Anthony Metivier's Magnetic Memory Method Podcast

All self improvement requires delayed gratification, especially memory training. Now, I’m going to take you on an 180 degree spin, into the heart of a storm many millions of people face. Particularly men. You see, I get a lot of private questions from people about memory. And one of them involves online addiction, particularly around porn. And that leads to compulsive behaviors, one of them being masturbation, more colorfully known as “fapping.” Guess what? Too much of it, especially when you’re wired for hours in front of a screen, definitely robs your memory of energy that could be used for memory training. Worse: There’s no denying that more of this behavior is happening now than ever before. The good news is that people have become incredibly frank about the problem. In fact, I often receive this question in my inbox: “Should I try a no-fap challenge to help me improve my memory?” To date, I’ve never addressed the question formally. An instead of taking the stance and saying, “If porn and masturbation is a distraction from your memory training, eliminate it and see what happens,” I decided to call in an expert. So let me introduce you to my friend Matt Dobschuetz. Matt’s the man behind Porn Free Radio and RecoveredMan.com. He is a podcast show host, author and recovery coach for men dealing with addictions to pornography with one on one and group coaching through REV Group Coaching, which he founded. On this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, Matt and I discuss the problems porn addiction creates for your memory training progress. Memory Vs. Porn Addiction (And How You Can Win) We cover methods to overcome these memory-robbing impulses, and the science behind why that dependency develops in the first place. Matt shares his own journey with overcoming porn addiction and we discuss how it relates to memory, and how using memory techniques can help to eliminate porn dependency. If you struggle with true intimacy with a partner… If you find yourself gravitating towards masturbation for stress relief … If your sexual confidence is so low it’s almost nonexistent … And if you habitually watch pornography and don’t even know why … This podcast is for you. Press play now and learn more about: The rise in pornography accessibility with broadband internet and smartphones How erectile dysfunction relates to porn dependency Lack of focus as the result of a pornography habit The true reason behind lack of confidence in the bedroom How the experience of failure with overcoming porn addiction can bleed into everyday areas of life (school, work, and even simple conversations with the potential partners) How to recognize patterns that create opportunities for eliminating porn use and change those destructive patterns to positive growth habits Relating the Challenge-Frustration Curve to breaking the porn addiction cycle How to use memory techniques and exercises to overcome porn dependency and porn habit behaviors What triggers porn addictive behaviors (it’s less automatic than you think) How to deal with triggers and threats when they occur in real-life situations, both head on and through elimination techniques Using self-identification as a means to combat porn habit behaviors Being present and connected as powerful tools for recovery My biggest takeaway from our interview? I feel like the issues boils down to an inability to delay gratification. If you’d rather watch this episode of the podcast to discover tips for better strategies, just click play below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lGw1neEslw Further Resources From And on the Web: Recovered Man (Matt’s official website) REV Group Coaching Recovered Man on Facebook Matt Dobschuetz on Twitter “Is Pornography Addictive?” (APA online) Neuroscience of Internet Pornography Addiction Your Brain on Porn Surviving PTSD with the Help of Memory Techniques featuring Nicholas Castle

Memory retention… what the heck is it? Is it worth worrying about? If so, can it be improved? On this page, I’m going to cover memory retention from my perspective as a leading memory expert with multiple books on the topic under my belt. I’ll also give you three blazing fast ways you can increase your ability to retain information. These memory techniques are based on how myself and thousands of my students have approached learning languages, memorizing speeches and passing exams. Ready? Let’s start by defining our terms correctly so you can proceed in the best possible manner. That way you can improve your brain’s ability to retain the information you need to succeed much faster and with great integrity. After all, you want true memory retention that stand the test of time. That’s definitely the kind of recall I’ve personally practiced to develop as a mnemonist – and it has provided many wonderful outcomes I know you’re going to love too once the best possible memory techniques have been added to your daily routines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJk7tumRzM4 The Simplest Definition Of Memory Retention Overall, this term from the world of memory science is simply defined: It is the ability to keep any information for different periods of time for the purpose of using it in the future. But retain information for what exactly? According to memory experts like Endel Tulving, it comes down to pattern recognition based on: Episodic memory Autobiographical memory Procedural memory And more… Now, some people will say that recognition and recall are two different things But I don’t think that makes sense. For example, if someone gives you their name, but you can’t use their name in a conversation, you haven’t retained it. Same thing if you can’t recognize the name in the first place, or have forgotten that you’ve heard it before. Such widespread instances suggest that recognition and recall are tied at the hip. Now, if you really want to keep abreast of contemporary trends in this area of science, you need to be reading the Journal of Learning & Memory. What you’ll discover is that exactly why we retain some things and not others remains a mystery. The final definition of “memory retention” is still being worked on. Nonetheless, you might be wondering about the differences between short term memory and long term memory when it comes to memory retention. You might even be wondering about how working memory plays into the mix when it comes to learning faster and remembering more. What Kind Of Retention Do You Mean? For now, it appears that we need to get more granular on exactly what the brain is trying to retain. Take physical learning, for example. Even if the brain functions aren’t well understood, it is clear that exercise that impacts motor function increases the learning of physical skills. What about learning new information based in words and numbers? That’s semantic memory, and much has been understood about how we retain information through a process called active recall. Now, another question people ask is… Why Is Memory Retention Important? In addition to practical matters like remembering names, passing exams and learning new languages, memory retention helps you connect with yourself. Think about it: Every time you can’t recall information about your own life… it feels kind of weird, if not outright painful. Self-punishment ensues and usually that only exacerbates the memory problems you might be facing. Plus, we need memory to learn languages, music, the names of people we meet, instructions at work and speeches we want to give, etc. Spiritual progress relies upon remembering the principles of your tradition, and the same factors play in learning about philosophy, history, psychology and every other topic. So with an eye to helping you feel more connected with yourself, let’s dive into three rapid ways you can increase retention. How to Increase Memory Retention in 3 Steps 1. Take Better Care Of Your Body And Your Brain Look, I know everyone wants memory techniques that are easy and fun to use. However, it only makes sense to care for the engine that makes memory possible in the first place. For example, many people who complain of brain fog don’t need memory techniques on their own. They simply aren’t eating well. Although diet is a tricky matter, you’ll find certain foods help improve memory better than others. Diet has been a huge problem for me throughout my life, but I’ve one a lot to fix it and experienced much better memory as a result. In my case, chronic pain has been the most mentally taxing and distracting problem. Pain makes paying attention difficult. When you can’t pay attention to information, retention goes out the window. Reduce the pain, and your ability to pay attention and retain information in memory automatic

Are you struggling to understand all of the bilingualism advantages people keep talking about? Are you jealous of people already learning their third (or even fourth) language? Does bilingualism seem like something that’s simply out of reach? Do you feel as if you’re being held back by some invisible force to meet your goals in language learning? Oftentimes we are crippled by our misconceptions of learning another language. Worse, a lot of people don’t know just how beneficial bilingualism is for the human brain. As a result, people blindly believe they’re just not smart enough. Worse, they think that mass marketed learning methods “won’t,” or “don’t” work. That’s a big problem, especially if we’ve hit a wall with our learning journey. We tend to blame the techniques without looking at our strategies for using them. The Biggest Problems Language Learners Face We may falsely believe we just don’t have the time to dedicate to learning a language, “It’s too late to start,” or we know we’ll never have the opportunity for immersion learning, so we simply give up. My guest today on Magnetic Memory Method Podcast is Bartosz Czekala from Universe of Memory. As a multi-linguist, language teacher, and someone with a background in computer science, econometrics, and legal translation, Bartosz is also strikes me as world class mnemonist. With Polish as his native language, he learned Swedish in only four months, and speaks seven additional languages. The Ultimate Bilingualism Advantages Await To share his knowledge, Bartosz’ website pairs memory techniques with learning systems to help you master language learning in fun and creative ways. Today we run the gamut of the journey of learning another language, from common barrier to success to the methods for guaranteed results and the pros and cons of various learning techniques. We explore the relationship of memory to language studies and the science behind it all. If you’re looking for a real, unfiltered conversation about language learning, struggling to come to terms with “Is it for me?” this is the podcast for you. In sum: it is possible to learn a foreign language. You just need to equip yourself with the right tools. Just press play now to learn about: The effect of diet and sleep on memory, specifically fasting and sleep deprivation The correlation between focus and concentration and eating habits The impact of the sun on overall mental health How results are possible with every memory method, but not always optimal The impracticality of apps for language learning The biggest issues with textbooks and word frequency The argument for spaced repetition and its usage for learning another language The importance of being a “scientist” in your own mind The benefits of context and meaning to learning foreign language vocabulary Passive exposure versus active learning How knowing multiple languages fortifies the health of your brain’s neural networks, lessen the forgetting curve, and maybe even give you an incredible career Pros and cons of immersion and proxemics for language learning The differences in language learning in adolescence versus adulthood Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: Bartosz’s Universe of Memory Bartosz Czekala on LinkedIn How to Learn Faster and Rediscover the Joy of Learning The Science of Language Learning: How Learning a Language Affects Us How to Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language The Freedom Journal For Language Learning Teach Yourself (MMM Podcast Interview with Olly Richards) Stoic Secrets for Using Memory Techniques with Language Learning

Have you ever experienced trauma in your life that created mental blocks, or worse, PTSD? Or do everyday situations remind you of terrible experiences from your past? I know I am not alone when I say that there are painful memories that can be haunting. From the death of a loved one, to near-death experiences and childhood trauma, we all have that “thing” that pops up from time to time and haunts us … If we let it. But here’s the powerful truth: We don’t have to live our lives in a constant state of fear that these memories will be triggered. Although we can’t prevent memories from flooding back at inopportune times, we can change how we respond to our triggers. A Powerful PTSD Survival Story To help those suffering from any kind of unwanted memories flooding their awareness, here’s what I’ve done: On this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I sit down with the founder of Bushcraft for Kids, Nicholas Castle. His organization teaches children survival and outdoors skills to increase their self-motivation, life skills, and confidence through adventure. Using these same memory techniques he teaches to his students, he explains his journey from being a young boy struggling with dyslexia to a former law enforcement officer living with post-traumatic stress disorder. His secret to overcoming these setbacks? The Memory Palace. The thing that struck me most about our conversation was how versatile Memory Palaces became for Nicholas. Not only was spatial memory and mnemonics essential to his success in his educational career, but also throughout his time in law enforcement. This role included public speaking, a healthy, but still stressful situation he had to deal with on top of his PTSD. And you know what? Nicholas enjoying a forest that also serves as a Memory Palace Memory techniques saved the day yet again. A bit of time out in nature helping other people seems to have contributed to Nicholas’ success too. If you want to know how Memory Palaces can help to transform every facet of your life, especially if you are dealing with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, like Nicholas, this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast is for you. Press play above and discover: How creating memory palaces can improve confusion from dyslexia (a condition that didn’t stop Dominic O’Brien from creating the Dominic System) An important point about the logic behind creating Memory Palaces (including prompts for and how to create them) The relationship between magic and memory through association Notes on the influence of Tony Buzan and Harry Lorayne How mnemonics can improve public speaking The precise way memory techniques reduce the stress responsible for so much memory loss How using memory techniques can help to influence large groups of people Commonalities between hypnosis and mnemonics The potential of memory techniques to manage PTSD symptoms The versatility of meditation practice for concentration How to use a Memory Palace Network as a practical learning tool Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: Memory Techniques and Dyslexia Test for Dyslexia: 37 Common Traits How to Practice Memory Techniques For Studying Tough Subjects

Even if it feels like trying to capture the entire cosmos in a jar, it’s actually pretty easy to improve short term memory. Would you like that? If so, I’ll show you exactly what it takes to improve every level of your memory on this page. As a memory expert and instructor with over a decade of experience, I’m going to share the facts with you. And provide some simple memory exercises that will help you improve your overall memory quickly. But first, we need to establish the nature of this unique memory problem. What exactly do short-term memory issues look like? A Shocking Portrait Of Short-Term Memory Loss Imagine the following scenario, inspired by the true-to-life novel about early onset dementia, Still Alice: You’re in the kitchen, preheating the oven to make a batch of your world-famous brownies. You’ve assembled your ingredients on the counter to prepare your batter… and then the unthinkable happens. You only have one egg left in the carton and the recipe calls for two. At least… that’s how you remember it. Frustrated, you grab your keys and head to the store. You remember you’re low on paper towels and need batteries for the TV remote, so you put those in your cart as you navigate the aisles. You pay for your items, load up the car, and drive home. You walk back into the kitchen and feel happy when you see that the oven’s temperature ready for your brownies. And then you realize you forgot the eggs you went to the store for in the first place! It happens to the best of us. Our short-term memory can be seriously lacking at times. Stress, depression, lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and exercise, even medications, can cause short-term memory difficulties. So what do we do? Do we resign ourselves to list-making and app dependency to remember daily bits of information? Are we glued to the smartphone or pen and paper as our lifeline against forgetfulness? Hardly. As many memory experts like Lynne Kelly and others I discuss in this video have demonstrated, you can memorize incredible amounts of information within seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRqyKP_TRvc So please don’t lose hope. There is a better way. And that’s why I’ve assembled the step-by-step guide on this page. I want to help you improve your short-term memory so your next learning (or baking) session goes off without a hitch. Keep reading to discover an actual means of improving short-term memory and examples of short-term memory at work. A Brief Definition Of Short Term Memory While we could dive straight into the techniques of improving memory so as to not risk getting bogged down by terminology, it’s important to first define what short-term memory actually is. We must first note that there is a difference between short, long term, and working memory. And it’s important to note the different memory problems that emerge from each. And the list of ways memory can be impaired is long. As this study shows, everything from diet, alcohol consumption, age and disease can harm your memory. While long term and working memory and its functioning are complex, short-term memory is simpler, but just as delicate. You really need to take care of it because you short term memory is: An ability to understand sentences, spoken and written. It is, at its most basic, tied closely to comprehending the critical information you use to navigate daily life. The ability to remember small sequences of numbers, such as telephone numbers. Short-term memory is the type of memory that helps you understand what you are reading. Without it, you‘d be constantly confused when studying, saying “What did I just read?” It is also the type of memory that when you see an infomercial on television lets you remember the telephone number to call and order your Flex-Seal or airbrush makeup kit for only three easy payments of $19.95. The Zen of Improving Short Term Memory Because memory is so central to our overall brain function, to improve it, we must improve all of our types of memory. This means tapping into: Episodic memory Figural memory Procedural memory Semantic memory Spatial memory and even autobiographical memory. Like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1XWa9pj-YI The name of the game is comprehensive improvement. Isn’t that what we really desire anyway? If not, we should. Why? Because when we focus on a complete enhancement of all aspects of our memory we will do more than improve our short-term function. We will also transcend the textbook definitions of memory and its main stages. And it feels like “Zen” because, once you’re into the rhythm of working on your memory, you’ll wonder why you never did it before. It’s so much fun! How Anyone Can Hold Far More Than 5-8 Digits In Memory With Ease We need to look no further than memory competitors who blur the lines of what short-term memory is defined as. The textbook definition suggests one can only keep five to eight digits in memory at once. Yet, usin

We all deal with it. The never ending to-do lists, rushing here, there, and everywhere in our daily lives, like a hamster on a wheel. From work, to school, family obligations, and social and extracurricular activities we never stop. But it’s not just our physical bodies that are “all over the place.” It’s our minds as well. It’s like a “monkey mind” is running the show up there! Unless, of course, you have some of the best monkey mind meditation tips out there. The kind that show you the way to quiet the noise, perhaps even to silence this uncontrollable, restless mind that haunts our global civilization. Think about it… What if you could exercise self-control mentally in order to make more rational decisions, your best decisions, calmly? Good news: You can. On this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I sit down with Ben Fishel, author of the upcoming book Project Monkey Mind. Hanging out with Ben at my favorite Memory Palace, The Menagerie Ben is a meditation teacher, habitual traveler, and freelance writer. On his website, Ben Fishel helps people navigate their challenges. Based on work from his prior website, Project Monkey Mind, Ben’s work has been featured on The Huffington Post, HighExistence, Tiny Buddha, and Pick The Brain. In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, we discuss the problems of the modern day monkey mind and how, through meditation, self-inquiry and self-discovery you can take steps to quiet it. Ben shares some principles from his soon-to-be released book, especially regarding his Pyramid of Self and the need for knowing one’s self to make a transformation in your life. Having control over your mind is possible, peace of mind is possible, and mental clarity, calm, and focus are all within your reach. To learn how, all you have to do is scroll up, hit play and discover: The difference between real change as compared to our expectations of change Authentic self-help versus spirituality junk and the spiritual junkies it creates The importance of self-inquiry to discover both who you are and who you aren’t How a “hyper-egoic” consciousness due to social media can be detrimental to quieting the self-referential mind The benefits of finding a balance between goals and the karma yoga idea of letting go of outcomes Ben’s Pyramid of Self, a relationship between ego, narratives about yourself, your biology, and higher cause How the ego can provide a false sense of being bulletproof, and the drawbacks to such an attitude Why we should always be skeptical, or critical of gurus as the end all, be all to answering life’s big questions The human condition of coping (or not) with uncertainties How freedom and individual sovereignty are related and how to achieve them How meditation brings a needed silence that doesn’t come to the body naturally Our Second Monkey Mind Meditation Conversation: Part One: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dyzCuz2XBo Part Two: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPq3m6Mf0tY     Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: Ben’s guided meditations on InsightTimer Ben’s YouTube Channel The Wise Advocate: Become A Better Leader of Your Memory How to Stop Punishing Yourself When You Say Stupid Things Intrapersonal Intelligence

Do you ever wonder how memory competitors get so good at their craft? Do they have some secret method that the Average Joe can’t begin to comprehend? Is there a memory secret society that’s only available to those who participate in the competition world that you and I would never be able to access? Good news: Memory competitors are just like you. They have their strengths, weakness, and, believe it or not, have the time to have a life outside of memory training! On today’s episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I sit down with Katie Kermode, a memory champion and competitor from the United Kingdom, to discuss her memory journey. Competing for over two decades, Katie is ranked 16th place in the world for memory competitors and is a four time memory world record holder. She is also a professional translator and proofreader, memory coach, and is the creator of memorization and recall software used at the IAM World Memory Championships in 2018. If you are struggling with finding the time to devote to memory training… If names or dates elude you in information memorization… Or if you think the end all, be all to strengthening your memory is a memory system just out of reach for the everyday memory improvement enthusiast… This podcast is for you. Click play above now and discover: The “right” age to begin memory techniques with children and how to motivate them to use these techniques from a young age How to make the most of limited time for memory training Using natural association patterns to remember names Variances in techniques from memory competitors to casual users of mnemonics (and why there is no singular approach to memory training that is “best”) Having a memory system vs. memory principles to build your own method The benefits of memory software for memorization and recall How to revolutionize attitudes about memory training in the digital age (without developing Digital Amnesia) Memorization in competitions versus real life application The benefits of attaching information to people along a Memory Palace journey Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: – Katie Kermode’s Official Website – Katie Kermode’s Twitter – Katie Kermode on Nelson Dellis’s Mind Show – The International Association of Memory – IAM on Facebook – Katie’s Memory Software – Next Level Memory Training Secrets with USA Memory Champion John Graham – Nelson Dellis on the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast (episode referenced in this one) – Idriz Zogaj’s Discussion on Memory Training Apps Stats about Katie (Records and Memory Titles): World Record in 5-minute Names (105) World Record in 15-minute Names (224) World Record in 15-minute Words (318) World Record in Memory League Words (50 in 51.31 seconds) MSO Memory Champion 2018 MSO Memory Champion 2017 UK Memory League Champion 2016 UK Memory Champion 2012 About Katie’s Software: This memory training software features these competition formats: National Standard International Standard World Championship Standard Includes free memory training across these memory disciplines: numbers names 5 minute words dates cards images binary

