Learning Fast & Forgetting Less

I was 7 minutes late to my first meeting with Jim Kwik, the world's #1 brain coach. I was sweating through my shirt, jogging down 34th Street in Manhattan wondering how on earth I was going to explain why I was late to this NY Times Bestselling Author whose A+ List clients (Will Smith, Hugh Jackman, Simon Sinek, & so on) rave about Jim's ability to boost their mental fitness. My explanation, of "Uh, my google calendar didn't remind at me," seemed pathetic.

Panting, I ran up to Jim who was tucked into a corner outdoors serenely sipping his hot tea. I jumbled out my excuses, frantically put my things down and desperately tried to project an aura of having it all together (when clearly I did not). He gracefully gazed up and asked if I lost track of time. Sheepishly, I shook my head yes and sank lower in my seat.

"Did you know one-third of our memory is determined by genetics but two-thirds is under our control?" Jim inquired. "I had no idea," I stammered, thus beginning my powerful fascination with Jim's teachings.

I've learned many things from Jim since that fateful meeting on 34th Street in Manhattan. We recently caught up on Coffee with Kim, my weekly Live show on LinkedIn where he dazzled us with brain boosting details in this 45 minute interview.

"You need to understand how your memory works so you can work your memory." (Tweet this!) While we dug into many mind-based tips and tricks this stuck with me. If our memory is under our control we can work on getting rid of the “I can’t remember” or “What was that again?” moments.

Learning to control our mind gives us a better grasp on learning, retaining and recalling information. If you don't retain or can't recall what you've learned you've missed an opportunity. It's not about how smart you are, it's about how are you smart. HOW you learn is more important than WHAT you learn. (Tweet this!) For more lessons like this, I highly recommend Jim's lastest book, Limitless: Upgrade Your Brain, Learn Anything Faster & Unlock Your Exceptional Life.

Do I have a focus each week?

Focus is not something you have, it's something you do. (Tweet this!) Set up the goals you want to focus on with this formula: "P x E x S3"

This equation translates to: Purpose times Energy times Small Simple Steps = Motivation

Small simple steps can sound like: "I'm going to open a book today." Notice I didn’t say read a book, but broke it down to the smallest step by saying open the book. Or "I'm going to put on my running shoes.” Notice I didn’t say actually run. Small baby steps each day add up to big changes!

What are 3 secret to a good night's sleep?

1. Expose yourself to direct sunlight for 10 minutes after you wake up.
2. No caffeine after 2 PM.
3. Darken your room. Use blackout curtains, cover your alarm clock, and do not look at any type of screen (phone, tablet, TV) before bed.

How can I solve problems quickly? Schedule “white space” in your day to sit with your thoughts. Block off 5-10 minutes to see what new ideas & creative solutions you come up with when you give your mind space.

How can I improve my mind TODAY? Read something! Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, if it appeals to you read it. Reading boosts your emotional and intellectual intelligence. Be wary of "self-help" books which usually become "shelf-help" books because they never actually get picked up and read. Find something that really interests you and dive in!

Rate yourself, 0-10, for each item on this list. How well are you doing? Evaluate where you can implement small simple steps to set you up for success.

Jim's Ultimate Checklist:

1. Eat healthy food
2. Have positive self-talk
3. Exercise regularly
4. Consume brain nutrients
5. Have a positive peer group (who we spend time with is who we become!)
6. Create a clean environment
7. Sleep
8. Brain protection (especially for kids, wear helmets!)
9. Continue to learn
10. Stress management

To keep learning from Jim, follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn or his website.

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