How to triple your memory by using this trick

Let's start with a small test. Stay calm; I'm not here to judge. It's just a quick exam, right? You have 30 seconds to memorize ten words in the correct order. Then, take thirty seconds to jot down any memories. Finally, review your responses in another 30 seconds. Let’s begin. Ready? In thirty seconds, learn these ten words in the correct order:

apple, chair, river, courage, elephant, sunset, melody, diamond, laughter, journey.

Alright, time's up. Write down what you remember. Okay, now stop. Check your answers quickly. This is a moment for introspection. Ask yourself: "What was the most effective way for me to memorize this?" For previous generations, like my parents and grandparents, mastering memorization was crucial. But nowadays, who wants to memorize lists of things? Can't we just snap a picture of the screen and call it a day? It seems like memorization has lost some of its importance. So why should we still strive to improve our memorization skills in the modern era? Allow me to address that briefly.

I struggled with failing classes twice in high school. After seven years of torture, I finally graduated. Oh, the freedom! But what would I do with it? I was clueless. One thing was clear—I didn't want to return to the traditional academic environment. So, I spent nine months as a bagger, not a beggar, in sunny California, packing customers' groceries for tips. Surprisingly, I learned a lot that year. I became efficient at bagging groceries and gained driving experience. Plus, Californians seemed more laid-back compared to Amsterdam. Just for fun, I learned how to strike up conversations with strangers. That year, I discovered I actually enjoy learning when it's done in a way that suits me. That's why I chose to study psychology. Suddenly, I was absorbing knowledge that mattered to me, spending more time in the library voluntarily than I ever did skipping school as a teenager. The challenge was learning how to learn effectively. So, I experimented with different reading and memorization methods, reducing my three-hour reading sessions per chapter to just one. I completed an honors program, earned my degree, and developed a passion for learning. Now, I happily work at Remind, where we teach the art and science of learning, striving to reintroduce effective learning methods into education. For the past three years, we've hosted the Dutch National Memory Championships for high school students. We aim to show that memorization isn't just about vocabulary; it involves much more. Today, I gave you a simple test to gauge your current memorization technique. Next, I want to provide you with a different memory experience.

Find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and take a deep breath. Imagine someone reading this aloud while you visualize it. Picture John, a familiar person, grabbing the sun and placing it at your feet. The sun swells, turning your knees into basketball courts with boys wearing "New York Knicks" jerseys. Your thighs are replaced by Fords—Mustangs or Focuses. You feel the rough plastic seat of a go-kart beneath you. Your stomach growls, leading you to McDonald's, where Ronald McDonald shoots laser beams at you from a ray gun. His beam hits your chest, sprouting a bush of gray hair. Rushing home, you find good news waiting—a weight lifted off your shoulders as all your bills are paid. You notice little clumps of blonde hair growing on your neck. Looking in the mirror, your lips repeat, "Yes, we can; yes, we can; yes, we can." Suddenly, Donald Duck pops your eyeballs with a golden trumpet. You open your eyes and return to reality, feeling safer than before.

I've just led you through memorizing the names of the last ten US presidents in order. Now, how many can you recall? I'll ask you about each body part to see what happened there. Shout it out; it's more effective. How are your feet doing now? Yes, John tossed President Johnson out the window. What about your knees? (Laughs) Yes, Knicks—President Nixon. And what replaced your thighs? Fords: The President. How did your lower body feel? Okay, yeah, President Carter. Some of you are ahead of the curve. What happened when your stomach took you to McDonald's? Alright. Ronald McDonald's rays shooting Ronald Reagan. What appeared when he hit your chest? A large clump of gray hairs—Senior Bush. How did your shoulders feel lighter? Debt Clinton: I paid off all your debts. What's around your neck now? Alright, a straggling blond bush—Bush Jr. What did your mouth say? President Obama said, "Yes we can." What happened to your eyes? Yes, Donald Duck's golden trumpet. Congratulations, if you remembered more this time than before. Isn't this memorization technique more enjoyable than the last? It's easier when you create quirky visuals tied to familiar places like your body. However, remember my initial question: Why should we still aim to improve memorization today? Because improving one skill, like memorization, enhances your ability to experiment. I've found that experimenting with various approaches helps me improve at anything. Discover what works for you and what doesn't. Without that willingness to try new things, I might never have returned to school or discovered my love for psychology. People of all ages miss out on pursuing their passions because they believe they're incapable. Imagine teaching children that they can improve at anything, even getting better at getting better. It's not just for the young; older adults are often seen as too set in their ways to learn new skills. Through experimentation, everyone can become a better version of themselves, as you hopefully did today.

At Remind, we break this process into three stages: experience, experiment, and review. Being aware of what you're doing at each stage is crucial. After the first test, maybe you realized repeating phrases doesn't work well. The second stage involves trying new methods and being open to possibilities. Visualization might work better for you—or you may simply prefer it. The third stage is the experiment itself, integrating what you've learned and seeing how it fits into your life. Perhaps you're someone who forgets names upon meeting people. I've walked you through the first two stages; now, it's up to you. Take a moment, jot down an experiment on a small piece of paper, and keep it with you. By consistently engaging in these experimental stages, you'll understand your process, remain open to new ideas, and allow yourself to keep evolving. Whether it's math, martial arts, or memorization, improving at one skill enhances your ability to learn. And that's what truly lasts. You can take it with you to new jobs, hobbies, or relationships. This should be taught in schools and embraced by everyone, not just waiting for institutional change. But the most significant transformation starts with you. So, go explore, discover something new or a better way to do something old, because learning is one of life's essential skills.