If you want to know where or not you have a “flashbulb memory,” here’s a simple memory test: Do you remember where you were and what you were doing during the 9/11 attacks? If so, in how much detail… exactly? After all, 9/11 was one of the most mentally impacting world events millions of people not only remember. They remember it vividly. What does vivid mean in this context? For example, you might recall exactly what activity you were performing when you learned about the attack. Myself, I was in Stong College on the York University campus, just before a class. It’s an irrelevant detail in the overall scope of my life, but the fact that I remember so much minutia is precisely the point. For example, I was in the cafeteria reading that morning. My phone rang and my friend Andrew said, “Find a TV.” I remember it vividly, down to the fact that my eyes traced the sky through the window and instantly fell upon an airplane. But here’s the problem: This memory I have about seeing an airplane through the window might not be accurate. In fact, chances are that it’s a flashbulb memory. Just like the time I spent with Tony Buzan, which we’ll talk about in a minute. But before we define this concept and talk about some powerful memory exercises, let’s look at the history of this term: Flashbulb Memory Defined The term flashbulb memory refers to a long lasting vivid memory of the circumstance around the time of receiving a shocking or surprising piece of news or event. Coined as a metaphor in the 1970s, it refers to the feeling of mentally capturing a complete scene in a single moment. But more than just feeling like you‘ve taken a mental snapshot, the idea is that your mental image includes a ton of information. I‘m talking about everything from the most crucial details to the most mundane ones. Even more: It’s the feeling that the memory will last indefinitely, almost as if it were a photograph. These memories have intrigued memory researchers for decades. Some consider flashbulb memory as a kind of autobiographical memory, which is the recollection of events you have personally experienced. Typically, individuals involved as subjects in memory studies feel extremely confident about their recollections of events like 9/11. However, in reality, researchers find that flashbulb memories are mostly haphazard and incomplete. Why? Because many factors affect your memory. These may include: Shock The personal importance you place on the event Emotional states Surrounding objects People in the environment Locations Activities at the time These factors and more condition the subsequent ways you might experience flashbulb memories. Why People Encode Memories “In A Flash” When your brain experiences something traumatic, it often establishes a sharp mental image of that particular event. Keep in mind that “mental imagery” is not necessarily visual. Yet, many people do describe being able to re-envision detailed information. It’s almost as if their memory of an event is like photograph. When you consider the kinds of things that become flashbulb memories, our brains usually base them on traumatic events. More often than not, they are public events. This tendency means that people around also us experienced the events. As a result, they wind up being discussed often. You not only experience such events via television or on the Internet, but you re-experience them multiple times while talking about them in multiple places with multiple people. Of course, not all such memories involve tragedy. Some other examples of flashbulb memories might include the birth of your child, college graduation, or getting your first job. These events might stand out as monumental events or milestones in your life. For example, meeting Tony Buzan is a personal example from the world of memory training. The reason why is that I was so overwhelmed by many emotions, especially given the personal attention he paid to me. But that doesn’t mean my memories of the time we spent together are accurate. Far from it! A Quick and Simple Memory Exercise Have you ever met someone famous who touched your life? Go ahead and think it through. Even if you just saw them from a distance, take note of the memory and describe it. Then think more about the memory. Think about all the times you told the story to others. You’ll probably have experienced it multiple times. When it comes to celebrity encounters and historical events, you almost always discuss them multiple times with different people in a variety of locations. I have another flashbulb memory from working with celebrities Dominic Purcell, Edward Furlong and director Uwe Boll The conclusion is therefore simple: If flashbulb memories like these have the tendency to last for life, it is because our sharing behaviors ingrain them in our minds. The Truth About Flashbulb Memory Aside from being referred as a type of autobiographical memory, many researchers now believe these memories are prone t

Dominic O’Brien suffered from ADD and dyslexia. But that didn’t stop him from winning the World Memory Championships… not once but eight times. Memory accomplishments like these are not very common! Even less common is going on to develop a memory system that changes the entire world. Where does this ingenious system come from? O’Brien developed the Dominic System after getting inspired by watching Creighton Carvello memorize a card deck on television. O’Brien’s innovative mnemonic system has since become popular because of how it allows people to utilize their minds for accomplishing outstanding feats. As a result, O’Brien is considered one of the world’s foremost memory experts. He has been reaching individuals, and helping them utilize their memories through his various books and training programs, for decades. What is the Dominic System? A mnemonic system, the Dominic System is utilized for remembering sequences of numbers that are similar to the mnemonic major system. O’Brien built his approach on a core arrangement we usually call the Major System. You’ll learn more about that in a minute. All such systems work by helping people associate numbers with something else. And a core innovation Dominic O’Brien brought to the game was focusing on individuals in place of objects. He changed this focus because individuals are much easier to remember than objects. In this system, sometimes called “Hotel Dominic,” the mnemonist (i.e. you) converts numbers into letters. These letters are utilized to create people’s initials. Each individual’s name is then linked to an action. How is it Different from the Major System? The Major System is usually ideal for basing words on numbers linked to consonants. Like this: For instance, the number 12 might be ‘tin’, which is harder to remember than ‘Al Bundy’. The number 84 could be ‘fire’ which means the sequence 1284 would mean ‘a tin on fire’. Of course, one perceived weakness of the Major is that it only lets you encode two-digit numbers. This is actually not a problem. For example, you can combine the Major with a number shape system, as I’ve done here with 358: A Major System Mnemonic Example for the number 358 In this example, a famous mailman is shoving the mail into a snowman. (In the Major, 35 suggests the word “mail” and 8 looks like a snowman.) Notice that I am using a very specific mailman. (Let me know in the comments if you recognize him.) Why? Because the brain is much more likely to react to the increased level of specificity. That’s why I suggest you always selecting characters to link with a number on the basis of familiarity no matter what system you use. Is It Worth The Time? True, covering 00–99 with familiar characters and names will require effort and time. But it will be worth it! Having any kind of system will help you save the struggle and time in the future when you want to remember a sequence of numbers. Numbers like: Bank accounts Credit card numbers Insurance numbers Birthdates of family members Emergency numbers Numbers involved in programming Historical dates Applications in memorizing music Tools for learning numbers in foreign languages with greater ease Simply put, it only makes sense to learn a number system. But it’s worth repeating: Be specific. The mnemonic imagery of many beginners can be bland and abstract. Avoid this mistake. Boring imagery makes it too complex to exaggerate. That’s the major reason people struggle. Why is such imagery so difficult? The answer is simple: It is not easy to associate an abstract idea with a vague image in a sequence. (Unless you have these visualization exercises.) For instance “a pen fights with a bottle” will never be as memorable as “Thor fights with George Bush.” Mnemonic Example of the Dominic System with Thor and George Bush When utilizing specific individuals, your brain has the ability to visualize them in a more effective way. You can further enhance your ability of getting a mental image with the memory systems by performing visualization exercises. The emphasis O’Brien placed on being specific when selecting the character has helped many people. memorize longer sequences of numbers. However, this point is important: O’Brien Teaches A P.A. System, Not A P.A.O. (Person Action Object) System The Dominic System is a Person-Action system. If you want to learn a full P.A.O. System please watch this video about creating your first P.A.O. list: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XTFYICzIbY How Does The Dominic System Work? In the Dominic system, you have to break long numbers into two digits. Each pair of digits represents an individual doing a certain action. The numbers are converted into letters for number by utilizing the rules mentioned below for easy remembrance: The digit 0 is O Initial five digits (1 – 5) become the initial five alphabets (A –E) The digit 6 is S due to simil

Ever signed up for a memory course or read a memory improvement book and thrown your hands up in the air? If so, that frustration ends today. You’re about to learn some simple guidelines for completing and benefiting from any memory training course you take. I’ll show you how to cross any barriers or obstacles you encounter along the way too. What kind of barriers? How about the ugly situation where someone takes many classes and loses their notes on a computer? I’ll share that story with you in a moment. Better: I’ll show you how to never lose your precious notes from the courses you take again – a hard learned lesson I hope no one ever has to suffer! Why should you pay attention to me? Well, in addition having run the world’s foremost memory improvement blog for over a decade, I have put memory techniques into action to help me learn languages, finish my PhD and teach at universities around the world. On top of that, I’ve won a Mercator visiting professor grant and delivered one of the most-watched TEDx Talks on memory. I’m not sharing these details to brag. It’s only to communicate the extraordinary value I’ve seen from completing memory courses myself in a prompt and thorough manner. But enough about me. That’s because… You Deserve A Big Compliment! Let me pay you a compliment and congratulate your for your interest in completing a memory improvement course. In fact, I’d like to pay you that compliment in person with this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8p_IgGzEnBU Why the compliment? Simple: Not everyone is so considerate to the long-term health of their brain, nor the short-term benefits that come from learning how to train your memory. These benefits include more than just remembering information and having more “memory power,” after all. You’ll also experience: Enhanced focus and concentration Mental clarity Improved confidence Boosts in your professional competence Improved emotional control Increased critical thinking skills And that’s just for starters. Keep in mind that this isn’t merely my opinion, or a result of my bias as a memory improvement instructor myself. Scientists have shown in studies like this and this that memory training not only helps you enjoy better memory. Completing a good course on memory can also help you positively rewire your brain. All you need are the best possible mnemonic strategies. But to get them, you need to be able to complete a memory course in full. The Key Reasons People Do Not Complete The Courses They Begin The question is… How are you going to get yourself to complete the course you choose? From beginning to end? And why do you need to complete the course in such detail? Whether it’s a course targeted specifically on memorizing poetry, vocabulary or on a larger set of memory skills like I cover in the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass, these are all important questions. Luckily there are answers to each one. First, let’s understand the key reasons people do not complete courses. It’s rarely a lack of discipline or a problem with the courses. In fact, the first problem usually comes from the fact that people want to instantly have the skills they hope to acquire. And when they see that there’s still some distance to go between wanting the memory skills and having them, the brain can feel overwhelmed. The Brain Pain Secret Behind Failing To Complete Courses According to learning and memory expert Barbara Oakley in Mindshift, the insular cortex of the brain fires off a pain signal. It’s possible the brain creates a pain response to the sight of anything that requires effort to cause you to preserve energy. We don’t know exactly why our brains do this, but the Savanna Hypothesis would suggest that we are evolutionarily designed to preserve energy for when we need to quickly move for survival. This would explain why pain is usually only a motivator when we’re suffering so much we have no choice but to take action. But when the pain subsides by doing nothing, we’re instantly satisfied with the return to a state of no pain. How to Deal With Overwhelm Now, it might be hard to understand why what I’ve just said can help you complete a memory training course. But here’s the thing: Knowledge truly is power. And the reason I include relaxation training in all of my memory courses is because I once felt that pain too. Fortunately, I knew about the body’s propensity to create pain and the Savanna Hypothesis. This insight into why the brain makes things that should be so simple seem so difficult has helped me immensely in many areas of life. So the first thing you should do is learn to first recognize when a learning task has triggered overwhelm. Then learn to associate that overwhelm with relaxation. I suggest meditation, which also improves focus and concentration. How the Internet Has Corroded Our Ability To Learn Second, it’s important to understand that schools don’t tea

If you’ve been looking for an aphantasia cure, you’re in luck. Here’s why: Alec Figueroa of AphantasiaMeow has been developing an objective aphantasia test while working with real people. As a result of his research and helping create change with clients, Alec has uncovered some of the most likely paths you might need to find a lasting solution. Not Sure If You Need The Aphantasia Cure? Try this quick test: Imagine you are on a beach at sunset. Can you hear the waves crashing against the shore? Do you feel a gentle breeze against your skin and the sand between your toes? Can you taste the faint saltiness of the ocean? Can you picture the fiery hues as the sun meets the water on the horizon? Red, orange, yellow, purple, and blue. Beautiful, isn’t it? Peaceful. Serene. More questions… When you close your eyes and picture this scene is it vivid? Is it an experience as if you are really there? Can your sensory memory pick out a variety of sensations? Or is your experience lost in fog… dull, distorted, and distant? Or… is there nothing, only blackness? If you see nothing in your mind… Listen To Someone Who Cares About Curing Aphantasia On today’s Magnetic Memory Method podcast I speak with imagination and aphantasia expert, Alec Figueroa. Also known as “AphantasiaMeow,” Alec has been helping many people remove aphantasia from their lives. We discuss his work with those who struggle with the idea that they do not have a “mind’s eye.” And those who may not have been able to picture that beautiful beach at sunset have experienced tremendous relief. Although this phenomenon was first introduced in 1880, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the idea of mental blindness began to be explored. With studies still in the early stages as compared to other mental health fields Alec is on the forefront of bettering the lives of those whose imaginations are not as vivid as they would like. Why People Seek Help When They Can’t Visualize You may be skeptical of this idea of aphantasia, finding it hard to believe that someone couldn’t close their eyes and picture a juicy red apple, a shiny new bicycle, or freshly fallen snow on command. But I feel empathy, because I don’t really see pictures in my mind either. And if curiosity is driving you, read on and click play on the episode to hear Alec’s approach to removing the problem. You may have come here searching for answers because (depending on the source) you are the 4-5% of the population, or the 1 in 50, who is affected by aphantasia. You may have heard of Alec’s work and wondered “Can he help me?” or, better still, “Can he help me help myself?” Whatever the case, you are here now. And there really does seem like Alec’s aphantasia cure will help you. And it seems to me that part of the reason Alec’s approach works is because many people seek help due to FOMO (fear of missing out). That means they might be forgetting to focus on the glorious experiences they do have (such as we’ve seen from Penn Jillette). But if you’re on this page, you’re either on a self-help journey for yourself, a loved one, or simply seeking to expand your knowledge on cutting edge brain health discoveries. Interview Highlights By listening to this interview today, you’ve taken the first step and congratulations are in order…we’ll be imagining ourselves sipping memory friendly drinks from coconuts sooner than you think! All you need to do is press play and you will discover: How to define the concepts of aphantasic, hyperphantasic, and prophantasic Aphantasia versus a disorder (you don’t have to feel at a disadvantage to others) The confusion surrounding aphantasic self-diagnosis techniques Why a visual imagination may not be present How to develop the mind’s eye through mental exercise Image streaming as aphantasia therapy “Imagery” as a multisensory concept Parallels between meditation and mind’s eye development How to overcome mental blocks and learned helplessness to improve mental imagery through some powerful visualization exercises In sum, there are many brain training exercises out there. But if you have aphantasia, what Alec offers is most likely the best. Follow up with him and let him help you! Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: Aphantasia Meow. This is Alec’s official website. It includes the VIVIQ (Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire). This test was originally developed at the University of Exeter and is still under development. Alec interviews me about my experience of SUDDENLY becoming visual: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0F9gOgGOqc As I mentioned above, Alec is doing hands on work with people and creating positive transformation. Book a time with him if you need help! AphantasiaMeow on YouTube Scientific American – When the Mind’s Eye is Blind Aphantasia: Experiences, Perceptions, and Insights Aphantasia: Develop Your Memory Even if You Cannot See Mental Images

As someone who is not very visual, I’m glad I learned how to use sensory memory to help me use memory techniques better. At first, I resisted the idea of using sensory modes other than seeing images. In hindsight, that was silly. But it was really hard coming to grips with the fact that I don’t really see pictures in my mind. After all, how is a “Memory Palace” supposed to work if you can’t “see” images in your imagination? Well, whether you’re low on the visual scale, like me, or experience full-blown aphantasia, I’ve got 5 simple exercises that will help extend your abilities with memory techniques. Each exercise involves a different kind of sensory memory you can combine with your Memory Palace Network. These mental fitness routines will help you create and use Memory Palaces in combination with mnemonic imagery at higher speeds. Perhaps more importantly than learning to create a Memory Palace Network and mental imagery quickly, you’ll use sensory memory to make the information stick in your mind for longer. But here’s a quick warning before we get started: There’s going to be some people who will still insist that they can’t do any of these exercises. If that’s you, keep reading until you reach the final tip. Few, if any, will find an excuse for why they can’t use the final tip I’ll share. The Strange History Of My (Non-Visual) Sensory Memory Blessings It’s true. I don’t really see pictures in my mind. Although I can’t say that I see “nothing” at all, if anything, I find the murky visual sensations almost useless, if not distracting. When I tell my memory athlete friends this fact, they either: Know exactly what I mean Use some of the same processes I’m about to share Rarely describe how they are purely “visual” in some sense I have yet to understand… I say “some sense,” because even with our current technology, it’s not possible to peer into anyone else’s imagination, let alone understand the various types of memory involved in someone else’s process. Anyhow, if you’ve followed the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard some of these conversations before. If not, I recommend you listen to some of the interviews with memory athletes I’ve recorded over the years. I’ve learned a ton that have improved my practice and even re-listening to some of them will help your practice too. Here are some of my favorite episodes that touch upon sensory memory and the true nature of mnemonic images as the real pros use them: Nelson Dellis on visual memory techniques Alex Mullen on building speed with mnemonics Mark Channon on memory and acting (very multisensory) Tansel Ali on gratitude in memory improvement John Graham on using memory training obstacles Idriz Zogaj on memory training apps Of course, you need to listen to these episodes with yourself in mind. Why? Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what others do in their minds. Each of us experiences only one mind – the mind we’ve been blessed with. That, and we each have our own experience of visual memory. And what a blessing that there are so many differences when it comes to sensory learning. But don’t get me wrong: I do understand that some people currently have miserable experiences, and not being able to use the main memory techniques must be very miserable indeed. So, if you can’t see images in your mind, here’s the first memory trick that will help you find more Memory Palaces and use them: #1: The Auditory Sensory Memory Palace Trick Think about a familiar place and recall what is sounded like. Or connect some aspect of the location with sound. Take your school, for example. When I think purely about sound in combination with one of the high schools I attended, I hear the voice of Mr. Andrews: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s”. He used to say this every time we were supposed to hand in our homework. I still have an idea of what the classroom looked like and where it was in the school. And since Mr. Andrews was a big fellow, I have a general sense of his physical presence. But it’s his voice that really stands out. Likewise, I think of my various band teachers and can even place where different sections of the orchestra were in the different rooms without needed to render a visual picture. Zero Visualization Needed There is a way to turn this into a picture that requires zero visualization, but we’ll get to that soon. For now, is this a cool memory trick or what? The more you focus just on sounds, the more you’ll explore powerful dimensions of your memory. This auditory focus will make a huge difference. Especially in connection with the tutorial I’ve created for you on mining your autobiographical memory for more Memory Palaces. It works nicely in combination with these episodic memory exercises. #2: The “What do you

Are you searching for Memory Palace training exercises and an easy way to create your first (or second) Memory Palace Network? And do you find yourself frustrated by: Memory training apps that fail to deliver? Endless how-to posts on the Internet that “guarantee” results? Memory improvement books that leave you entertained but you still find yourself no closer to using the tools that will help you build your memory? You know what? I know it can seem like an endless loop of information when it comes to memory training on the Internet. It’s almost as if you’re on a hamster wheel, getting no closer to your destination. You may feel discouraged, or worse, ready to give up… But before you throw your hands up in the air and admit defeat, know this: The problem isn’t you. The problem is the “quick fix” methods full of empty promises. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px1O-j3BIHo 3 Powerful Memory Palace Training Exercises Before we get into these memory training routines specifically designed for using Memory Palaces, here’s the very good news:. I have developed these simple Memory Palace training exercises with beginners, intermediate users and expert mnemonists in mind. And I know these exercises will help you to build an effective Memory Palace Network, even if you’ve never created one before or used a shred of mnemonic imagery in your life. (Scroll down for proof.) No, the exercises on this page are not a quick fix, hack, or shortcut. But what you’re about to discover is a simple and proven method that will help you create and implement Memory Palaces so you can: Learn the language you always wanted Pass your exams with flying colors Improve your life by improving your brain heath. Are you ready? If so… Brace yourself for these three, mind-blowingly simple Memory Palace training routines. 1. The Alphabet Memory Palace Exercise Before we get started, a quick question: Do you have a Memory Journal? Keeping a journal is a fun way to help you remember more about your life and can even help your daily productivity. And let’s be honest, we all need a boost sometimes to be more productive. I can dedicate (and have) an entire blog post to the benefits of memory journaling, but let’s assume you are keeping a dedicated Memory Journal (and if not, you should). For the Memory Palace creation exercise, here’s how to get started. Take your Memory Journal and begin on a fresh page. Start with the letter A. Ask yourself “Who do I know that has a home whose name starts with an A?” Remember not to limit yourself here. Your choice doesn’t have to be a home. It can be the names of movie theaters, bookstores, or other places that have significant meaning to you. Be flexible, and let your mind wander. Progressively move through the alphabet, one letter at a time. I recommend you continue until you have advanced through all 26 letters, jotting down names and places as you go. The alphabet will help you “walk” spatially through the associations one letter at a time. Do you have to complete all 26-letters? No, of course not, at least not in one go. But I find that most people who complete this exercise need between 1-5 hours to complete it. At the end, they have a vibrant and robust Memory Palace Network and approaches like the story method suddenly becomes much easier for them. Here are just a few Magnetic Memory Method Testimonials to tell the stories of success in their own words. Still not convinced you can do this, or should? If so, then check out the incredible science that backs up how and why the Memory Palace technique works. Example for the Letter A For example, say your elementary school best friend’s name is Allen. You can remember Allen’s home fondly, with sleepovers, and Mario Kart tournaments. And that’s one Memory Palace you can create. This initial memory produced by thinking of the letter “A” could lead to other memories with Allen: Birthday parties at the local skating rink… Trips to the local movie theater to see the latest Ninja Turtles film together… Rock concerts, etc. Simple Memory Palace drawing “recovered” by completing this simple Memory Palace training exercise Need more? Here are 5 Memory Palace Examples To Improve Your Memory Training Practice. You can also see how Kevin Richardson used multiple Memory Palaces for Japanese. He’s not alone either: Sunil Khatri achieved great results when learning Japanese as well, all thanks to exercises like the ones you’re discovering now. And you know what? I use these exercises myself. In this simple example with Allen, for example, I uncovered three new Memory Palaces! All from familiar places I wouldn’t have thought of at all without having completed this exercise. Summing Up The Alphabet Exercise Multiple Memory Palaces are available and can be unlocked with each letter of the alphabet. Use your Memory Journal to record these places, then build your networks from there. As a bonus you’ll exercise your brain with the physical a

