Simple Tricks for Remembering & Expanding Your Mind
A long time ago I learned a little trick for how to remember names. I call is memorizing through association.
Often a name, particularly a last name, sounds like or rhymes with something else. For example, the last name McNamara rhymes with camera. Thus, when introduced to Patti McNamara I take a moment to imagine her using a camera. The next time, if we meet, If I did the visualization, I’ll remember her last name.
Then there’s that other problem of remembering her first name. Maybe she reminds me of someone I know named Patti, either a friend or a famous celebrity such as Patti Smith or Patti LaBelle. I’ll use whatever works.
The key is to take the time to create that association in my brain. Because otherwise, the next time we meet I will remember all kinds of facts about that person, if we had a long conversation, but I’ll be struggling to remember their name.
As a writer, I’ve made it my intent since childhood, to remember as much as possible. Pertinent details can truly make a story pop.
But I’ve found, the longer I live, the more I know, the more likely they’ll be things I forget, if I don’t keep challenging myself.
The human brain, in my opinion, thrives with maximum use. The old saying, use it or lose it, applies to every part of the body. If you stop running or taking long vigorous walks, your legs will start to atrophy. You won’t notice at first, but you’ll lose muscle mass. Same goes for your brain. Stop challenging yourself to learn new things, and cognition and memory will gradually slow.
The amount of information out there on the internet, free and available to everyone who has access to a computer can provide an almost infinite stream of resources. Artificial Intelligence is tapping into everything posted online (including this blog) so why shouldn’t humans taking advantage of all the free learning opportunities. (Unfortunately, you will be subjected to some advertising so be poised to quickly click past ads when possible).
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The Video Approach
UTUBE: If your parent never showed you how to change a tire, you can learn how by watching a video. Just go to Utube and search “How to Change a Tire.” Immediately ten videos popped up. Or if you want advice on “How to Find an Agent for Your Novel,” I easily found ten videos on that topic.
The Blog Approach
WORDPRESS: WordPress is just one of many blogging platforms that require no subscription from readers. If you to a search for a topic, for example- chocolate chip cookies- I immediately found six posts using Word Press Reader. Blogger and Wix are two other free blogging websites. In general-if you love to cook and try new recipes, just searching by plugging in ingredients you have available, can yield fascinating results.
Third Party Review Approach
KIRKUS REVIEWS: Ever notice most books always have a Kirkus Review? Kirkus has a free website where you can search by topic and read their book reviews. and are useful but can be manipulated by authors and agents- so look for other sources to augment the “stars.” Other free posted online reviews are available from magazines and newspapers such as The New York Times, Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Irish Times.
Pay to Play
If you have the budget for it, going back to school can be a worthwhile endeavor. Many graduate programs provide flexible options for all ages, from twenty-eight to eighty-eight. I posted a blog for Old Scratch Press on this topic. Click here.
Many Community Colleges, Universities, and Institutions for the Arts offer low-cost evening enrichment classes for adults. Many professionals, including published writers offer online classes and workshops to supplement their income, and can provide individualized or small group instruction.
Literary magazines offer an array of online workshops. Costs can range from $50 to hundreds of dollars, but if you find an author/teacher you admire, the cost can be worth every penny. And finally, platforms such as Substack, offer subscriptions with writers (generally $5 per month) who provide weekly tips and reading materials in addition to online discussions. The platform Medium ($5 per month) also offers access to numerous publications and content.
I’m blogging on WordPress and Medium and if you’d like an email every time I publish, you can sign up for FREE. Thank you for reading. Nadjamaril.com
Originally published at http://nadjamaril.com on October 7, 2023.
