new information we should first cluster it by relevant themes and structure it with headings and examples.

This offloads the work thet the brain has too do to make it stick for longer.

GIVE EVERYTHING YOU WRITE A SUMMARY TITLE LIKE I HAVE IN THIS BLOG. REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF TEXT PER SUMMARY TITLE FOR EFFECTIVENESS.

This structure also applies to rhythm of sound. We memorizes slogans, statements, poems and songs that have a structured rhythm.

For example. Beans means Heinz. Yes we can. Wee willie winkie my son John, went to bed with his trousers on ..

Location - We have an innate ability to recall location. This links back to our ability to retain structure. For example, if you try to visualize your route to work, your primary school or the layout of your office you can very easily do it.

Similarly, You can readily memorize the layout of your favourite internet pages even if you cannot remember their content.

Many speakers utilize this memory capability by applying the different milestones they need to remember to different points along a well known route.

When you are learning new content, visualize it and apply it to a physical location. This will help you recall it.


Imagination - Our imagination is a powerful memory tool. If we visualize it, it makes it easier to retain. This links into the visualization piece from above.

Analogies are great ways to stimulate the imagination.
As are colours.

When we visualize information and apply an image to it, it becomes stickier. As you will notice above, the more absurd the better.

For example. Ideas being thrown into buckets. Memory as being stick glue.

There is so much coming in, you need to make it stick out in order for it to stick.