Do you find memory techniques like the Memory Palace daunting? Not sure where to begin with your Magnetic Imagery? And are you having a hard time getting creative and wish you could just leave the “heavy lifting” to the experts? Believe me, it’s not just you. I receive so many emails from students of memory and lifelong learners just like you. People searching for help… Asking for mnemonic examples… Guidance that will make creating and using their Memory Palaces easier… Tips that will turn the average imagination into a fast-acting mnemonics dictionary. Need A “Hand Up” With Memory Palace Creation While I still believe you learn the most by doing it yourself by creating your own Memory Palaces and “00-99 P.A.O.” from “scratch,” I understand that people sometimes need a “hand up” to get started. In fact, I’ve learned over the years that for some people, personal guidance is a key element. That’s why I created the MMM Memory Dojo. It’s a weekly option for MMM Masterclass members who need additional help with priming their minds for committing information to memory using memory techniques. And since this option only has the value its members bring, I’m delighted to have some of the best and brightest thinkers about memory techniques participating in the Memory Dojo week after week. On today’s episode of the Magnetic Memory Method podcast, my long-time student, Sunil Khatri, shares his experiences of progressing from a beginner memory pupil with a desire to learn Korean and Japanese, to a visionary app-builder, seeking to help students more easily develop and visualize spatial memory. Just check out his concept for a Memory Palace memory training app that will help you memorize the Periodic Table of Elements: https://youtu.be/qLXqzcqG7N4 Now, you may remember Sunil’s name, as he has guest-hosted the podcast before, detailing his Speech Success Story. And if you are searching for an inspirational success story to motivate you to start creating your own victories in memory improvement, or perhaps need a bit of guidance, Sunil’s experience is brimming with answers. Press play above now to hear Sunil and I share: How to make a great first (and lasting) impression on others by remembering their names How to use everyday surroundings in new ways to create memory palace networks The potential of apps as legitimate memory training tools All the most important details of Sunil’s massive success with learning Japanese using mnemonics Why you need a flexible memory method The truth about Using Remembering the Kanji by James Heisig for language learning How to develop memory reserve with memory techniques and language learning Writing as a study technique to commit terms to memory The importance of group discussions in experiencing success with mnemonics How virtual reality may be the future of memory techniques EPISODE BONUS: Exciting Bridging Figure Mnemonic Example It turns out that Sunil is also a pretty adventurous guy. When he sent me this image I instantly realized he is now a great Bridging Figure: Any time you can use images like these of people you know, you’re already using memory techniques better. Why? Because this image of Sunil skydiving is naturally exaggerated. It’s also colorful, large in the frame, and indicates a lot of speed. Keep an eye out for images of your friends and actors like these! And as if this bonus from Sunil wasn’t enough, check out these… Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast, and the MMM Blog: How to Enhance Your Memory with Virtual Memory Palaces Remembering the Kanji on Amazon How to memorize hiragana How to Learn and Memorize the Vocabulary of Any Language Course Teach Yourself Using the Best Language Learning Books by Olly Richards How Kevin Richardson Turned His Memory Palace Network Into The Best Japanese Learning App Why Bilingualism Makes For A Healthier Brain

Ever wondered if you can just invent a Memory Palace… or have a memory improvement app invent one for you? Turns out, the answers to these questions are more than just interesting… They could be the answers that turn you from a person struggling to improve your memory to a leading memory athlete. After all, Idriz Zogaj has done just that. And chances are, you know the name. After all, he’s the man behind what is probably the world’s most viewed memory improvement TedTalk. In addition to being a world class memory athlete and memory coach, he’s also an entrepreneur. And when I heard about his initiative to launch a memory game and app called Memotopia, I reached out to learn more. Best part? We recorded our call just for you! Key Points About Memory Training Apps The highlight of the episode for me involved two key points: Idriz has figured out a way to create a memory training app that lets you train solo and with others. And it’s all focused on getting you to use the skills in your mind, not on the screen. To learn all about it, please watch the Memotopia video on this page for the project. In his previous experience with memory apps, Idriz has shown how people of even very young ages can use technology to learn the basics of association. Why is this demonstration with younger people so profound? Because association is the core skill of using memory techniques. And the best part is this: Anyone can learn to associate. You don’t have to take my word for it. Just check out Idriz’s explanation of how easy improving your memory is in this epic memory training video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ebJlcZMx3c You’ll hear Idriz talk about the history of his apps for memory training on the podcast, and can check out the earlier Zogaj Gym here on the Apple Store and here for Android. The Truth About Virtual Memory Palace Creation And Use My second favorite part of the episode involves our discussion of creating and using a Virtual Memory Palace (or even dozens of them). I’ve talked about my reservations about using Virtual Memory Palaces and even movies and TV series to improve your memory, but Idriz opened my eyes to an incredible fact I did not know before. The point? My own advice to keep studying the memory tradition and all the people who use it keeps paying off – there’s so much to learn! More Memory Training Resources From Idriz Zogaj Idriz’s website Idriz’s YouTube channel How to Become a Memory Master Follow Idriz on Facebook Follow Idriz on Twitter

Ever wondered how to memorize pi? Marno Hermann did… … and then he got busy memorizing as much of pi as he could. The amazing thing is just how far Marno got based purely on rote learning! Then it happened. Marno discovered memory techniques and vastly accelerated his progress. In this interview, I ask Marno about the differences between memorizing so many digits of Pi using rote and using Memory Palaces with mnemonic imagery. Before long, Marno had memorized 1200 digits and secured a top spot on the Pi World Ranking List! “Always believe in the impossible,” is what Marno wore on his shirt when he stepped up to the podium to recite 1200 digits of Pi. And he recited all 1200 digits in just 10 minutes and 15 seconds! Yet… How To Set The Record Straight When You Memorize Pi And Make A Mistake Even as Marno proved to himself and the large crowd of people assembled to hear him recite Pi… Something went wrong. You’ll need to listen to this powerful episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast to learn all about what happened and how Marno set the record straight. I’m very impressed by Marno’s story, and you will be too. Do You Want To Memorize Pi? If so, you’re not alone. And Marno isn’t the only Magnetic Memory Method Family member to use the techniques. Check out Paul Deery’s incredible performance in front of a crowd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4f-JXhvY5c The trick? Well, as we’ve learned from Marno, you actually can get quite far with rote learning. But obviously you’re going to want to have mnemonic tools to help. Why Should You Memorize Pi? Great question. Although I’ve never done it myself, the benefits are obvious: 1. Memorizing any amount of Pi will help you prove to yourself that you can do it. Still doubtful? Here’s 3 Reasons Why Skeptics Success With Memory Techniques Better Than Anyone Else. 2. You’ll be able to memorize any banking number, phone number, historical date, plane seat or price with ease. 3. You’ll experience the real magic of memory techniques in a way that will inspire you to take on more challenges. 4. If you’re a parent, you can demonstrate the technique to your kids and wipe out their anxiety around math for the rest of their lives. 5. It’s great brain exercise. 6. You can extend the skills to memorizing a deck of cards for memory stunts and magic routines. 7. You’ll become an active participant in this great tradition of using your natural creativity and the Memory Palace. Further Resources That Will Help You Memorize Pi First, consider learning the Major Method. You’ll want to use that to create a 00-99 P.A.O. More on that coming soon, so to be notified, if you’re not already part of the MMM Family, start here now: Brad Zupp has helped us learn how to memorize numbers when he shared his mnemonic tips for turning your brain into a passwords manager. Florian Dellé has shared his Major System Secrets on the show as well. Nelson Dellis has great training on this extensive interview tutorial on visual memory techniques based on his book Remember It! You’ll also want to learn the 3 Most Powerful Memory Techniques For Memorizing Numbers to supplement your success. (For the musically inclined, here are some ideas for applying memorized numbers to music mnemonics). So what are you waiting for? Scroll up, click play and listen to Marno share exactly how he memorized 1200 digits of Pi and how you can easily do the same.

0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false /* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} The Wise Advocate wants to help you avoid the terrible habits that keep you locked into habitual thinking… Thinking that is deeply connected to your memory. Yet, after reading a new book on the topic, I was puzzled… Why in the 21st century are we sophisticated humans still being yanked around by our lizard brain? Especially in the midst of so much knowledge about how the brain and memory works? I’m talking about impulsive thoughts, terrible decision making and paying too much attention to horrible mental content that arises in memory. To find out, I asked co-authors of The Wise Advocate: The Inner Voice of Strategic Leadership to explain. In this incredible new book, Jeffrey Schwartz, Josie Thomson and Art Kleiner provide simple ways to overcome impulsive thinking and create greater leadership in your life and for others. About the Authors of The Wise Advocate Jeffrey Schwartz is a research psychiatrist at UCLA and a leader expert in neuroplasticity. He is the author of You Are Not Your Brain and books on overcoming obsessive-compulsive disorder amongst other topics. Josie Thomson is an award-winning executive coach, speaker, author, and two-time cancer survivor. Art Kleiner is the Editor-in-Chief of strategy+business and author of The Age of Heretics and Who Really Matters: The Core Group Theory of Power, Privilege and Success. Show Notes And Stand Out Topics Since my passion for memory can get the best of me in matters of business, I was very interested in the discussion of creating more distance and rationality in decision making. Plus, I learned a lot from the discussion on group think, or tribe mentality, and how to overcome some of the knee-jerk reaction to appease others we see happening more and more on the Internet. As a solution, Jeffrey suggested a kind of self-inquiry in place of visceral reactions: “You become more aware of who you’re trying to please, why you’re trying to please that group, that person. [Thinking instead] ‘What are the implications of what you’re doing?’ You start planning and thinking more long-term.” Finding Your Wise Advocate Is A Trainable Skill When we train ourselves to contemplate questions like, “Why do they (others) want that?” we open ourselves up to being an impartial spectator of the world. This impartiality leads us into a higher level of thinking to overcome this “lizard brain.” If you want to know how your decision making can drastically improve with a shift in focus, or a directed, conscious effort to revamp your mindset in order to be a better leader, or even just lifelong learner, this podcast is for you. You will unlock the secrets to active mindfulness through simple practice and awareness to be a quality, individualistic, strategic decision maker. All you need to do is press play above and you’ll learn: What exactly mindfulness is and how it can help you clarify your own goals, objectives, and ways of approaching everything in life How to be transparent in your own thinking to achieve your long-term goals and plans How memory can set you free with decision parameters that you make every day The inner narrative of “gut impulses” versus the big picture of decision making Identifying the difference between emotional reasoning and rationalizing How obsessive-compulsive disorder relates to brain structure and value judgements Understanding how you arrive at decisions gives you wiser choice options The idea that habits are largely unconscious The concept of mentalizing (not “What do others want?” but “What are they thinking and why?”) How the desire for “fitting in” influences our decision making How community-oriented perspectives achieve win-wins in business relationships Rewiring the brain to a “wise advocate” frame of mind to inform decision making (for students who want to know how to study fast, this one will be key) Applying the understanding of human behavior to goal-oriented activities Deceptive brain messaging in the role of executive thinking Self-directed neuroplasticity as an influencer of thought and attention of focus Balancing non-judgmental thinking with assessment in your thought processes How memory practice and working memory is important i

If you’re serious about learning how to study fast, get ready to say goodbye to those horrible emotions of anxiety and fear. That’s right. Instead of wringing your hands in terror every time you’re facing an exam or professional certification… You can simply sit back and congratulate yourself on a job well done. How can you trust me? Great question. Here’s the answer: I’ve got a Ph.D., two Masters, a BA and several certifications. And I’m here to tell you that you really can study quickly and effectively without all the stress others go through. Let’s get started. How To Plan For Speed Studying Using Effective Scheduling First things first, please understand this: You should always schedule a planning session for how you’re going to get enough studying done. Now I know you may be thinking that this seems contradictory. After all, you want to study quickly, and planning feels like it takes more time than it’s worth. But think of it like this. You’re throwing a backyard barbecue for your friends and family. It’s late summer and still quite hot outside. What’s the number one thing your guests will need? A cold drink! You wouldn’t be prepared for the party if you just relied on your three measly ice trays in the freezer to chill everyone’s drinks would you? Certainly not! You’d stock up on bagged ice from the store along with all your other BBQ essentials. You could only be prepared for your guests if you planned ahead. The same goes for your study sessions. Just like making a list of all your barbecue supplies saved time and stress of filling up all those ice cube trays last minute, having a plan in place for studying is a real time saver. How To Craft Your Studying “Plan Of Attack” Planning can be as simple as writing down your plan of attack on paper. Like this: “I will commit X number of hours,” (or even minutes) “per day to studying.” If you’re attending university and you have a syllabus, refer to that to plan your study sessions. It will tell you WHAT you need to study, then use your calendar to plan WHEN you will study, and even where you will study. Why You Must Plan Your Study Breaks It’s also important to plan for breaks. Giving your mind a reprieve is essential for effective studying. When I was in university I would study in the library, usually near a section that was music related. This way, after I had studied for my predetermined amount of time, I could read about a topic I was generally interested in. Or I would take a walk and read. Unusual, I know, but it’s actually very relaxing and helps you keep learning while getting a break at the same time. Plan For Unexpected Interruptions To Your Studies We must remember though that life happens. If we have a perfect plan in place for our study sessions then an emergency comes up, what then? What if there is an illness in the family or a professor strike at university? Because such things do happen, we must be flexible and revisit our plan. Plan, and plan again, because life truly is unpredictable. Finally, as you create and revise your plan make sure to schedule time for creating Memory Palaces. Why? Because a solid Memory Palace strategy is, without a doubt, the most effective way to study efficiently. This fact is true because this memory technique unlocks your spatial memory and spatial mapping. Just ask my friend and fellow memory expert Nelson Dellis. The more you create and use Memory Palaces, the more they unlock multiple levels and layers of memory that you can use in order to learn faster.Which levels of memory exactly? These ones: Autobiographical memory Episodic memory Semantic memory Procedural Memory Figurative memory And more… all unlocked through a Memory Palace devoted to improving your memory for studying to make your study sessions faster and more powerful. In sum: Benjamin Franklin famously said “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Nothing could serve as a better, literal reminder for you to schedule those study sessions along with breaks and ideas for what you’ll do when things suddenly change gears. Final Exam Study Tips That Will Simplify Your Life The most important tip I can give you in terms of simplifying your learning life is this: “Don’t cram.” Seriously. Cramming makes you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and keeps you asking questions you cannot answer under pressure. I’m thinking of questions like: “Where do I start? How do I do this?” and “Where do I even begin?” Now, overwhelm and frustration is totally normal. But the kind of frustration that comes from cramming- it’s totally avoidable! The Best Study Shortcuts Provided By The Big Five Of Learning Aside from the obvious “Don’t cram,” I highly encourage you to truly understand the “Big Five” of learning, which are: Reading Writing Speaking about the topic Listening to others Doing all of this from memory to help you remember everything better. And you want to put the Big Five of Learning into action as frequently as possible. This process wil

Want memory training secrets from a bona fide memory champion? You’re in the right place. And even better than talking about mnemonic examples, Memory Palaces and general mnemonics… When you click play on the recording above and watch my video discussion with John… You’ll also learn the mindset, strategies and habits needed to train your memory… Under pressure. And the ability to perform under pressure matters for everyone, whether you’re recalling information on TV… Names at a meeting… Or information during an exam at school. Why I’m So Impressed With John Graham’s Memory Training Know-how As a memory enthusiast and blogger specializing in memory techniques, John’s skills and the information he offers through his memoryjohn website and email newsletter are top notch. And as you’ll hear today… John originally didn’t think he could use memory techniques! (Anastasia Woolmer, another memory champion, was exactly the same. If you can relate, you could also be the next major memory competitor on the scene.) But John didn’t let his beliefs control him. Instead, he went on an incredible journey to find courage, consistency and competence with memory training. The same levels of laser-sharp mental clarity you can find too… Just by listening to the right memory training mentors. After all, John has not only won 3 USA Memory Championship events. He even won out against the best of the best, Nelson Dellis… possibly because he listened to Nelson’s episode on How to Win the USA Memory Championship. Why You Need To Train Your Memory For The Long Term John is indeed one of the best because he helps you see both the short and the long term benefits of memory training… All while making sure that you find ways to stay with it for the long term. Why does that matter? Because life’s rewards go straight into your memory… nowhere else. Think about it: Cars… houses… money… They all change, get lost, lose value. But memory? The more you can hold onto, the greater its value increases the longer you can call it your own. And if you can’t remember the great things you learn, then you risk losing life’s treasures forever. So follow John’s lead and overcome whatever mental rubbish might be holding you back from success with memory techniques by following his lead. And if you want to see John working his memory magic with your own eyes, just click play on this incredible video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-yM2wE3vEs Then, as you’re listening, make sure you follow John on Twitter. The Next Level Memory Ideas I Enjoyed Learning The Most Personally, I benefitted the most from hearing John talk about: Crafting the mindset needed to develop memory competitor-level skills Deliberately using additional difficulty to increase your memory chops quickly The correct use of memory training apps and software to avoid falling into the traps of Digital Amnesia How to incorporate consistent training into a busy travel schedule Adding more challenges, many of which surely strengthen your iconic memory All of these points will help you in your memory practice just as they helped me. Even better: After listening, you can leave us a comment below with your questions and comments so you too can experience “next level” memory skills! More Magnetic Memory Method Podcast Episodes with John Graham As John’s journey with memory competitions continued, it turns out that he develop panic attacks. How did he deal with his memory-crushing anxiety and still win his second USA Memory Championship title? Here’s our discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdC28SEJaYo John carried on to win a third title, and that’s when some really interesting things started happening in John’s life. Here’s our follow-up discussion about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcObjZbneMI As you can tell, John takes memory incredibly seriously. And he’s my favorite kind of mnemonist because he also takes memory training outside the world of competition. He takes it to places that can and should inspire us all.

