Can't remember where you put yor glasses? Blanked on your new colleague's name? Forgetting these types of things is a sign of how busy we are. When we're not paying good attention, the memories we form aren't very robust, and we have a problem retrieving the information later.
The key is to get your brain in shape. We exercies our bodies, but what good is that great body if you don't have the mental capabilities to go with it? Sure, you could write everything down, keep organized lists and leave electronic notes on your Blacberry, cell phone or PDA . But when you don't have access to those aids, or if you want to strengthen your brain, try these expert-recommended strategies to help you remember.
What the heck is his name?
* Pay attention. When you're nitroduced to someone, really listen to the person's name. Then, to get a better grasp, picture the spelling. Ask, "Is that kathy with a k or a C ? Make a rermark about the name to help lock it in ("Oh, Carpenter -- that was my childhood best friend's last name"), and use the name a few times during the conversation and when you say goodbye.
* Visualize the name. For hard to remember monikers (Bentavegna, Wobbeking), make the name meaningful. For Bentavegna, maybe you think of a bent weather vane. Picture it . Then look at the person, choose an outstanding feature (bushy eyebrows, green eyes) and tie the name to the face. If Mr. Bentavegna has a big nose, picture a bent weather vane instead of his nose. The sillier the image, the better.
* Create memorable associations. Picture joe everett standing atop mount everest. If you want to remember that erin curtis is the CEO of an architectural firm, imagine her curtsyng in front of a large building.
* Cheat a little. Supplement these tips with some more cncrete actions. When you get a business card, after the meeting, jot down a few notes on the back of the card ("red glasses, lives in Springfield, went to my alma mater") to help you out when you need a reminder.
Where in the world did I leave my glasses?
* Give a play-by-play. Pay attention to what you're doing as you place your glasses on the end table. Remind yourself, "I'm putting my keys in my coat pocket," so you hace a clear memory of doing it.
* Make it a habit. Put a small basket on a side table. Train yourself to put your keys, glasses, cell phone or any other object you frequently use (or misplace) in the basket -- every time.
What's my password for this website?
* Shape your numbers. Assign a shape to each number: 0 looks like a ball or ring; 1 is a pen: 2 is a swan; 3 looks like handcuffs; 4 is a sailboat; 5 a pregnant woman; 6 a pipe; 7 a boomerang; 8 a snowman; and 9 a tennis racket. To remember your ATM pin (4298, say), imagine yourself on a sailboat (4), when a swan (2) tries to attack you. you hit it with a tennis racket (9), and it turns into a snowman (8). Try forgetting that image!
* Rhyme it. Think of words that rhyme with the numbers 1 through 9 (knee for 3, wine for 9, etc.) . Then create a story using the rhyming words: A nun (1) in heaven (7) banged her knee (3), and it became sore (4).
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