Gaining an Edge with Better Memory

Are you looking for an edge? Will having a better memory and being able to remember names, facts, history, specs, etc., give you an edge?

Our brain stores everything that we see, everything that we read, everything that we hear and everything that we feel. If it’s all up there, then why is that we sometimes forget names, events, math formulas, etc.? Could it be because we are on our feet most of the time and our brain doesn't get enough blood? Do you think we would remember better if there was more blood flowing to the brain? Would it help if we did a headstand…not the most practical while trying to get work done or presenting to a customer.

According to Ron White the author of “Memory in a Month” which I am half way through, the trick is in the way we file everything in our brain. The analogy he uses is of a computer full of folders, sub-folders and files. Now imagine that the names of all these files have been erased. The content is still there with the file names erased. Wouldn't it be a nightmare to find information? The key is to use a filing system from which information can be easily retrieved. (As a side note, Ron holds the record for most numbers memorized in 5 minutes (167 consecutive digits) and the fastest to memorize a deck of cards (1 minute 27 seconds)).

We are going to see if filing makes a difference. Humor me and play along with me for the next couple of minutes. It’ll make sense once we are done with this exercise. We are going to use our body as a filing system. We are going to pick 5 body parts. Here we go:

1. Top of the head
2. Nose
3. Mouth
4. Chest
5. Liver

Now we are going to assign abstract words or images to these locations. The more dramatic you can be…the easier it becomes.

1. Top – Audio Speaker. Imagine carrying a speaker and you are trying to balance it
2. Nose – Have a Gun on or up your nose. Make it as dramatic as possible
3. Mouth – Think of a Soldier in your mouth. The soldier might be marching on the floor of your mouth
4. Chest – Imagine a search light on your chest. It could be a surgeon trying to use a search light to perform surgery
5. Liver – A picture of yourself on your liver. Think of cirrhosis of the liver and see a bloated image of yourself

Review these!

We just filed the first 5 amendments from our Bill of Rights to our body.

1. Speaker – Freedom of speech
2. Gun – Right to bear arms
3. Soldier – No soldier can be quartered without the owner’s permission
4. Search Light – No unreasonable searches
5. Self-image – The famous 5th amendment – “I plead the 5th” – no self-incrimination

Now you know the US Bill of Rights (a part of it) forwards, backwards & by number. What’s #1? Balancing a speaker on your head - Freedom of speech!

I have used similar filing systems…to count in Korean; math formulas; work related tech specs; etc.

Some suggestions (what I use) to keep the brain supple to build more neurons for an active and evolving neural network:

• “Play” Lumosity
• Meditate (will post a blog on this later)
• Use tricks from the Ultimate Memory Course
• Play the piano or any other instrument
• Secrets of Mental Math
• Etc.

If this doesn't work or appeal to you, you can always try doing a head stand.