Looking for the best memory techniques for studying? Great! You’re in the right spot. But here’s what most people won’t tell you… Using memory techniques properly requires practice. It’s the catch that stops many people cold in their tracks: Because people also know adding another skill will require… Time. Worse, a lot of people overthink the beginning process. In fact… Getting started with memory improvement kind of freaks them out! But what if there was a way for memory techniques to save you time instead of costing you time? A way that lets you cut like a laser through even the toughest subjects and most challenging languages? And a way that creates more energy instead of making you feel burned out all the time? In this post, I’ll share with you exactly how you can make that happen. But first, please understand this: My Memory Techniques For Students Started With A HUGE Dream Let me ask you something: When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut, firefighter, veterinarian, princess, or cowboy? Perhaps it was something more … heroic. Me? Well, long before I wanted to be an author and a professor… I wanted to be Batman. Yes, the caped crusader and defender of Gotham himself, Batman. Of course, I eventually grew up. As we grow older, our ambitions change and we tend to choose professions that are more practical. Or we select careers that will make us financially secure, which is usually not the same thing as following those childhood dreams. But because I learned how to integrate memory techniques into my every day life through proper practice with them, I actually did follow my childhood dream and grew up to be something like a “Mnemonic Batman.” Why The Right Memory Techniques Will Make You A Real Life Superhero Wait a minute! How is that possible? After all, I’m certainly not the billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne. But that doesn’t matter. You see, the thing that makes Batman, Batman is not superhuman strength, intelligence, or any number the of supernatural powers possessed by our favorite comic book heroes. It’s practice. But practice with what? Good question. And the answer is simple: The Memory Palace technique The Major Method The PAO System The Pegword System Advanced Memory Technique Practice Once you’ve mastered those mnemonic systems, you can go on to other things. A major one is learning how to memorize a speech. I gave this TEDx Talk from memory to give you an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtYjdriSpM You can also practice applying the mnemonic techniques you learn to: Vedic math Language learning Special topics in music (like the bass clef, guitar strings or committing entire songs to memory) Scripture Stories Speaking of stories, the question is… If those are all the techniques you need to practice… Why am I going on about Batman? Well, for anyone who knows the full Batman story, anyone who practices the right things can wear the Batman mask for a few simple reasons: 1) Batman is a trained scientist who practices science 2) Batman creates the tools he needs to get the job done (and practices creating them) 3) Batman trains with the tools needed to get the job done (including training his body, which is also a key part of memory improvement along with eating foods that improve memory) Other than that, Batman is just a normal guy with a utility belt loaded with knowledge and tools earned through practice. The Most Important Memory Improvement Tool Of All I’ve equipped my tool belt over the years with many memory techniques. But at the end the day, the most important tool of all is discipline. Is discipline itself a memory technique? Yes. When you train yourself to remember to practice, your ability to implement becomes stronger. Your ability to experiment (like a Batman-level scientist) with new memory techniques also becomes stronger. You learn to have courage through disciplined practice. And you understand that all memory training you undertake is worth the time you risk because memory practice causes you to stretch and grow. The best part is that you already possess two things: 1) A vast ability to develop the discipline of practice with memory techniques 2) A massive depository of mental imagery in your episodic memory to practice with But at this point, you may be wondering… What Are The Right Memory Techniques For Studying Tough Topics And Complex Languages? The answer is… It depends. We’ll talk more about the options, in this post, but for now, here’s a roundup of the best: The Memory Palace is foundational across the board. You need to know this technique because every other technique can be used inside of a Memory Palace. Some people call this technique the Method of Loci, but I think that term is flawed. To learn more about why, check this out: Let me help you avoid a big mistake: A lot of people try to make things work with just one Memory Palace. That can be helpf

If you’re sick of struggling to reach your memory improvement goals, you need what James Clear calls “atomic habits.” Why? Because success is not about willpower. It’s about systems. As someone who has completed a PhD, built multiple businesses and toured as a musician, I’ve known this for a fact for decades. That’s one reason I was delighted when I saw the title of James Clear’s now classic book, Atomic Habits. The title says it all: Set up your systems optimally and your results will indeed be atomic. Here’s one of my favorite quotes: “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” In this classic episode of the Magnetic Memory Method, originally recorded in 2018, James breaks down the life-changing power of the systems used by top performers. Whether you’re developing your first Memory Palace Network or just looking to put some general memory improvement strategies to work in your life, this conversation will give you tools to build smarter and more sustainable habits for mental performance. Who Is James Clear And What Are Atomic Habits? In case James Clear is new to you, he’s an author, entrepreneur and travel photographer. Although we recorded this episode before Atomic Habits hit the market, the book went on to become a #1 New York Times Bestseller. As an expert in habit formation, James shares powerful tips on more than just introducing good habits. He also shows you how to break bad ones. Even back in 2018, people were struggling with Digital Amnesia due to extended exposure to the Internet. Since then, it’s gotten so bad that IQs are plummeting, a phenomenon called the Reverse Flynn Effect. Combatting this problem is just one more reason Clear’s science-grounded tips are more important than ever before. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the term “Atomic Habits” really means, and why it matters for memory How to design your environment to make learning automatic James’ simple formula for starting and sustaining great habits What it means to be “system-focused” rather than “goal-obsessed” How to bounce back from failure with your memory goals The difference between amateurs and professionals—and how it applies to learners Why tiny improvements are the fastest route to mastery How Atomic Habits Changed My Memory Practice (And Life) Since recording this conversation with James Clear in 2018, his insights have only grown more valuable, and more personal to me. At the time, I already understood the power of systems. But I looked at them with fresh eyes after reading Atomic Habits and refined how I use deliberate practice across my various activities as a practicing polymath. Using ideas in this book helped shape the biggest wins of my life and business. Thanks to applying these ideas relentlessly, I’ve since: Passed a Mandarin language test by memorizing 300+ characters with just 15 minutes of focused practice a day Completed my first Memory Detective novel Created two memory improvement games from scratch Grown my YouTube channel to over 152,000 subscribers Delivered a TEDx Talk on memory that’s now been viewed over 4 million times And most recently… I’ve started the renovations on a real-world Memory Palace bookshop. Working on this project has been a lifelong dream. It only became possible through years of structured, system-driven effort If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or frustrated on your memory journey (or with any big goal), I can tell you this from experience: Success doesn’t come from willpower. It comes from well-built systems that help you harness the power of time. All of which is to say that this episode with James Clear isn’t just a good listen. It’s a blueprint. Follow it, and your memory, learning, and creativity will all level up in ways you can’t yet imagine. Curious to see what the systems can lead to in action? Here’s the video where I first announced the Memory Palace Bookshop: https://youtu.be/utcJfeQZC2c I still have quite a few steps to go, but I never would have gotten this far without focusing on building the best possible habits, one at a time. James Clear Resources James Clear’s website Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon James Clear on Entrepreneur’s website Related Episodes: How to Improve Concentration Mind Map Mastery

Evernote for better memory? I was skeptical too. Until I met Charles Byrd. As a 15 year Silicon Valley veteran with an extensive background in technology and software, Charles needed Evernote to work better. His success demanded it. But although Charles has some great things to teach us about optimizing Evernote for better memory, he’s also part of the larger memory improvement community. Just wait until you hear how he still uses lesson from Dominic O’Brien he learned a long time ago. As a public speaker, trainer, and life long learner, Charles has combined his understanding of mnemonics with technology and productivity and become a recognized expert in the field. He is also the founder of the company Byrd Word, LLC – specializing in productivity training, marketing, and technology to expand his reach. He specializes in the tools and workflows that will organize your team, reduce your anxiety, and x2 your business, school progress and personal improvement journey. To learn more about how Charles can help you use Evernote in ways that improve your memory and productivity, I recommend his Kill the Chaos presentation.   Evernote For Memory Vs. Mind Mapping After recording the interview with Charles, one of the first questions I had was how technologies like Evernote compare with Mind Mapping. As you know, Mind Map Mastery is a worthy skill every lifelong learner should develop. After you listen to this interview, I think you’ll have ideas on exactly how you can apply Charles’ core process to your mind map strategy. Although how you would apply these techniques differ in time, what I love about the information Charles shares in this interview is that you can apply the “decision parameters” to all kinds of media. Indeed, I am thinking about ways to combine mind maps with Memory Palaces and Evernote in one fell swoop as we speak. This also includes how you use The Freedom Journal and other note-taking devices and approaches for organizing life in our current ocean of information overwhelm. The simple process even applies to your memory training practice with Memory Palaces. In many ways, I’ve been applying a similar process for years, but Charles has streamlined everything into a kind of ars combinatoria that any mnemonist can quickly link to their hand for use with any information you encounter in life. Wouldn’t Evernote Cause More Digital Amnesia? It’s a great question. The answer is… It depends. Digital Amnesia is a real issue, one that all mature learners in the 21st century face. But as Charles demonstrates beyond all doubt, it’s more about our habits around technology than anything else. In other words, we need to avoid the traps of technological determinism. We cannot blame the technology for how we behave. But we can use the technology to help ensure we operate in better ways. Can Evernote Provide Brain Exercise? Although we didn’t talk about this question on the interview, I’ve been thinking about it ever since. When thinking about brain exercise apps, memory experts are divided. As a question of application, I think this software certainly can be used for brain exercise. As a quick example, imagine using Evernote to capture all of the 00-99 images you create based on the Major Method for your PAO. Likewise, you could enter a number of mnemonic examples of Magnetic Imagery you’ve drawn and placed in a Magnetic Memory Palace for review in Evernote: Then, simply schedule in a review period that exposes you to your drawings without revealing the answers. This is a fantastic way to keep learning and give your brain an extra workout throughout the day. This process also provides a simple and direct way for you to challenge your brain without feeding it the information, all within a simple app. The trick is in making sure you have some “desirable difficulty” as part of the process so that you’re challenged. Sans Forgetica has been working in this area recently around reading, and using obstacles to move your memory forward is what personally applied Memory Palace science is ultimately all about. But if you’re looking for the best memory improvement exercises, just make sure that you match the desired outcome with the processes and the information that will get you there. Further Memory Improvement Software Discussion & Resources There are many other learning opportunities related to technology and memory on the Magnetic Memory Method site. For language learning: The Fluent Forever App How to Consistently Get Quick Victories With Language Learning Courses For General Technology and Human Memory Discussion: 7 Reasons Having A Memory Implant Would Really Suck MyQuest For Your Memory Improvement Why I Only Read Physical Books Instead of Digital Ebooks In all cases, the danger I see above all in discussions like these is the human element. Whether its “organic” memory techniques like the

If you want to know how to train your memory, the journey to greatness begins with recognizing something odd about that brain between your ears: You sometimes forget enormous things! That’s how Phil Chambers begins his fantastic book, How to Train Your Memory. When you start your memory improvement journey by acknowledging just how easy it is to forget where you parked your car, you start from practical realities we all face. After all, vehicles are the biggest things we own apart from our homes. Yet, the location of a car can still easily disappear from memory! Acknowledging this fact gives us a sense of just how strange and mysterious an entity you’re dealing with. Of course, there’s something even bigger than cars and houses we forget that How To Train Your Memory helped me recognize, but we’ll get to that in just a bit. First, let’s talk about: Why You Should Learn How To Improve Memory Recall From Memory Expert Phil Chambers It’s a good question, and a delight to answer. First off, Phil’s a great writer. When learning how to improve memory and concentration, clarity matters. Second, Phil’s got street cred. More than being a leading memory expert, he’s the Chief Arbiter of the World Memory Championships. We talked a few years ago about what this role involves in the interview called Phil Chambers and the Outer Limits of Memory. Phil is also one of the few memory trainers who has thought deeply about combining Memory Palaces with Mind Maps. He is a World Mind Mapping Champion, after all, and author of the incredible guide, 101 Top Tips For Better Mind Maps. https://youtu.be/VW6O2okqmO4 And if that wasn’t enough, get this: Phil has taught memory improvement and mind mapping alongside Tony Buzan himself for many years. In fact, I made it a point to attend a live Thinkbuzan training and learned more than I ever would have dreamed possible. Having them both in the same room is a blessing you won’t want to miss! Why Memory Training Is The Best Way To Improve Memory And Concentration I remember taking courses with the filmmakers Atom Egoyan and Peter Greenaway while studying at the European Graduate School. Both of them have encyclopedia knowledge of Film History. But because I know how to convert semantic memory into episodic memory, I listened to those lectures differently than my fellow students. Sure, I took notes using my approach to note taking. But using the same tools Phil talks about in How to Train Your Memory, I remembered tons of names and details simply because I was actively connecting imagery with the information as the professors spoke. And I was able to do so even though I was star struck to be in the same seminar rooms with these legends of cinema. Kind of like how I was star struck to be in a room with Phill and Tony! In other words, using memory techniques help you zone in on details by using association that pushes away distractions. Phil explains why and how association works. He also gives additional tips and examples that will help you. One skill in particular that you’ll get better at after reading this book is the one that matters the most: The ability to convert abstract information into concrete images better and faster. How does Phil’s book help you develop this skill? Each chapter gives you exercises to complete. And you really should complete them. In fact, getting a physical copy of How To Train Your Memory will help make sure you complete the exercises. I talk about why I’ve been reading only from physical books for memory training here: https://youtu.be/er-k8Ecgdfo (Oh, and physical books make it easier to use the Major System to memorize page numbers so you can easily find good passages you want read again.) When Acronyms For Learning Help Your Memory Excel & When They Lead To Failure One of my favorite parts of How to Train Your Memory is when Phil Chambers lays out the pros and cons on using acronyms for memory training. Basically, it comes down to calculating the margin for error. The same thing goes for using rhyming as a memory technique. Sure, it can work, but when using mnemonic devices, too many things can go wrong. Why? It comes back to the science of memory: If you don’t convert semantic information into episodic memory through the use of mental imagery, you will find it harder to reproduce. But there is one acronym that Phil gives us that demonstrates when this technique is super powerful, and I’d like to demonstrate how and why. The acronym is SEAHORSE. You’ll need to read the book to learn the memory training lessons packed into that single word, but when you get it right, you’ll have the keys to the memory improvement kingdom permanently locked into your mind. The reason why this acronym works so well is that: 1. The mnemonic acronym SEAHORSE creates an image. You can picture the creature in your mind. 2. SEAHORSE creates an image that looks like a part of the brain that plays a huge role in memory. This is the hippocampus, which is names in Gree

Wondering if Remember It! is the memory improvement book you should read? Take it from me, the answer is yes. For one thing, the book excels at making what memory techniques are and how they work truly visual. No kidding: Remember It! is the most visual memory improvement book I have ever seen. Even better, Nelson shares his unique way of using the Memory Palace technique to get the best results for both competition and learning. You’ll also appreciate the visual memory techniques in Nelson’s new book for the way it will help you avoid getting lost in the technical details involved in memory techniques. That doesn’t mean the book skimps on details, however. In many ways, Remember It! is like an illustrated mnemonics dictionary. Remember It! Book Review At a Glance Author: Nelson Dellis Primary Goal: Teach you the best memory techniques for learning anything. Best For: Students, adult learners, anyone seeking memory improvement. My Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). This is a powerful memory improvement guide everyone should read. Pros: The illustrations make even the most robust memory techniques simple to understand. Cons: It might not include examples for how to apply the techniques to what you want to learn. Now that you know the book is great, you might be asking yourself… Who is This Nelson Dellis Anyway? Some Kind Of Memory Champion?   As a matter of fact, yes. And he’s got some of the best memory improvement tips in town. Here’s a quick summary of some of the best: You see? Nelson’s even inspired me to up my game and get more visual too. Hence this infographic summary. Thanks Nelson! More Reasons I Find Nelson Dellis Inspiring And Influential For The Life-Long Study Of Mnemonics Nelson Dellis is a 6x USA Memory Champion, memory athlete, memory consultant, published author and highly sought-after keynote speaker. Nelson is also the Founder & CEO of Climb For Memory, a non-profit charity that aims to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s disease research. He does this through mountain climbs all around the world. Nelson approaches memory techniques scientifically and as part of living a good and healthy life. Additionally, he’s written Everyday Genius, Memory Superpowers and regularly runs the Everest Memory Masterclass. If you’d like to learn more of the memory techniques Nelson has crafted for himself and how imagination can play a big role in your memory improvement, download this podcast now. No. Wait. First do this: Order a copy of Nelson’s new book, Remember It! Oh okay… still not convinced? Press play now and you’ll discover: Exactly what inspired Nelson to write down his approach to championship-level memory techniques How the visual memory techniques illustrated in Remember It can help you better understand memory techniques How to make use of all your senses for memory improvement The importance of establishing and keeping trust in your memory How physical objects can help your memory Different ways of managing Memory Palaces and making sure they are truly visual The true meaning of “Multiple Memory Palaces” and why you must create a number of them (never rely on just one) How to use the “Body Peg List” in an interesting way How the alphabet can help in remembering Tips on quick memorization for when you just have to Remember It! If you want to see inside Remember It and just how visual it is, check out this video: https://youtu.be/B1pyM4r1Ev0 3 Reasons Nelson’s Visual Memory Techniques Are The Best You’ll Encounter Let’s face it: 1. There are thousands of books and programs on memory improvement. But never before has anyone gone to any great length to make their mnemonic examples leap from the page. Nelson does. And this is very powerful because you sense through your eyes what needs to be happening in your mind. 2. Even if you have aphantasia, Nelson’s book will help. This is because Nelson makes it clear that memory techniques are always visual for all people, and all people are visual. Yes, no matter what. But he also makes it clear that you need to make your approach multi-sensory. And he gives you great ways to dive in and experience memory techniques. The visual prompts make it difficult not to want to give them a try. 3. Nelson is aware of the real value of memorization techniques. It’s not just about winning prizes, learning languages or conquering your exams at school. It’s about conquering life itself. And to do that, you’ve got to bring the body and the mind together. Should You Buy Remember It? In a word, “yes!” Remember It will become your go-to book for ideas, inspiration, guidance and strategic know-how. You’ll discover the best mix of scientifically proven visual memory techniques with practical application in both memory competition and in life. Grab it from your favorite local or online bookseller now and then reach out and le

Looking to teach yourself a foreign language and need the best language learning books? Let me introduce you to my friend Olly Richards. Well, they’re aren’t necessarily. Unless they’re built by someone who deeply understands the needs of language learners. Enter Olly: He’s the man behind the new Teach Yourself Short Stories For Beginners series. He’s also the man behind the hit blog and podcast, I Will Teach You A Language. But still I hear you asking… Why are his short story books the best language learning books? Well, here’s just one reason that Olly mentions in this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast: “A book that is on your lap, and is exciting and contains lots of stories that make you want to read, is a an unbeatable source of continuous learning in the language.” How does a book make you want to read? That is exactly what you’re about to find out. Even better: In this episode, Olly Richards gives us interesting tips and techniques about language learning through his great new Short Stories for Beginners language learning books. Discover The Best Language Learning Books From A Master Polyglot And Learning Expert Olly Richards is the founder of I Will Teach You A Language and speaks 8 languages. He started learning his first foreign language at age 19 when he bought a one-way ticket to Paris.   And now you can discover the keys to quickly and easily learn any language with Olly by selecting the most effective language learning books. Press play now and you’ll discover: Simple techniques to learn new languages quickly The power of story in language learning and how to choose the best language learning books The important skills your need for learning any language fast How to develop reading skills in the language How to get confidence in speaking a language How to learn a foreign language by growing your vocabulary in a simple way Techniques for improving your comprehension (remember, bilingualism is good for brain exercise and brain health) Simple short stories for beginner level learners How to find fun resources for learning new languages Tips to keep you motivated in learning the language Great for those studying to conference interpreters It was also a great honor to be invited to read from Short Stories in German during Olly’s Festival of Reading: https://youtu.be/y50t1Fu_SQc It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to speak in German, but it seems like my memory for this beautiful language is holding up. So grateful to have some cool stories to read auf Deutsch – thanks Olly! To be one of the first to get Olly’s new series of books, claim up to $777 in language learning courses now. Further Resources For Language Learners: About Olly Richards Olly Richards on Amazon Olly Richards on YouTube Follow Olly on Twitter Related Language Learning Episodes: Olly Richards Talks About Language Tech And Real Communication Stoic Memory Improvement Secrets For Language Learners The Freedom Journal For Language Learning

A lot of people search the Internet for Mind Map software. And that’s great… provided they’re getting it from Tony Buzan. Most especially when you’ve read his book, Mind Map Mastery. Why read this book? First of all: No one else alive has thought so thoroughly through this incredible technique for externalizing the brain and interacting with it quite like Tony Buzan. Even better, no one else has shown so thoroughly how: A proper Mind Map boosts creativity. How Mind Mapping as a practice improves memory. How the process of mind mapping sets you mentally free (more on that in a bit). It gets better too because… No one has given more Mind Mapping examples than Tony Buzan. And in Mind Map Mastery, Tony Buzan provides exactly what the subtitle of this book promises: Mind Map Mastery is Your Complete Guide to Learning And Using The Most Powerful Approach to Mind Mapping in The Universe! I know that sounds exaggerated, but here me out because in this extensive book review, you’re about to discover: * Why Tony Buzan’s Mind Map Mastery delivers on this promise * Why making your thoughts visible eliminates mental exhaustion * Why colors create mental focus and energy * How simple limits create an infinity of ideas * How a proper Mind Map can serve as a Memory Palace * Bonus: How to fuse a Tony Buzan Mind Map with the Major System! If all that sounds good to you, please read every word on this page. I promise I will earn your agreement that Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan is the most important book in the world! The Future Of Mind Mapping Begins With The Past Tony Buzan begins Mind Map Mastery with a short history. And in case you’re wondering, yes, “history” is the right word. Buzan taught the skills and benefits of mind mapping for a very long time before writing Mind Map Mastery. Just check out this video from 1974: https://youtu.be/LnYVJKxyRPM This video is from the same year Use Your Head appeared. This is what one of its many book covers looked like: As he explains in Mind Map Mastery (released 44 years after Use Your Head!), the Mind Map emerged from an understanding of the brain as a spatial arrangement of neurons. But That Realization Didn’t Happen Overnight! And Buzan drew upon other influences to arrive at this powerful conclusion. For example: Buzan’s understanding of the method of loci was integrated into mind mapping. Buzan also encountered the Major System from day one of university. (The Major is also spatial in many ways. More on that with these 3 Powerful Memory Techniques For Memorizing Numbers.) With the method of loci that underlies the Memory Palace technique and the Major, Tony Buzan brought the first Mind Map to life. Yet… there was a problem! How Tony Buzan Solved Problems With The Early Mind Map As Buzan reflects, his first Mind Maps had problems. In his words, they were “monochromatic, monotone and monotonous.” Worse… he struggled to answer this question: Is Mind Mapping Note-Taking? In short, no. Far from it. In essence, Buzan had revolutionized note-taking. But for Buzan, this was not good enough. So Tony Buzan did what all great innovators do: He showed the technique to others, particularly learners left behind by the system. Next, Buzan observed how these learned used his early mind maps to improve their lives. Finally, Buzan took his observations back to the Mind Mapping process so he could improve the technique. How Tony Buzan Mind Maps Mimic The Organic Brain Better Than Any Software As we know from many great geniuses, solvitur ambulando. That phrase means, “it is solved by walking.” And solve the problems with mind mapping by walking is exactly what Tony Buzan did: To help himself understand more about why his early Mind Maps were helping people, he walked in nature. As a result, thoughts about how to better “mirror” the cellular nature of the brain on paper emerged. Radiant Thinking Observing the Mind Maps combined with walking and reflecting led to revelations about “Radiant Thinking.” By giving people a means of connecting thoughts on paper like the brain connects ideas through cells, Mind Mapping broke free from note-taking. Like the brain when it is operating at its full power, “Radiant Thinking” through Mind Mapping is: Multi-faceted Colorful Associative Multidimensional Verbal and Pictorial Imaginative and Analytical Isn’t that exciting! Imagine being able to think in these ways all at the same time without the costs of multi-tasking! The good news is this: You can! Tony Buzan Use Your Head Secrets Mixed With The Laws Of Mind Mapping For all of these accomplishments, there was still a problem… No matter how clear the instructions… Some people are teaching Mind Mapping without understanding the method. Instead of following the Laws of Mind Mapping, they are calling other techniques like these mind maps: Spider Diagrams

Imagine receiving thousands of emails from people asking you, “Can you really improve memory like Sherlock Holmes?” What would you tell them? Would you say… “Oh yes, of course. Just use the best memorization technique all the hip kids are using these days.” Or would you say… “Sorry. Too busy. I must go to my Mind Palace!” Well, as the man with all the memory exercises and memory improvement know-how… I have to take a third path. And I always give people an answer that breaks my heart! But here’s the truth of the matter… You Can’t Improve Memory Like Sherlock Holmes Because… The Dude Isn’t Real! Seriously. How can any honest and ethical person tell you that such a thing is possible? How can you create a Memory Palace (or Mind Palace) like Sherlock Holmes and experience substantial memory improvement when that person doesn’t exist? And yet other memory trainers use this metaphor all the time. They use it as their “marketing hook.” That’s right. And even if it’s false advertising, it works. But what those marketers are really saying is something more like this: “Hey, how would you like to memorize information like a fictional coke addict who walks with a cane?” Worse: “How about becoming like someone who treats his sidekick Watson like a dim-witted moron?” No thanks. I don’t know about you, but… I Want Real Memory Improvement! And as much as I’d like to stop the misrepresentation of the real glory of memory techniques, the world of marketing is what it is. Unless you know how to memorize these classical copywriting headlines. So… I suggest you remember Caveat Emptor in the wild world of online memory training. But here’s the very good news: If you want to know about a memory method that really will help you improve memory, you’re in the right place. After all, memory isn’t really at the core of Sherlock Holmes. Here’s the real deal: It was medical deduction for the diagnosis of disease that influenced Arthur Conan Doyle, not detective work. And it’s this kind of medical detective the books and movies really base themselves on. All that aside, here’s what we’ll be doing in this Sherlock Holmes continuation post: I’m going to provide you with an 11-Point checklist that will make sure you’re on the right track. Are you ready to get started? You are? Great! Let’s go! The Ultimate 11 Point Improve Memory Checklist So with all that ground covered, let’s get started with the ultimate checklist for improving your memory. Do all these things and you’re guaranteed to have a memory sharper than you ever dreamed possible! 1. Learn the Memory Palace technique first. Why? A few reasons. First, there are a lot of terms out there for the different memorization techniques you can learn. But the Memory Palace is the only one that taps into the most significant memory power: Spatial memory. Second, the Memory Palace enables you to use the other memory techniques you’ll learn about inside them. I’m talking about the link method, the Major System, the mnemonic peg system and so on. There are lots of terms and we’ve clarified them in this post with 5 Memory Palace Examples To Improve Your Memory Training Practice. Why seek so much clarity? So we can master the fundamentals first. That’s how the Magnetic Memory Method ensures you can actually use the skills for life. Without struggle. Without constant questions about what to do and how to do it. Without fear of making mistakes at every corner. The Major Path To Fast Success With Memory Improvement 2. Learn the Major System. “The Major” as the memory technique veterans refer to it involves associating numbers with letters of the alphabet. The Major has also been called the phonetic mnemonic system and the digit-consonant system. Whatever you call it, here’s what it looks like: Why learn to memorize numbers? First, even in the age of smartphones and online calculators, they’re still super-important. You still need to know the phone numbers of your loved ones in case you lose your device. Not only that, but when you create a Magnetic Memory Palace, you can give each Magnetic Station within a number. That way, when you’re using the Memory Palace to encode and decode the information, it’s easy to move directly to the information you placed inside. Once you have the Major System working, you’ll also be able to: Remember passwords Bank account numbers Historical dates and birthdays Appointments Addresses … and anything else involving numbers! To make this happen, you’ll want to create what some people call a P.A.O or a 00-99 list. If you’d like more information, I’ve included my own mnemonic examples in How to Memorize Math, Numbers, Simple Arithmetic and Equations. How To Memorize History: Mnemonic Example Of How Having A “Magnetic” 00

Have you ever wondered about apps like Cogmed for brain exercise and memory improvement really work? So have I. And here’s the reality: It is really difficult coming up with a clear answer when you read the research about general brain fitness and memory in the scientific literature. Here’s the great news: On this episode of Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you’ll hear from Dr. Christina Till. Dr. Till is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Developmental Area in the Faculty of Health at York University. As she shared her scientific research on memory, multiple sclerosis (MS), Huntington’s disease and other areas of mental cognition, this point leapt out at me: “My dream study [would] combine the benefits of physical activity with cognitive training. To maximize brain growth, we should be doing both.” If you’d like to peer behind the scenes of how memory research is conducted with softwares like Cogmed in the mix and what the conclusions really mean when it comes to improving memory , download this podcast episode now. And get ready to dive deep because there’s a ton of substantial information you will learn from Dr. Till’s research and work and how scientists develop their studies and draw their conclusions. Press play now and you’ll discover: How Christine came to be interested in memory. What “environmental enrichment” means and how it can help you improve your memory. What Huntington’s disease is and how it degenerates the brain over time. The early manifestations of the Huntington’s disease. The conditions or immune triggers that have been implicated in increasing the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The metaphor goal suggestion with “machinery” when it comes to the brain and memory. How the cognitive network of the brain gets injured. (This may or may not relate to memory issues from other forms of brain trauma.) Why some people’s cognitive performance can remain stable at early stages of disease. What the term “memory reserve” means and how it can be measured. How cognitive training and certain cognitive activities can help your memory. How the software called “Cogmed” helps people with cognition training. The reasons for choosing “Cogmed” out of the number of programs for Christine’s study. The conclusion of Christine’s research study and what it really means for memory. The power of meditation and linking physical activity with cognitive training. What’s coming up next for Christine and where can people learn more about her research and work. And a special video interview with Christine: https://youtu.be/f95sFa53aIo Alternatives To Cogmed For Brain Exercise On this episode, I mentioned to Christine that I was learning to juggle and recite the alphabet backwards. Here’s a demonstration of this simple brain exercise and how you can learn it without any frustration by following a few simple principles: https://youtu.be/lGEuP-ls5hA Part Two: Christian decides to share his juggling chops while reciting a poem in a video response: https://youtu.be/_yx3goqUJYQ And then another follow-up with coins! https://youtu.be/JCD_GU1zV4o Enjoy (and send us your video too if you’ve got one so we can feature your authentic brain exercise techniques)! And if you’re supporting a loved on with cognitive decline, see my specialized Guide to Memory Games for Dementia. Further Resources on the Web, This Podcast and the MMM Blog: Christine Till Profile profile on York University’s website Memory training points to new directions for treatment of Huntington’s disease Why Bilingualism Makes For a Healthier Brain Coconut Oil and Memory: Can It Boost Your Brain [Advanced Study] Binaural Beats And Memory: Can This Crazy Music Make You Smarter The Wise Advocate: Become a Better Leader of Your Memory

Have you been looking for a memory method you can use to learn and remember difficult information? I’m talking about foreign language vocabulary. Programming codes. Charts and diagrams. Passwords. Names of people from around the world. And do you keep running into promises about how someone’s “memory system” will help you achieve your learning goals? Maybe they offer you some brain exercises. Or maybe they promise the keys to the memory improvement kingdom with a mnemonic peg system or some other list of mnemonic devices.   The BIG Problem With The Memory Systems Of The Memory Improvement Gurus   There’s nothing wrong about checking out mnemonic examples from memory experts you admire. Except this: Anytime anyone tells you that their “memory system” will work for you… Run away screaming! Why? Because memory systems don’t work! Instead, you work the systems. And you’ll do that a lot better if you create the systems yourself (with a little authentic help from your Magnetic Memory Method friends). It’s kind of like singing and playing the guitar. Bringing the two together is a lot easier when you wrote the song. And the results are much more powerful.   Why A “Magnetic” Memory Method Always Outperforms The Other Guy’s Memory System   So here’s what’s up: On this page, I’m going to explain exactly why what you really need is a memory method (not some other dude’s system). And not just any old method with memory exercises and memorization techniques. What you need is a “Magnetic” Memory Method that lets you combine all of the memory techniques available into a streamlined approach. You don’t need all kinds of confusing terms and mnemonic examples. You need to execute your moves in one swift blow each and every time you encounter information. When you have this approach, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much your memory skills can grow. Which means that the pain and frustration of forgetting information within seconds disappears. If you’re ready, let’s dive into the 8 reasons having a memory method is the only approach that makes sense.   Reason #1: Each Person’s Memory Is Unique And Needs A Unique Memory Method     Flexibility is what makes the teaching on this memory improvement blog unique. Anyone can use the memory techniques I teach because you learn about yourself as you discover the methods so that everything fits into place quickly. Why is figuring out how you stand so important? A few reasons. First, memory techniques rely upon association. You’re taking information you don’t know and Magnetically weaving it together with things you already know. For example, when learning some Chinese poetry, I wove the corner of a building together with some weird imagery that made it easy to recall the sound and the meaning of the phrase. The images involved Lee jeans, a kite, E.T. (The Extraterrestrial), a burning cup of yen, Emil Zola, Che Guevara and sheep.   I Know That Sounds Like A Mouthful Of Mnemonic Examples!   But here’s the thing: All of these images came to me freely and quickly because I have a memory method. It’s trained to be flexible, and that’s why it works so fast. What exactly have I trained? Speedy access to the same kinds of information each person has available to them now:   A Proper Memory Method Digs Deep Into Your Personal history   By using a flexible memory method, you can easily access a host of friends, family members, teachers, preachers and other members of your community. I suggest listing them all out frequently. It’s a kind of memory improvement game you can play with your childhood anytime.   A Proper Memory Method Exploits Your Personal Culture   You also have your culture. I often draw upon Canadian politicians. These are names that an international audience might not recognize, but that are deeply impressed upon in my memory. But I’m Canadian and so memorizing the Canadian Prime Ministers makes a lot of sense (maybe, lol). Even if you’re not into politics, I’ll bet you have at least a couple local and regional figures you can bring to mind and use to make simple associations. Having them ready will help you improve your memory for studying a great deal.   Why Everything You Already Know Is Dying To Become A Memory Tool   Then there are musicians, actors and artists. These are all part of your culture. Only a flexible memory method will help you unpack them all. Some other guy’s system? That’s probably the same guy who encourages you to memorize with a “Mind Palace” like Sherlock Holmes. (Yawn…) Sorry, but the very suggestion that your memory can be like a fictional character’s is fraud. How about you be you and use Sherlock Holmes as a Magnetic Bridging Figure in a well-formed Memory Palace instead? Reality is far better than fantasy when you have a substantial memory method, that’s for sure. You ca

This is perhaps the best Magnetic Memory Method Review online so far: “The more you try it, the better you do. Every attempt is incrementally better than the last time.” -Jesse Villalobos Since constant improvement is what the memory method taught on this website is all about, I was delighted to hear these words from one of our course participants. Even better: In this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, you can hear them directly from Jesse Villalobos too. Scroll up and click play. Listen in we talk about: How Jesse based his PAO system on the Major Method for remembering numbers… Jesse’s Magnetic Journey using the PAO system (Person Action Object)… How Jesse used this approach to get a raise and a promotion at his job! Of the many tips you’ll discover, here’s one of the most important points: Jesse keeps listening to the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast for motivation week after week. Yes, even though he completed the Magnetic Memory Method Masterclass. This point is important. Jesse’s approach combines a solid study ethic and continually feeding himself with ideas and inspiration. And when Jesse started, he was serious about getting results. He wanted to get really good at memorizing numbers. His success secret? Taking action! It’s not just about learning about memory techniques. It’s about applying them in meaningful ways one S.I.P. at a time: S.I.P. Study memory techniques Implement memory techniques Practice memory techniques with information that improves your life It’s this approach that helped Jesse get the mastery over the Person Action Object (P.A.O.) and Major Method that he wanted. These are the techniques that lead to total success with memorizing any number. Aside from remembering numbers, Jesse also learned how to remember names and faces. This skill provided other unexpected benefits from memory training that Jesse hadn’t even anticipated! If you’ve been looking for an extra bit of insight about how the Magnetic Memory Method can help you, try Jessie’s advice: Just dive into learning and using memory techniques. Download this episode and learn from Jesse’s experiences and insights. You’ll learn exactly how improving his memory has helped his personal confidence and well-being. Press play now and you’ll discover: How memory techniques help Jesse in his work. It involves remembering a lot of numbers. Why using memory techniques is an “out of body experience.” Jesse’s feeling about how he gains more energy than he burns using memory strategies. Mnemonic examples of a well-functioning Person-Action-Object system to memorize numbers based on the Major Method. The process of how Jesse created his Magnetic Memory Palace Network and how it all works in detail. The importance of drawing your Memory Palaces for total success. How Jesse handles problems with ghosting or the Ugly Sister Effect. How Jesse discovered the Magnetic Memory Method and what it has brought to him both personally and professionally. How Jesse got a raise and promotion. By demonstrating competence, his co-workers started perceiving him as an expert thanks to Magnetic Memory Palaces and memory techniques. A family-related memory issue that encourages Jessie to keep his mind active. The positive influence of listening to Magnetic Memory Method Podcast over time. Jesse’s perspective on avoiding perfectionism and still getting the most out of his sensory memory. Other memory improvement books and courses that really impacted Jesse. Do you have questions about how the Magnetic Memory Method can help you perform better at your work? Do you want more answers to your questions about mnemonics? If so, please dive into the episode and learn more about how you can get on a call with me. If you want me to help you transform into a walking, talking mnemonics dictionary, I’d like to help.   Further Memory Improvement Resources:   Harry Lorayne Get Good At Remembering Numbers How to Memorize Numbers With A PAO System [Person Action Object] Major System Secrets And The Future Of Your Memory With Florian Dellé   Want More Magnetic Memory Method Reviews, Testimonials and Student Interviews?   Lee Escobar’s Magnetic Memory Method Review and Testimonial Paul Deery’s Memory Improvement Demonstration and Magnetic Memory Method Review The Magnetic Memory Method Testimonials and Reviews Page Rose talks about memorizing the Hindi alphabet Marno Hermann talks about memorizing 1200 digits of Pi Sunil Khatri talks about Memory Palace Mastery for Japanese Kevin Richardson talks about memorizing 30 Kanji per day      

Would you like some brain training exercises to keep you sharp and on top of your game all the time? I hope the answer is a resounding, “Yes!” Here’s why: Conditions such as mental illness and aging contribute to mental decay. All the more so if you’re already suffering from mental illness, not to mention the medicinal side effects of psychiatric medicine. These medicines, even when useful, can cause your memory a lot of harm. Here’s the good news: Losing control over your cognitive functions can be hard, but it doesn’t need to happen. There is a way to avoid cognitive decline, and all it involves is training your mind. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about brain training exercises to help keep your memory healthy.   All About Brain Training   Although many people believe that brain training is a modern invention, it actually has a rich history. To take one example, check out the brain training exercises admired by the Edwardians nearly 100 years ago. In fact, mnemonic systems were all the rage in 19th century Great Britain. Famous author Mark Twain even had one called “The Memory Builder”. Then there’s Pelmanism. Like the brain exercise training favored by the Edwardians, Pelmanism is a product of Great Britain, and became very popular during the first half of the 20th century. Get this: More than 500,000 people reportedly used these brain training exercises. One of them was the Prime Minister of the country himself! Why was it so popular? First, the system revolutionized brain training because it targeted the same mental functions we focus on optimizing to this day: Attention Concentration Creativity The Pelman Scientific Mind Training Program focused on each of these to help people exercise their minds. Participants were mailed monthly booklets with games and exercises designed specifically to stimulate one or more of these functions. All of which goes to show that brain training and the memory exercises that go with it aren’t new. And of course, Anthony is always coming up with different brain exercises you can explore. Check these out: https://youtu.be/qaiF3DL-ens Even better: Here are 9 Brain Exercises That Ensure Memory Improvement. We have even more scientific evidence than ever to guide us these days. Modern neuroscience has managed to prove beyond any shred of doubt that our brains are in fact malleable like plastic. In fact, we all have to ability to modify the structure and functions of our brains. Of course, a lot depends on the internal and external factors of our lives, such as other bodily processes or environmental changes. But overall, every single person can intervene and create a better mental life. Sadly, though, cognitive decline is becoming increasingly common past the age of 30. One reason is that people don’t understand the difference between memory loss and forgetfulness. Nevertheless, slowing down the aging of our brain through training is a prospect that fills us with hope. And research shows that it’s completely achievable. However, if having a sharper memory is something you aim for, you need to know right now that it takes work. In order to remain in a constant state of connectedness regardless of whether you’re 30, 50 or 80 years old, you need to push your mind to learn something new each day. There is nothing more stimulating for your synapses than being put at work. In turn, this leads to tangible improvement in more than one aspect. For example, according to Dr. Jee Hyun Kim of the Florey Institute, focus diminishes with age. Due to this deterioration of focus, stimulating your attention regularly can be crucial. By activating the frontal cortex and the hippocampus, you are not working only on this function, but on your memory and thought as well.   How Brain Training Can Increase Focus And Attention There are many ways to achieve better focus and attention. One possibility lies in a simple, yet intellectually stimulating mobile app. Similarly, reading new books, especially with a re-reading strategy, or solving math and logic problems puts all the areas of your brain to work and boosts cognition in the process. Then there’s meditation. You can do a walking meditation or sit just to sit Buddha-style for improved memory and concentration. And recent studies that will be discussed shortly suggest that it might even help treat mental illness.   Treating Mental Illness With Brain Training Exercises Let me give you some context: I have spent the last couple of years researching alternative treatments for mental conditions that affect memory and cognition. Why did I choose this path? Well, three years ago, someone I care about deeply was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I have spent all my days since trying to educate myself on the topic as much as possible. In my journey, I have found that many specialists believe that brain training can help prevent degenerative neural diseases

Are you a polyglot looking for more information on why bilingualism is so good for the brain? No, I don’t mean a ghost that walks around the attic making loud noises and moving objects. That’s a poltergeist! A polyglot, on the other hand, is a more tame individual who is fluent in several languages. Then there are the hyperpolyglots – those who actively learn and master six or more languages, like Emil Krebs, a 19th-century German diplomat who had mastered around 65 languages by the time of his death. While only 1 percent of people are polyglots; more than half of the world’s population is bilingual (those who speak fluently in two languages). Being bilingual (or multilingual) is said to enhance your better problem-solving abilities, and improve your concentration and focus. These are valuable resources in everyone’s life, something I’ve enjoyed as grad student, professor and avid language learner myself. So, if you are geared to pick up a new language or just want to get better in your mother tongue, use these five amazing hacks in addition to understanding everything about bilingualism we’re about to cover on this page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyIHcBLHYxE And while you practice your German or French, ask yourself this: Why Bilingualism Gives You A Healthier Brain Seriously: There is a ton of research backing claims that being fluent in more than one language is good for your brain. More importantly: Unlike other areas of science and memory, few articles evoke grave doubts on the advantages of being bilingual. That said… A 2015 article in the New Yorker by Maria Konnikova “Is Bilingualism Really an Advantage?” makes an interesting point: Konnikova says the bilingual advantage seems to have more of a protective effect on the aging brain than it does anything to enhance executive-control functions of healthy individuals. While Konnikova’s arguments are persuasive, I am sure of one thing: When you learn a new language and use new words and grammar rules, multiple areas of your brain work together. It is possible the greatest long-term workout for your brain. And since your brain is a muscle, it needs regular workouts to remain strong, supple and stable! The Inside Story: Why Bilingualism Is Not Just About Speaking Two (Or More) Languages Contrary to general perception, bilingualism is not just about the ability to speak two languages fluently. There are a lot of little nitty-gritty aspects involved. For instance: You could be a “simultaneous bilingual” who learns two languages from birth. Or, you could be an “early sequential bilingual.” Let’s break these terms down: “Early sequential bilingual” is a fancy term for those kids who speak one language at home but learn to speak the community language at school. There is also the “late sequential bilingual” – someone who grew up with one language and then moved to a country that speaks another. Why are these terms important? The differences in how and when you learned your second language often leads to different levels of proficiency and fluency. This, in turn, affects your level of being bilingual. For instance, if you were fluent in French (along with English) in high school but have been using only English ever since, your bilingualism and its related advantages may have deteriorated. The Science Behind Bilingualism In fact, according to a study, simultaneous bilinguals and early sequential bilinguals show different levels of behavioral performance in a lexical representation task that measures how quickly you can classify a stimulus as words or nonwords. (Sebastián-Gallés, Echeverría & Bosch, 2005) Remember this: The more articulate you are in a language, and the more fluently you use both your languages in your daily life, the more bilingual you will be. “You have to use both languages all the time. You won’t get the bilingual benefit from occasional use.” This quote is by the cognitive neuroscientist, Ellen Bialystok who has spent almost 40 years learning about how bilingualism sharpens the mind. A recent study by Yeh-Zu Tzou shows how working memory is important but language proficiency in the native language (L1) and second language (L2) assumes a more critical role in a person’s ability to process and store information simultaneously. Another study shows bilingualism is not a categorical variable (that is you are either bilingual or not) but rather the “bilingual experience is composed of multiple related dimensions that will need to be considered in assessments of the consequences of bilingualism.” The Trouble With Knowing Two Languages: Each Fight For Supreme Control As a bilingual, when you use one language, the other is also active at the same time. This creates a persistent linguistic competition which can result in language difficulties. For instance, bilinguals are known to be prone to the tip-of-the-tongue syndrome where you can remember specific details about a word but cannot conjure the word fully. So

Can stress cause memory loss and confusion? Not if you’ve got a gun in your face. Like Ben Thomas. Ben was walking through an L.A. neighborhood when he was robbed at gunpoint. Next day, when the detective asked him to identify the perpetrator, Ben was able to do it very easily. Over time, however, the author who experienced this violent incident, reported that he “remembered fewer images and more facts: the colors of the thief’s hoodie and pants, the words he’d said, even the exact time displayed on my iPod (12:36) at the moment I’d handed it over to him”. Why would Ben remember more facts than images? It’s because some memories formed under highly stressful situations get so strongly encoded in our brains that we never forget them. But does that mean you should put yourself under stress to memorize your sales presentation?   Can Stress Cause Memory Loss? The Answer Is A Big NO!   Because, in general, stress impairs memory, makes you forget things or even remember things differently. Ben, for instance, could recall the thief’s face vividly for a day or two but after a few weeks, he couldn’t picture the guy’s face at all. And keep in mind that Ben’s no dummy. He’s not only an author, but also someone who happens to be an independent researcher who studies consciousness and the brain. High IQ or not… When we’re stressed, some memories stick like super glue while others get warped or lost. For that reason, please understand this: It’s never a good idea to induce stress when trying to memorize a book, your lessons or your campaign presentation. You never know what essential information your brain will skip remembering! Instead, increase focus and concentration from the ground up using a WRAP technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxWLhAeIYOU   When Are You Under Stress? A Scientific Definition   This quote is worth reading twice: “When an organism faces emotional distress or is physically challenged the autonomic nervous system, a subdivision of the sympathetic nervous system, is automatically activated. Once activated, a cascade of physiological changes occurs that better enables an organism to confront (i.e. fight, freeze) or escape (i.e. flee) danger. The term “stress” applies to the condition under which the autonomic nervous system is activated and stress hormones are released.” (Impairing and Enhancing Effects of Psychosocial Stress on Episodic Memory and Eyewitness Report, Siobhan Marie Hoscheidt, 2011) And guess what? When you’re frozen, or busy running away, learning gets really tough. Worse, there’s a part of the brain that controls stress that can really wreak havoc on your focus and concentration. When you undergo a stressful event, the amygdala – a part of the brain that enables emotional processing – sends a distress call to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is like a command center that communicates with the rest of your body through the nervous system so that you have the energy to fight or flee.   Does Stress Make You Forget Things? Yes… Even If You’re a Memory Champion   Want in on a little secret? Stress doesn’t discriminate between the regular Joe, a presidential candidate or a memory champ. It does and will mess with your brain. Like it did for world memory champion Jonas Von Essen. When Jonas was called to recite the closing credits of Newsnight from memory, he struggled to remember the presenter Jeremy Paxman’s surname as well as some other names. If that doesn’t put the spotlights on just how bad stress can be for even the best memory athlete, I don’t know what does. Even as a memory expert, Jonas felt on the spot and stress was part of his embarrassing flub on TV. But is it really a fail? The answer is a bit more complex, so let’s have a look.   How Does Stress Affect Your Memory: The Inside Story   When under stress, brain freeze like what Jonas encountered happens mostly because your thinking is preoccupied with the stress-inducing stimuli – am I looking cool on TV – blocking out other thoughts. But that’s not the complete picture. While low levels of anxiety can affect your ability to recall information; high-stress situations, like being robbed at gunpoint, increases your brain’s ability to encode and recall traumatic events. A study by Marloes J. A. G. Henckens and team demonstrated how “acute stress is accompanied by a shift into a hypervigilant mode of sensory processing in combination with increased allocation of neural resources to noise reduction. This reduction of task-irrelevant ambient noise, in combination with a stress-hormone-induced optimal state for neural plasticity, may explain why stressful events attain a privileged position in memory”.   What Does This Stress Memory Loss Chemical Connection Mean?   In simple words, when you are anxious, your brain will put you on red alert and increase your focus and concentration on that stressful event by eliminating any

Stoic philosophy has helped thousands of people live better lives. But can it help you use memory techniques to learn a language better? Turns out… The answer is a resounding Yes! And to show you exactly how, Christopher Huff joins us on this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast. Click play and you’ll learn: * The secrets of rhythm you can use to help you remember words. * How Christopher used the American presidents to better remember Chinese tones. (This approach is kind of like a hyper-focused PAO without a Major System supporting it.) * How to memorize the prepositions in English in alphabetical order using a simple song. * The powerful lesson Christopher learned from his first interaction with mnemonics. [smart_track_player url=”https://traffic.libsyn.com/magneticmemorymethod/Stoic_Secrets_For_Using_Memory_Techniques_With_Language_Learning.mp3″ social_linkedin=”true” ] * Why Christopher places a cap on how many Magnetic Images he creates when using Anki. * The biggest mistake Epicurus says you can make – and how it applies to memory techniques and language learning. * The matter of jokes and telling lies in Toki Pona. Regarding that cool language, make sure to subscribe to Christopher’s Language Fan YouTube channel and check out his language learning videos. https://youtu.be/pl_jeMu9-ko * Christopher also has an amazing video about the Goldlist Method, and in this interview he mentions the super-fascinating Leitner system. * Christopher’s powerful definition of fluency, and how you can legitimately feel fluent even with a small pool of words and phrases. * Why Christopher compares the use of mnemonics for language learning to skitching. * The ultimate tool for developing fluency – something that we all have access to and yet too few people use! * … and many more memory strategies of the world’s best language learners. For more cool things from Christopher, please check out his Instagram – he draws cool comics and is constantly traveling all over the place. And if you have questions or comments, please leave them below so we can get back to you. In the meantime, if you haven’t already grabbed my FREE Memory Improvement Kit, here’s where to get it:

Can smartphone addiction fry your brain cells? Not literally, but what about that twitchy connection to your phone? It definitely affects your abilities to concentrate and think deeply. And that means device addiction harms your ability to remember. Worse: Smartphone addiction not only turns you into a social pariah… It Can Also Be Fatal! In 2015, distracted driving (due to texting or talking on the cellphone) killed 3,477 people and injured another 391,000. And there’s more bad news… According to the National Safety Council, using cell phones while driving can make you more accident prone than even drunk driving… No wonder people are concerned over how cell phones are affecting their lives! In January this year, two of Apple’s biggest shareholders wrote an open letter to the company requesting it to provide “more choices and tools” so that parents could restrict their children’s smartphone usage time. The letter added that researchers have found this shocking statistic: “U.S. teenagers who spend 3 hours a day or more on electronic devices are 35 percent more likely, and those who spend 5 hours or more are 71 percent more likely, to have a risk factor for suicide than those who spend less than 1 hour.” Smartphone addiction is a serious issue and may need some creative problem solving using the C.R.E.A.T.E. formula: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOKi8pe7C8M But here’s the real question: What about YOU? Are you displaying cell phone addiction symptoms? Let’s find out: Are You A Nomophobic? I know you will never admit it, but when you are unable to find your phone for even 30 seconds, it causes a minor anxiety attack. How do I know this? Because it happens to people every single second of the day. And there’s a name for is disease: Nomophobia or ‘NO MObile PHOne phoBIA’ is the fear of not being able to use your cell phone or have access to your device. Want to know if you’re truly addicted? Take this online quiz to find out. Nomophobia is real, but the medical community is not ready to declare overuse of cell phones as a clinical addiction. Ignoring The Data? They neglect to do so in the face of some shocking data. As the Joker suggests (I misquote), “whatever doesn’t kill us, only makes us stranger”… Nearly one in ten people admitted to using their smartphones during sex, in the shower, on a movie date, in church or other place of worship, as per the 2013 Mobile Consumer Habits. What’s more, nearly three-quarters of the respondents said that they were always within five feet of their smartphones. Although doctors do agree that if you can’t stop using your phone, even when it’s harming your life, you may be “addicted.” “Only a small percentage of people qualify as addicted. But many people overuse their smartphones.” This quote comes from Dr. David Greenfield, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Connecticut and founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction. Smartphone addiction is not listed as an official mental disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. However, psychologists are debating about whether that should change. Some researchers also say that the development of smartphone addiction is similar to that of a gambling disorder (or gambling addiction), which is included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. How does addiction work? With gambling, the reward of winning once in a while is what hooks people to the habit. Smartphone addiction works on a similar principle. Most of the time, a phone notification will be insignificant. However, every once in a while… Something Meaningful Happens! Like a phone call from an old friend, or a Facebook notification that someone has tagged you in a photo. Researchers say this type of messages are irresistible and can lead to overuse or addiction to your device. There’s more… Device addiction can extend far beyond just the smartphone. Recently, the World Health Organization announced that video game addiction will now be classified as an official mental health condition in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. According to the WHO, gaming disorder is “characterized by a pattern of persistent or recurrent gaming behavior manifested by: 1) impaired control over gaming (e.g., onset, frequency, intensity, duration, termination, context); 2) increasing priority given to gaming to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other life interests and daily activities; 3) continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.” “The behavior pattern is of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning,” WHO adds. Whether it is to play video games or check your Facebook notifications, here’s the truth: Spending too much time with your sma

Tansel Ali is possibly the most positive memory champion on the planet. Turns out there’s a solid reason why. A few reasons, actually. And in this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, I speak with 4x Australian Memory Champion Tansel Ali talks about memory improvement and positive thinking. This may well be the most valuable hour you spend listening to a podcast about memory improvement. Why? For starters… In addition to discussing the role of gratitude in coming up with effective visualizations when using mnemonics, Tansel discusses the importance of reading, memorizing cards with music on and focusing on the right things to maximize performance in your memory and life. Plus, when you scroll up and click play above, you’ll soon discover… * Why Tansel was originally skeptical about memory improvement and thought all TV memory trainers were fake. * The factors responsible for making people suspicious of memory techniques because they seem like magic “tricks.” * How Tansel wound up at his first memory competition and took second place. * The other rewards memory improvement brings you, including mindset, job performance and fun. * Tansel’s transition from memory competition to enhancing his own life and the lives of others through teaching memory. * Why you need to continue challenging your memory almost like the physical training of the body to keep the mind in top shape. * Exactly how participating in memory competitions help you develop preparation and developing positive self-talk. * Why Tansel sometimes FORCES himself NOT to use memory techniques in order to challenge his brain. This is a very powerful study tip. * Tansel’s definition of consistency and the development of successful habits that you can use to challenge yourself. * Why you should go without fear of making mistakes for the health of your brain and the development of effective discipline. Tansel Ali book signing of The Yellow Elephant on Kindle for me in person. * Tansel’s personal training regime and how he makes it count. * How Tansel thinks about visualization as a kind of muscle and how he trains it for competition. * A quick comparison of Alex Mullen’s training regime and Tansel’s focus on efficiency to improve the right skills and maximize performance. * A discussion of aphantasia and why you don’t actually have to see pictures in your mind to use memory techniques. * How Tansel uses feelings and thinking in words to create mnemonic imagery – and why feeling creates more impact. * How to give the mnemonic imagery you create greater value through personalization. * Practical reasons you should memorize cards. For one thing, they set you up to make creative decisions that goes beyond just remembering information. And here are 13 more reasons you should have a system for remembering cards. * Tansel’s thoughts on music and memory and how he memorizes cards with music playing. * The benefits of training your memory and where to start (also discussed in this video): https://youtu.be/4hHtkIOy36E * The importance of making memory training fun and interesting, rather than a chore. * Tansel’s history with apps for memory training and meditation and how to reduce stress. * How Tansel changed from wallowing in negativity to living in positivity. * Why you don’t have to use bizarre or violent imagery to remember information and positive options you can explore for creating and using mnemonics. * Why we both approach shows like Breaking Bad with caution in order to maintain a positive mindset. Not that Breaking Bad can’t be useful for memory improvement, as you can see here: https://youtu.be/xES-JOf3n20 * The role of gratitude in increasing the value of your imagination by focusing on specifics. * Why “the law of attraction” is useless without taking action – and how you can use mindset to create the excitement needed to make sure you achieve your goals. * Why Tansel wishes he had read more as a young person. * Some of Tansel’s favorite memory books and why they changed his life, including books by Tony Buzan and Dominic O’Brien. * Tansel’s take on Digital Amnesia and why he chooses to see the positive side of the debate about the so-called Google Effect. * How Turkish is helping Tansel learn Japanese even without using Kevin Richardson’s Learn Japanese App (a.k.a. Memory Palace). I want to thank Tansel for being on the show and thank you for listening. Please be sure to grab his books, visit his site and get connected on his various online platforms using the links below. Further Resources Yellow Elephant: Improve Your Memory And Learn More, Faster, Better by Tansel Ali How to Learn Almost Anything in 48 Hours: Shortcuts And Brain Hacks For Learning New Skills Fast by Tansel Ali Subscribe to Tansel Ali’s YouTube channel Visit Tansel Ali’s website Tansel Ali on Twitter Tansel’s W

We all make mistakes. In fact, life mistakes are inevitable. Heck, in many cases, they’re even desirable. After all, we learn from our mistakes when picking up a language – including our native mother tongues. But some life mistakes are probably avoidable. Like the 4.1 I’m going to discuss in this post. They are in no particular order of importance. But I’ve stuck the one with a tutorial at the end. I believe if you pay that final point the most attention… … and put its mini-lesson into action… You will avoid SO much pain and suffering. I wish I had known about that unique set of strategies anyone can use at least 21 years sooner! So whether you’re 41 or any other age, let’s dive in with these mistakes life has burned into my memory and that I could have done without. 1. You Cannot Fulfill Anyone Else’s Dreams (No Matter How Hard You Try) Maybe it’s all the Romantic poetry I read. Or maybe it’s just in my genes. Whatever the reason, I have somehow wound up with a tendency to try and make others happy. But it’s a trap! Every time. First off, “happy” is mostly meaningless. There are too many possible definitions. Most of them are far from impressive, let alone correct. I prefer the Greek term eudaimonia. Some people translate it as happiness, but it actually refers to “flourishing.” Already, that sounds better. Concrete. Something you can feel, see, embrace. But even then, you cannot give flourishing to another human being. The best you can do is reach out and try to connect. Share with them some of what you know and the story of how you came to understand it. Yes, there is “hard teaching.” There is the do-this, do-that of the Memory Palace. Anyone can repeat the process, even if they’re a skeptic at first. (Especially if they’re skeptical.) Likewise with brain exercises. But getting people to complete the exercises? That’s entirely on them. The best you can do is offer inspiration and encouragement. And if you love them, let them be. Our siblings on this long-suffering earth can only do the things they are going to do. And those of us who have traveled to a particular destination, can only show the way – the way we took, amongst many possible paths. Though to reach some destinations, there really are only singular and definitive ways to reach the end. Either way, if student and teacher are lucky enough to meet somewhere on the road, they can break bread. Maybe sing a song or two together. Or just hang out on a YouTube Live like this one we did for my birthday: https://youtu.be/kf4KC8O6sJY (If you’re not subscribed to my YouTube channel, you can take care of that here.) But sooner or later, both will be off again on their individual journeys into the unknown. And that’s a beautiful thing. But when you try to tether ships together… All too often, the ship bows start to knock. And no two sails interpret the wind quite the same. How could they? Same wind. Different sails. If something you’ve taught them about sailing helps them correct course to wherever it is they’re trying to navigate, that’s great. But they ultimately accomplished the task of navigation. From the deck of their own ship. And there are lots of possible destinations. We can’t all wind up on the same islands together. Nor should we. Anyhow, I’ve wasted a lot of time and energy trying to redirect some of the wind filling my sails to help others. It never works. Here’s What Guides You To Success Better What does work is this: Sharing the miracle of what one has learned about harnessing the wind’s power. And respecting what the wind can do. It sometimes makes sense to help a friend patch up one of their moth-bitten sails. But you’ve got to make sure you don’t get stranded on their ship. Especially during a storm. Keep yourself tied to your own mast. That way you’ll always have a way back to your own ship. And you reduce the danger that you may be the reason why the ship of your friend has started to go down. Because the cruel reality is that help can be a hindrance. Keep your awareness high of that potential problem and you’ll be better off and help save yourself and others from drowning under the weight of wisdom they may neither want nor need. Is all that too abstract? Perhaps. But rest assured that the stories lurking behind these images are memories I could do without. And I think that even without concrete examples, they could help you avoid many disasters too. 2. You Always Have All The Resources You Need (Even If You Sometimes Fall For The Scarcity Illusion)   Actually, I don’t have any unusual nightmares lurking behind this life principle. But I’ve seen many people not take action because they believed in scarcity, rather than abundance. They didn’t have enough money. They didn’t have enough energy. They didn’t have enough time. In every case, I could easily spot why these claims weren’t valid. And when I opened my mouth about why I thought so… well… see point one above. It’s very hard to make abundance vis

The Freedom Journal… sounds ambitious right? Well, what if I told you that I’ve discovered profound memory benefits from journaling for language learning, including boosts in physical and emotional wellbeing? Benefits that definitely deserve the word “freedom.” That’s what I am going to tell you about. And it’s all happening right now in this step-by-step guide. This page will show you how to use The Freedom Journal to experience multiple levels of mental freedom while using it to learn a language with consistency and confidence. The best part? You don’t have to journal blindly. You don’t have to start from scratch or wonder exactly how you’re going to chart your path towards improved fluency. You just have to: Click play on the podcast above. John Lee Dumas himself is on this episode of the MMM Podcast to help explain how this amazing tool came into existence. Grab yourself your very own Freedom Journal. ideally in print for the fullest brain benefits. Note: It’s now called the 100-Day Goal Journal. Then, have the language you want to learn… A couple of Memory Palaces… 5-10 minutes in the morning, another 5-10 in the evening… And you’re ready to experience brain benefits and fluency like never before. Ready? Let’s go!   A (Very) Brief History Of Journaling   You know what journaling is, right? Your words. About you. On paper. Or written inside a digital document. Take your pick. More carefully defined: A journal (or diary) is a place you store entries on a daily or near-daily basis. It is voluntary, helps you put problems to rest and keep yourself moving forward. You can journal to maintain flow, learn more about yourself and use the Magnetic Memory Method better as you go. Or, like the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote in Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν (To Myself), you can journal purely to capture your thoughts. These days, “To Myself’ is known as Meditations. Aurelius wrote it in the second half of the 2nd century AD and, even though this book started as his journal, it is still a bestseller today. Here’s the important point: Journaling is powerful and the practice has stood the test of time.   Therapeutic Journaling And How It Can Help You Learn A Language   Did you know that in the 1980s, James Pennabaker’s expressive writing paradigm opened scientists onto a whole new world of understanding what makes journaling so good for your health? He started by looking at journaling as a tool for helping people deal with trauma. But soon after that, dozens and soon hundreds of studies started to appear showing similar effects. A lot of them are gathered up and synthesized in one of my favorite books of all time, 59 Seconds: Change Your Life in Under a Minute. Sounds like hype, right? It isn’t. Wiseman is one of the best science writers of our era and if you want the hard data on why journaling, ideally by hand on paper, works so much magic, you’ll want to read 59 Seconds. Here’s why all this matters:   Journaling Makes You Feel Better And Remember More   Feeling better literally helps you remember more because the absence of pain is an incredible way to increase your focus and concentration. And that is a huge help when you’re learning a language. That said, if you don’t feel frustrated or discouraged, then maybe you don’t need journaling. But before you decide, check out these…   3 Warning Signs That Scream You Need Journaling To Succeed With Language Learning   We’ve talked before about these 15 Reasons Why Learning A Foreign Language Is Good For Your Brain. And the reason you need at least bilingualism in your life is simple: Learning a language is excellent for the resilience of the white and grey matter in your brain. The ongoing use of other languages creates has been shown to fend off Alzheimer’s and Dementia. (So long as you’re not reducing your results with Digital Amnesia and self-deception about your attention-span.) But often, scientific proof isn’t enough to create significant motivation for language learning. In fact, you might be experiencing one of these 3 warning signs that you need journaling for Language Learning.   1. You’re Not Consistent   There’s no doubt about it: Learning a language takes time plus consistency. Consistency is a skill, and for many of us (including me), not always one that shows up on autopilot. Journaling can help.   2. You Struggle With Organizing Your Time   Let’s be honest: Time is a slippery fish. Yes, yes, we all know the old line: “Everybody gets the same 24 hours a day.” But you know what’s so maddening about that cliche? Even if it’s true… Not everyone has your life situation, nor your obligations! Journaling (with the right journal) can help you find a tailor made solution.   3. You Forget Where You Left Off (And Even Why You’re On The Journey)   Do you know why artists use sketchbooks? Yeah, they’re convenient. Duh. But they’re also a time machine. They reveal the

Does your episodic memory help you remember your first prom? You wore a lovely turquoise gown, your mom couldn’t stop smiling, and your dad was delighted to meet your date. It was a fantastic evening, right? Well… Let’s just say, that’s how you remember it. If you ask your mom, on the other hand, she would say: “It was a frantic evening. You couldn’t decide what to wear and were almost in tears when the hair-rollers wouldn’t set in. More annoyingly, your dad was upset about your date and was being difficult”. Each person remembers a specific event in his or her unique way – this is called your episodic memory. As a Film Studies professor in my previous career, I was always fascinated by this form of memory because I used a lot of audience analysis to study how people remembered the movies they watched. Now, as a memory expert, I’m even more fascinated by how this form of memory functions, and how we can improve it in a variety of ways you’re about to discover. What Is Episodic Memory A proper episodic memory definition must include a few features: Episodic memory is related to periods of time. It is unique and personal to you. It relies on semantic memory. It is not autobiographical memory. Your experience of episodic memory may include aspects about yourself, like your first dentist visit. They tend to be memories that you can easily relate to others verbally, and observe how your recall may differ from that of other people. In sum, episodic memory involves the recollection of specific events, situations, and experiences. Episodic Memory Examples Are Easy To Find More examples of episodic memory would include your memory of your first day of school or your first kiss. Apart from your overall recall of the event itself, episodic memories also involve your memory of the location and time that the event occurred. And it is important to notice that these memories are time bound. They have a beginning, middle and an end. For another powerful episodic memory example, please watch this video. It also includes some powerful exercises that will help you improve your episodic memory: https://youtu.be/1DnV1pGYxqI Someone else’s recollection of that same event or experience would be different (maybe not as dramatically different as your prom night, but different nevertheless). If you want to remember past events in its full technicolor details, you must strengthen your episodic memory. Are Episodic Memories And Autobiographical Memories The Same? Not exactly! Autobiographical and episodic memories are personal memories from the past. However, autobiographical memory is more general, for example, when you recall the street name of a house growing up. On the other hand, episodic memory is more specific to time. It’s like remembering your 13th birthday party that took place on a particular street. (Electromagnetic Differences in the Brain during Memory Retrieval, Warren Scott Merrifield, 2007) Although autobiographical memory involves episodic memory, it also relies on semantic memory. For instance, you can remember the city you were born in and the date, but you wouldn’t have any specific memories of being born. For more information, here’s a full article on the differences between semantic and episodic memory. A Fascinating Way to Understand Episodic Memory From an Oscar-Winning Actor I recently profiled the script memorization ritual of Sir Anthony Hopkins as he discusses it in his book, We Did Ok, Kid. When it comes to episodic memory, the most relevant part of the autobiography relates to his candid sharing around his past struggles with alcoholism. Hopkins noted that years after working on a movie, he would sometimes have conversations with other actors who were as drunk as he’d been on set. None of them could remember the time they’d spent together performing their roles. As strange as that is given how expert actors are when it comes to remembering there lines, here’s the astonishing part: Hopkins and the other actors always knew their lines while they were on set. So how can someone be intoxicated… remember Shakespeare perfectly… but not remember anything about the day of filming itself? Well, basically it comes down to this: Alcohol disrupts the hippocampus and impairs the formation of new episodic memories. This is the “what happened” timeline. In other words, the deeply drilled material, such as semantic words remains available to explicit memory despite the drunkenness. Likewise, proceduralized ways of delivering the lines remains accessible while a completely different level of memory completely fails to record the, episodic information about the performances themselves. For more nuance on the memory-related aspects of Hopkins’ autobiography, feel free to check out my full video discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhjIkGu32CA Here’s Another Fascinating Fact: Research into links between various types of memory and handedness suggest that ambidextr

Is coconut oil good for memory? Well, many people think that a diet rich in coconut oil is essential to prevent brain fog, memory loss, dementia and even Alzheimer’s disease. But… Here’s the thing: For years, coconut oil has been been a staple in ketogenic diets for its high fat levels and low carbohydrate content. Interestingly, a 2016 study by Klaus W.Lange and his team revealed that “both the direct administration of ketone bodies and the use of high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets have been shown to be efficacious in animal models of AD (Alzheimer’s disease) and clinical trials with AD patients.” But there’s a catch… The study stated that “the mechanism underlying the efficacy of ketogenic diets remains unclear, but some evidence points to the normalization of aberrant energy metabolism. At present there is only limited evidence of the usefulness of ketogenic diets in AD.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mWy3ksHdss Don’t get deterred through… There are other foods that improve memory well worth checking out too. And yes, I like to cook with it myself, such as when making my Memory Friendly Chocolate Pancakes With Cacao Powder: https://youtu.be/Kbv06gmm8S4 But despite being a wonderful ingredient in memory recipes like ours at the Magnetic Memory Method Headquarters in Brisbane, one question remains… How vital is coconut oil in boosting your brain? Let’s find out. Starting with where the idea that coconut helps your health began.   The History Of Coconut Oil And Its Link With A Healthy Brain   Settlers in tropical countries used all parts of the coconut tree. The leaves were weaved into baskets and mats, the sap of the flowers used to create syrups and the meat of the coconut served as food. Gradually, the settlers pressed coconut meat to produce coconut oil. For at least 2000 years, coconut oil has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used to heal wounds, treat hair fall, as a skin moisturiser and sunscreen, taken as a health tonic and even considered beneficial for the heart. You could say coconut oil was the ‘swiss army knife of medicine’. But there’s the kicker… Despite its rich history, coconut oil is not used as extensively as it used to be. Why? In the 1950s physiologist Ancel Keys discovered that hydrogenated oils had saturated fat which was responsible for heart disease. Remember, hydrogenated coconut vegetable oil was used extensively for cooking at that time. In response, the vegetable oil industry blamed saturated fats in processed coconut oil and gave it a bad name. The tactic worked and throughout the 1950s and 60s coconut oil was replaced by polyunsaturated vegetable oils.   New Discovery Brings Coconut Oil To The Forefront Again   Half a century after Dr. Keys discovery, scientists found that Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) which are present in coconut oil can improve memory for Alzheimer patients. That again changed public perception of this humble oil. In a 2004 study, elderly subjects were fed either MCT oil or a placebo at random. Subjects who had symptoms of Alzheimer’s showed an immediate improvement on the paragraph recall memory test after consuming the MCT solution. Then in 2008, Dr. Mary Newport – who was researching possible treatments for her husband diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease – came across the patent application for Ketasyn (which contains MCT), which stated that the oil was derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Here’s where it gets interesting: Dr. Newport fed her husband around 35 grams of coconut oil each day. In her popular article “WHAT IF THERE WAS A CURE FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND NO ONE KNEW?”, she described rapid change in her husband’s behavior two months after the treatment. From the case study by Dr. Newport: “He walks into the kitchen every morning alert and happy, talkative, making jokes. He is able to concentrate on things that he wants to do around the house and in the yard and stay on task, whereas before coconut oil he was easily distractible and rarely accomplished anything unless I supervised him directly.” So the question is: Will guzzling gallons of coconut oil result in improved mental alertness? Before we answer that let’s understand the connection between coconut oil and ketones.   The Ketones Story: How to Power Your Brain   Our body uses glucose to power brain cells under normal circumstances. If there is no glucose available, our body burns fats to produce ketones which are then transported to the brain. However in case of Alzheimer’s and dementia, your brain cells tend to resist glucose, and won’t function effectively. PET scans have shown that areas of the brain which resist glucose, use ketones as an alternative source of energy. Why does this matter? Coconut oils consists 60% of MCTs which contains Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) that release ketones when burnt. The Popularity Of Coconut Oil: Is It All Jus

Can you write legibly with both your left and right hands? Midway through a gig, can you swing the guitar to your left arm and continue strumming the ballad? If you can, you are part of that 1% of the population who do not have a dominant hand and experience ambidextrousness. And as you’re about to discover, ambidextrousness truly is an experience! If you are ambidextrous, you’re in good company too. Or at least, interesting company. Other members of this ‘exclusive’ group include Benjamin Franklin, Kobe Bryant, and even Nikola Tesla, just one of many reasons I featured him on the cover of The Memory Connection: Many people believe training oneself to use both your hands equally unleashes hidden creativity and even improves memory. The idea that becoming ambidextrous boosts brain function has existed for over a century. Moreover, it is also claimed that if you harness this ‘power’ you can improve your academic performance, decision making skills and grasp difficult concepts quickly. Can ‘learning’ to become ambidextrous really have all these advantages? Let’s find out. Ambidextrousness: A Dual Handed Benefit?   There is a bit of confusion regarding the actual definition of ambidextrousness. You are ambidextrous, if you can perform any task equally with either hand, for instance, write legibly using either of your hands. However, if you do some tasks with your right hand and others with your left, experts will term it as being mixed-handed. Jimi Hendrix is a good example of mixed-handedness. He used his left hand to throw and comb his hair, but he wrote, ate and held the telephone with his right hand.   How To Become Ambidextrous? (Because Few Are Born This Way)   In the 1800s Paul Broca and Carl Wernicke discovered that different hemispheres of the brain handled different functions such as speech, language and even motor functions. But it was only in 2009 that scientists researched around 25,000 families and found certain genes were responsible for ambidextrousness in people. Then in 2015, researchers found that brain function within the cerebellum is responsible for creativity. This certainly proves why many ambidextrous people have unconventional problem solving abilities. If you want to develop these skills, multi-sensory neurobics exercises are your best bet. This is because they amp up your ability to use both hands. For example, you can learn to write backwards with your dominant hand first and then do so with your non-dominant before switching from left to right. Yes, it’s a mind bending brain exercise. But that’s precisely the point. Without stretching yourself, you cannot experience growth. Part of what it takes to become a creative genius is willfully exposing yourself to challenges. Creative Geniuses, Or: The Celebrities Of Ambidextrousness   Nearly 60 years after his death, neurosurgeons studying Einstein’s brain discovered that his brain hemispheres were extremely well-connected. The ability to use the right hemispheres creativity and the left hemispheres logic gave the Father of Relativity a significant advantage from his peers. Despite a lack of evidence proving Einstein’s ambidextrousness, the study confirmed Einstein’s non right-handedness. Another historical figure who belonged to the ambidextrous club was Leonardo Da Vinci. The famous artist (and scientist of art) could easily write with both hands. When Da Vinci wrote an ordinary letter, he used his right hand. However, he wrote his secret diaries in mirror writing using his left hand which made it difficult for others to read. I’ll bet he used some of these visualization exercises too. Are All Ambidextrous Individuals Creative Geniuses?   Not really! Left-handed tennis player Evgenia Kulikovskaya can switch her racket hand mid game to keep hitting forehands when her left hand gets tired. She doesn’t have a backhand! Take a look at this video: https://youtu.be/EEuTjl1Wiao     The Controversial History Of Ambidextrous Training: John Jackson   Though many modern studies link ambidextrousness with increased brain function in both hemispheres of the brain, this idea was not well received at first. In 1905, English educational reformer, John Jackson established the Ambidextral Culture Society. He believed that a two handed, two brained society encouraged superior learning as it engaged the entire brain. He also expected a lot from his disciples. Whether it was playing the piano with one hand or writing a letter with the other, he required his disciples to execute them flawlessly. Was he successful in his mission? Not quite. His society was a laughing stock of the scientific community at the time. Leading British neurologist, James Crichton-Browne criticized the society and even warned Jackson against going the evolutionary process. John Jackson’s movement died out in the 1920s. However, his ideas did not. They continued to fuel misconceptions regarding the power of am

Do you have enough mental exercises to genuinely help you experience real and lasting memory improvement? Whether it’s for learning a language, or even just remembering directions while traveling the world. Be honest about your answer. No one here is to judge. Quite the opposite. This blog post (and the podcast – hit play above!) is about about helping you better understand how to judge your memory as it is now and take the right steps toward improving it. To that end, last week we covered 3 Powerful Memory Training Techniques From Around The World. And I just hopped on a live video session to demonstrate just how powerful memory techniques can be in everyday life for memorizing the information in life that matters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTrP3FBrH4o This week, I’ve got 7 more mental exercises you can use to experience true memory improvement. Are memory techniques for everyone? Yes and no. But you can’t decide for yourself without the fullest possible range of perspectives. And let’s make this point as clear as possible: Memory techniques give you the best mental exercise on the planet. Study them well, everywhere they appear around the glob. With that point in mind, let’s get rolling with… 1. USA: Moonwalking With Einstein (And Elaborative Encoding) For Total Recall US memory champion Joshua Foer’s book Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything talks about the importance of memorizing events and stories in human history. Sadly, Foer also documents the decline of mental exercises for memorizing in modern life. By the same token, with partial thanks to his book and the internet, the techniques that people need to adopt to restore the art of remembering have never been more popular. The memory trick that Foer explains in his book involves a process known as “elaborative encoding.” This involves converting information, such as your grocery list, into a series of “engrossing visual images.” For instance, if you want to remember a list of objects like gherkins, cottage cheese, etc. all you need to do is visualise them in an unforgettable manner. Memory expert Ed Cooke – who helped Foer develop his techniques – suggests remembering an item on a shopping list by imagining something like “Claudia Schiffer swimming in [a] tub of cottage cheese.” Of course, why someone would waste time on memorizing shopping lists in the best memory improvement books is beyond me. But feel free to memorize anything you like. Whatever works. So long as it really works to give you the memory improvement outcomes you seek! To ensure that, be sure to deposit these images you’ve created using elaborative encoding in a specific order in your Memory Palace. With practice, a mnemonist can trace a certain path around these memory rooms to recover thousands of images – and with them, thousands of memories. Nelson Dellis, repeat champion of the USA Memory competition, also uses a combination of vivid imagery linked with placing those images in your Memory Palace to remember a list of words. 2. Germany: Memorizing Names Through Association German memory champion Simon Reinhard is one of the top memory athletes in the world. He holds two records for memorizing a 52-card pack of playing cards in just over 21 seconds. Reinhard uses the “association” method to memorize names and faces. And it makes for great mental exercise. How does memorizing names work? When Reinhard hears a name for the first time, he imagines someone else (a familiar figure) with the same name and then try to find similarities between the two or associate it with a feeling. “Sometimes the names fit perfectly, for example a bald headed white Thomas could be the middle age monk Thomas von Aquinas. But if that doesn’t work and I don’t find an immediate connection, I try to search a bit more thoroughly what this name could tell me. For example the name reminds me of a feeling of anger and then I either try finding some angry expression in the face or the exact opposite, if the person is laughing. It is kind of a multi-faceted approach that doesn’t work automatically but comes easily when I look at the name with an open mind. This is my basic, natural approach.” This quote comes from an interview that Reinhard gave to Memory-Sports. (That site seems to have disappeared, but the Way Back Machine still has the interview.) Reinhard also uses memory palace method or the method of loci to remember decks of cards and digits. 3. Japan: Kioku-Jutsu Or The Ninja Mnemonic Method Ninjas were highly trained Japanese spies who were expected to gather and remember crucial information without having to resort to any written text. In order to sharpen their memory skills, Ninjas used the method of “association” to remember complex numbers. They would associate numbers with body parts or food – something that you will definitely recall. They used another extreme method. P

Have you been looking for the perfect learn Japanese app… Or maybe just wondering how to learn Japanese on your own with memory techniques? Are you still at the level where you’re searching Google with “learn Japanese alphabet,” unaware of its unique character sets? Or how about that wish to know how to speak Japanese fast? Well, in today’s guest post and featured podcast guest host, Kevin Richardson share his experiences using the best app to learn to speak Japanese in the world: The Memory Palace. But not just any Memory Palace. A Magnetic Memory Palace. Scroll up and click play to hear my interview with Kevin and read his separate assessment below. Take it away Kevin! The Man Who Almost Gave Up On Learning Japanese   Without Magnetic Memory, I would have packed up my bags and given up on ever learning the readings of Japanese kanji. Now, I have no doubts that I’m going to complete my mission. I want to be fully literate in Japanese … and I want to be able to handwrite kanji too. In for a penny, in for a pound! This is actually my second attempt at using the Magnetic Memory Method. I won’t lie to you, the first time I tried making a Memory Palace wasn’t a great success. So take heart, don’t give up if you don’t get everything right the first time. Treat it as a learning experience. I promise you, you’ll get better quickly. I’m still only a fledgling Memory Palace maker, yet now I’m able to remember up to thirty kanji readings in a single day! Best of all – I know they’re there forever!     Before employing the Magnetic Memory technique, I’d used Heisig’s “Remembering the Kanji” volume 1 to memorize over two thousand kanji meanings in six months. I wasn’t setting the world on fire, but for someone who can’t even remember why I’ve gone to the convenience store, I was still pretty pleased with myself.   Maybe The Memory Palace Stuff Wasn’t For Me…   In hindsight, I wish I’d known more about Memory Palaces when I set about using Heisig’s method, but my first attempt wasn’t very successful and I resigned myself to thinking maybe this Memory Palace stuff wasn’t for me. It was then that I listened to Olly Richard’s podcast with Anthony Metivier talking about learning hiragana with the Magnetic Memory Method. By happy coincidence, I was just starting to think about the daunting task of learning thousands of readings for the kanji characters. I knew that if I could get the hang of it, this would be make or break. After all, Japanese people take about ten years to accomplish the same task; so for me, any technique that’s going to supercharge my memory was worth a punt.     My first Memory Palace was a modest affair. I drew a sketch map of my apartment in Japan, numbered my memory stations in a logical route from bed to genkan (the place you leave your shoes). The first kanji vocabulary word I added to the bottom of my bed – 主に (omoni – ‘mainly’). The story, “oh money is mainly found at the bottom of my bed”. Next, 大気 (taiki – ‘atmosphere’) … That utter tyke, Russ Abbot singing “Oh what atmosphere, I love a party with an atmosphere” in the cupboard next to my bed. And as the tour went around my apartment, the story developed into a bizarre journey that I couldn’t forget. Do you remember the Hana Barbera cartoon of Godzilla? I always hated the baby Godzilla, “Godzuki”, yet when I came to the bathroom, I have to think about that dinosaur, Gojira (as the Japanese say) … I’m a big fan of Godzilla … (dai no gojira zuki desu).   My Mind Couldn’t Help But Fill In The Gaps   I took Anthony’s advice and walked through my Memory Palace ten times that first day. That made a big difference; I think by walking through the same linear path through my apartment, visualizing the story ten times, the story in my mind became like a sequence of video clips. My mind couldn’t help but fill in the gaps, so I’d see myself mainly getting my omoni from the bottom of my bed, so that I could throw some spare yen at Russ Abbot busking “atmosphere” in my cupboard etc etc. The next day, I walked through it in my mind a couple more times during breaks at work. I loved the fact that I didn’t need any technology, no batteries and could simply walk through my Memory Palace whenever I had some downtime. I decided that I’d start making one Memory Palace a week from that moment onwards. I’m now on my fifth Memory Palace and have gone from making twelve Magnetic Stations to now making over thirty Magnetic Stations in each Memory Palace. (* Note: During the making of this Memory Palace, a mosquito collided violently with my notebook … to honor it’s death, I shall always remember “Yuu HAVE made a mess here”) I’m not rushing anything.

What is Bitcoin and cryptocurrency? And why should memory improvement fans memorize a long list of virtual currencies? To help answer the question, Jonathan Levi joins me on this episode Magnetic Memory Method Podcast. And to help us understand why the topic is so challenging for even the smartest learners, we discuss: * The most important definition of Bitcoin (and probably all new digital currencies to come) and the software involved that you need to understand. * The truth about fiat currencies and the BIG problems with fractional reserve banking. * How Jonathan discovered Bitcoin and found cryptocurrency compelling enough to use his SuperLearner skills to learn how to buy Bitcoin stock in an easy and secure way. * The most popular crypto currencies and why so much terminology is needed to discuss how to buy bitcoins and store them in different kinds of wallets. * How Jonathan answered the central question: Is Bitcoin mining worth it? * Why even people in underprivileged countries can buy Bitcoins with a debit card and participate in a democratized currency that will allow them to buy valuable online education programs (like for learning a language). * The history of money and why everyone interested in this emerging form of currency needs to use their memory to help them learn about it. * Why bitcoin is a revolution in both commerce and technology the provides a strong alternative to a fiat currency and the current culture of debt. * Some of the history of money that “rots” as described by Lewis Hyde in The Gift and its relationship to the BlockChain. * Blockchain technology explained clearly for those who need a “blockchain for dummies” guide to understanding the irreversible functions of mathematics that updates the ledger across the word. * The special relationship between Internet money like Zcash and intellectual property that can never be copied. * Why news updates about Bitcoin don’t matter… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgLiX2kyRDQ * How Filecoin and other services help transfer shares properly and establish proper ownership in the hugest paradigm shift since the introduction of the Internet itself. * A clear description of the problems being solved by bitcoin miners on the bitcoin market and how this creates tangible value. * Why mining transactions and rewards take place every ten minutes and yet involve trillions of difficult transactions designed to keep out bad actors. * Why the brilliant decisions of Satoshi Nakamoto helped make Bitcoin fraud very difficult, if not outright impossible. * Why credit card charges are so expensive and make Bitcoin value projections climb higher and higher. * Why every cellphone has the ability to function as its own bank without the need for a third person or elaborate trust structures. * The future of credit card bonuses, air miles, incentive points, interest and transaction fees in this new era of Internet money. * Why Bitcoin value is directly linked to a true understanding of democracy. * The ultimate answer to the question: Is Bitcoin mining worth it? * Omisego and how serving the unbanked will prove revolutionary for learners around the world. * Why Copay is the best and most secure wallet to use when learning how to buy Bitcoin. * The role of transparency in a changing world of privacy and security and the role of anonymity when using these new forms of currency. * The role of a passwords manager when using Bitcoin and other issues of online security. * The ultimate question of whether these cryptocurrency solutions are making the world simpler or more complex. * The number one opportunity with Bitcoin, the number one strength you’ll need and the number one fear each person should have – and how to avoid the need to fear getting involved in the cryptocurrency of your choice. * How this topic fits into the SuperLearner world overall. If you’re interested in learning more, click the image below to take a free intro course that will teach you even more:     Jonathan Levi is the host of the wildly popular SuperLearner Academy and host of the Becoming A Superhuman Podcast and Bitcoin for the Masses. Together, we teach Branding You™: How to Build Your Multimedia Internet Empire. Stay tuned for the 2.0 version of this course coming very soon! In the meantime, please be sure to educate yourself about Bitcoin, cryptocurrency and let the topic serve so you don’t get left behind. If nothing else, this topic serves as great brain exercise, no matter your age or general interest. What about you? Excited about the future of money and this interesting learning and memory challenge?

When you have to memorize the names of hundreds of bones and muscles, usually in complex Latin terms, you don’t want to spend hours fiddling with boring and ineffective flashcards. You just want to know how to memorize anatomy in a way that works. And you want to learn without rote repetition burning you out. When you learn the dedicated Memory Palace strategy I’ll teach you on this page, you’ll soon discover that the learning process doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, you’ll see me absorbing anatomy quickly in the same way I’ve used and taught thousands of students who have used the process to pass their medical exams. I’ll also help you skip the problems others run into when they aren’t taught the Memory Palace technique correctly. Ready to skip the stress of forgetting anatomy with detailed examples? Let’s dive in. What Is A Memory Palace & How Does It Apply To Anatomy? The Memory Palace technique allows you to “offload” difficult information onto locations by creating journeys. You can use a familiar location like your home, school, a church, museum or any building on a university campus. If you’ve heard of the technique before, you might have worried that you don’t have enough places for the massive amounts of information involved in learning anatomy. Please put this worry aside. I’ve got countless Memory Palace ideas you can use. In some cases, you can even use your body. For example, watch me memorize the carpal bones using my wrist as a Memory Palace in this video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL2EAWsClDQ If you’d like another example of using the body as a Memory Palace, here’s a guide to memorizing the ulna and radius. Proof It Works: How Alex Mullen Aced Med School You don’t have to take my word for how helpful these techniques can be when you’re studying all aspects of medicine. In addition to interviewing successful nursing students, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alex Mullen on the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast. In addition to winning the World Memory Championship three times, he successfully completed his medical training and now practices medicine. Although Mullen has told me he incorporate some flashcard practice and used Anki to a certain extent, strategic Memory Palace use was important to his success. And the key for my own students in med school is to use Memory Palaces in combination with other anatomy mnemonics and a principle called spaced repetition. 4 Steps to Creating Your First Memory Palace For Anatomy Once you’ve decided on a location or area of your body, here’s what to do next: One: Create a Linear Journey As you can see in my carpal bone tutorial video above, I didn’t randomly memorize the carpal bones. I deliberately used the journey method to follow a logical path. This won’t always work when using the body Memory Palace technique, which is why you want to make sure your anatomy Memory Palaces are well-formed. As a general rule, start at the dead end of the location and move yourself towards an exit. Like this: Because this Memory Palace example starts in the corner of a master bedroom and moves through the apartment to the doorway and ultimately the landing, there’s no confusion while using the Memory Palace. Two: Associate Each Anatomical Term with A Highly “Magnetic” Association The next step involves assigning what I call Magnetic Imagery. What is Magnetic Imagery? It’s my preferred term for mnemonic image. It’s incredibly easy, so let me show you how how it works. How to Memorize the Auditory Ossicles (Case Study) Let’s say you needed to memorize the “malleus” for the hammer bone in the ear. In one corner of a room you’ve prepared as a Memory Palace, you can begin to imagine the actor Malcolm McDowell wrestling with an eel while smashing the Toys R Us logo into the eel using a plastic toy “hammer”… Like I’ve illustrated for you in this image: Here’s why this form of association works: Malcolm + eel + hammer + Toys R Us logo = Malleus and hammer. How do you rapidly come up with sound and spelling-based associations like this? I suggest you go through my tutorial on the pegword method. You’ll complete a simple exercise where you write down a famous figure for each letter of the alphabet. Please make sure you actually write them down. This will start to train your procedural memory so you can look at any term and connect it with a dynamic figure. Three: Exaggerate Your Associations Associations work well, but in order to make them truly “sticky” in your Memory Palaces for anatomy, you need to do what scientists call elaborative encoding. Basically, you take each association and mentally make them: Bright Vibrant Dynamic Big Colorful Crazy Strange Emotional Physical Animated Forceful Loud Rhyming Punning Four: Use Re

Memory training is an ancient discipline loaded with fascinating terminology. There’s so much vocabulary specific to memory techniques that we need a mnemonics dictionary to combine and define them all. That’s what you’re getting on this page. Why create a dictionary devoted to mnemonic methods? For one thing, using mnemonics is mostly an internal art. In other words, nearly everything we do when using memory techniques takes place entirely within the “black box” of the mind. This means that it’s impossible to observe what others are doing when using memory techniques to perform deep encoding. And because practicing the memory arts relies on abstract cognitive processes, everything from visualization to conceptual association, and spatial navigation, shared definitions are the only bridge we have between instruction and execution. Without a standardized lexicon, a student attempts to build complex mental structures with vague blueprints, leading to fragile systems that collapse under the pressure of recall. But having a dictionary of mnemonics will serve you as a foundational guide for learning to use this mental architecture. That way, when you come across someone talking about a “hook,” “station,” or “image,” you have a place to look up what these terms mean. With precision. And accuracy. The kind that only someone who cares deeply about the ancient and modern aspects of memory training can create. How this Massive Mnemonics Dictionary Will Help You Why is the need for terminological precision so high? A few reasons. For one thing, we all need clarity when distinguishing between closely related techniques, such as the Journey Method and the Memory Palace. Is there really a difference? Today you’ll find out. And by reading this mnemonics dictionary, you will move from being caught in the trap of use these terms causually and interchangeably to being able to spot and make use of multiple critical distinctions. Another reason is that I want to honor the rich historical lineage of the “Ars Memoriae” tradition. There are many nuances to be explored between the ancient tradition and modern adaptations of it. When you’re able to understand whether a technique originates from the slow, meditative practices of the Renaissance or the high-speed processes innovated by modern memory athlete, you can better select the right tools for your specific goal. Ultimately, I want this online dictionary of mnemonics to elevate the study of memory. Although there is definitely a place for parlor tricks and study tips, many of us benefit from a more rigorous investigation of why how these techniques work according to science. Think of of it like this: Just as a musician must know the difference between a major and minor third to compose a good symphony, a mnemonist must understand the subtle gradations between an acrostic and an acronym, or the Major System and the Ben System. By establishing accurate, agreed-upon definitions, we as a community empower each other to stop guessing at the mechanics of these techniques and start using them with great focus and intent. Addressing Modern Threats to Mnemonic Accuracy Finally, we also have the rising problem of people, particularly on forums, flooding the Internet with AI slop. It’s not that AI-generated information is a problem as such. But as I mentioned at the end of a recent conversation with Andrew Mayne, there are bad actors out there creating problems when there are none. For example, several, nearly identical posts about Memory Palaces supposedly having downsides have appeared. Each one that I’ve examined bears the hallmarks of someone prompting an AI to help them poke holes in a flawless technique just to get some search traffic. The reason I can tell you with certainty that this kind of disappointing behaviour is so dangerous is because poking holes in the Memory Palace technique is like complaining that hammers come with downsides because they are designed to hammer nails. Although hammers might not be appropriate for all tasks in carpentry, needing to use a saw to cut wood does not mean that hammers have any kind of defect. So with all this context in mind, let’s dive into this collection of terms. Let it be your toolkit for mastering all of the mnemonic devices humans have developed over thousands of years. The Official Magnetic Memory Method Mnemonics Dictionary Naturally, I’ve arranged this dictionary alphabetically. I’ve also kept the definitions as slim as possible, sharing links to resources throughout. If you have suggestions for missing entries, please post a comment or get in touch. A Acronym: A word formed from the initial letters of a phrase or series of words (e.g., FBI, CIA, NASA or HOMES). Acronyms are one of the most common mnemonic strategies and are used around the world. Acrostic: A sentence where the first letter of each word acts

It happens. We all have verbal diarrhea from time to time. Sometimes we say something we think is funny. Other times we’re just being rude. Heck, sometimes we don’t even know why we get the feeling we’ve said something wrong or offensive. For whatever reason, often within seconds… Ours words suddenly rub us the wrong way. Worse: The bad feeling that won’t go away starts to itch… It may even burn, sometimes leading us to say even more ludicrous things that make us feel even worse. Once those words are out there … they’re out there. The worst thing of all:   This Problem Chews Up Your Mental Space And Memory Resources!   Make no mistake: The things we say can be damaging. Very damaging, especially regarding how others perceive us and how we perceive ourselves. But it’s probably our self-perception that takes the hardest hit, especially if we have OCD tendencies and repeat words and phrases in our minds. (That happens to me a lot, along with earworms.)   The “Childish” Reasons People Self-Punish   Ultimately, no one knows why we self-punish. It could be that our bodies and minds are trying to build up energy to deal with the pain. But we do it in a childish way. Ludwig Wittgenstein has been credited with originating the story of the child who made his way into a cocktail party. While there, the child banged his knee on a table and started crying loudly. “There, there” said all the adults when they saw his bloodied knee. And the adults continued cooing at the child to comfort him as they applied rubbing alcohol and a bandaid to the wound. Now imagine the same cocktail party. This time, instead of a child, a grown man bangs his knee. He feels the exact same pain and his wound produces the same amount of blood. But the difference is that the man does not bawl in public. Instead, the grownup observes silently that he has banged his knee and excuses himself to the washroom. There, he finds the rubbing alcohol on his own and administers a bandaid.   Do You Scream In Silence?   Why does the man do all of this in silence instead of crying his heart out? Simple: Social conditioning over the years has not changed the nature of the pain or the work needed to care for the wound. But social conditioning has changed the nature of what makes for an appropriate response to the pain. According to some self-punishment theories, even the maturest of adults have minds that still need conditioning so that they respond in mature ways to mental pain. Since a lot of conditioning comes from words, we can use words to “recondition.” Here’s one simple and easy to remember trick before we continue with a host of holistic strategies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvtYjdriSpM   Exactly How To Mature Your Mind And Stop Mentally Punishing Yourself   I don’t know about you, but in my past, I’ve called myself an idiot for the verbal mistakes I’ve made at least a thousand times. In fact… I’ve said many things worse than that to myself. And no, I’m not going to repeat them. But I’ve come to understand that they were just the signs and symptoms of an untrained mind. There was nothing wrong with that mind. It just hadn’t been matured. And although this self-punishment still happens once in awhile, I’ve learned to settle the self-abuse down. The cure mostly comes down to a combination of relaxation, mindset and huge respect for memory and the practice of memory improvement and maintenance over many years. Here are four ways I’ve dealt with the self-punishment so that it no longer chews up memory power, no longer bashes self-esteem and no longer has the power to reduce life satisfaction:   Tip #1: Learn The Scary Truth About Social Inattention   Here’s a power reality: A HUGE percentage of the things we say to others tend to be forgotten. In fact, thanks to something called inattentional blindness, most people barely perceive what you’re saying at all. Why? Because the people you’re talking to are barely paying attention. Even if they were, human memory is flawed in your favor. If the minds of other people are barely tracking a tenth of what you’re saying, they are encoding far less than that into memory.   The Ultimate Proof That Few People Remember What You Say   Want proof? Go ahead and study yourself when listening to others and I think you’ll find that it’s true. You’re not focused like a laser on what they’re saying. You’re not enjoying photographic memory, nor recording everything like a video camera. Quite the opposite. The truth?   Your Mind Is All Over The Place!   More than half the time, you’re thinking about what you’re going to say next. You’re probably even obsessively repeating what you want to say in your mind so you won’t forget. T

Would you like to eliminate the ‘busy-work’ from your language learning activities? You know the ones I mean: Scouring the Internet for vocabulary and phrases – the kind that will actually move you towards meaningful fluency… Hunting for images to open up the visual centers of your brain and memory… Driving yourself mad looking for audio clips that match the words and phrases you want to link together on your SRS device.   Meet The ‘Tesla’ Of Language Learning Who Is Working To Engineer A Completely New Kind of Language Learning App   As a polyglot, bestselling author and all-around nice guy, Gabriel Wyner is the man behind a completely new kind of language learning app and the book Fluent Forever: How To Learn Any Language Fast And Never Forget It. He also runs the incredible Fluent Forever blog where you can learn things like How To Use Flash Cards While Driving. And on this episode of the Magnetic Memory Method Podcast, scroll up, press play and you’ll learn: Why pronunciation is one of the first barriers language learners face and why lack of familiarity with sounds frustrates most people. Why Gabriel talked about memory scientist Hermann Ebbinghaus as a masochist, and how he’s helping eliminate masochism from the language learning process. The role of learning a language without translations to cause your brain to make associations you wouldn’t discover any other way. How to create useful language connections using Google images and create fill-in-the-blank-sentences. Why Gabriel is working so hard to replace one of the most commonly used SRS software for language learning. Why you need to make your own flash cards and the decisions you can make to take a more active role in your language education experience. What makes SRS and search-based websites such a huge burden and Gabriel’s hard won experiences learning to use them with “two-handed mouse and keyboard maneuvers.” The difference between “busy-work” related to language learning and actually learning the language. The role of choice in language learning and why it pays off big time in language study and your journey towards bilingualism. Why you need differentiation when looking at variation sentences for your memory to benefit from the Von Restorff Effect and related memory effects. The value of looking at words both in context and out of context. How engineering influenced Gabriel’s quest to create a language-focused SRS app better than any other in existence. How Gabriel has tested and optimized the user experience in order to create an easier learning process with real people. The hidden connection between desperation, motivation and the unexplainable sources of inspiration that lead to the “joy-fueled” energy that propels learners towards fluency. Why you don’t need to know your “why” to learn a language. How many words you need to know in order to become fluent. Fascinating ideas on how to use recordings to help you remember gendered nouns – an incredible idea that you’re not going to want to miss! Oh, and Gabriel’s a great singer too. Check this out: https://youtu.be/Bz7QmlXHbAs So, what do you say? Are you excited? I know I am, so make sure to check out Gabriel’s Language Blog on the Fluent Forever website so you can learn more about his upcoming app and how to get involved. Additional Resources for Gabriel Wyner And Fluent Forever   Great Derek Sivers review of Fluent Forever Gabriel Wyner on the Art of Charm Podcast How to Teach Old Ears New Tricks on Scientific American by Gabriel Wyner MyQuest For Your Memory Improvement with Edan Kertis

Let’s face it. Everyone has fantasized about having a memory implant. You know the kind: A small, unobtrusive thing, patched directly into your brain … … capable of letting you learn and remember at miraculous speeds. Heck, maybe this neural implant or brain prosthesis (whatever you want to call it), doesn’t even need to break the skin. It may even be possible that your memory could be manipulated by radio waves or some other external signal. But until that time, unless you’ve already decided you’re going to be the first in line … Here are 7 reasons why memory implants are probably going to suck.   #1. Memory Implants Won’t Eliminate Practice   I conduct a lot of surveys here at the Magnetic Memory Method headquarters. And that scene from The Matrix … https://youtu.be/6vMO3XmNXe4 … comes up a lot. The problem is: People don’t watch the movie for what it’s really saying and the true metaphor about the value of training and journeying we can extract from the tale:   Downloading IS NOT Learning!   Not only does Neo have to get into the dojo and spar with Morpheus as a form of “accelerated practice” … … Morpheus next cajoles Neo into jumping off a building, part of a chain of events that causes the “real” Neo to bleed. Morpheus then tricks Neo with the woman in the red dress, proving again that downloading isn’t enough.   Far From It!   The mind still needs to be trained. The mind still needs practice. And let me ask you something: What is Neo’s ultimate showdown with Agent Smith other than another training exercise? An exercise that actually requires Neo to die before he experiences an awakening … … That leads to two sequels where he needs to practice being Neo even more until he can surrender his life to the war between humans and machines and finally die. And even then, some people reckon that Neo’s not really the one: https://youtu.be/VkMU1mKdwPI The point is this: When people fantasize that a memory chip implanted in their brains is going to give them knowledge … They’re just plain wrong about the definition of knowledge. Knowledge may well involve things you can store and retrieve … But at its core …   Knowledge Is The Ongoing Practice Of Knowledge   And that knowledge/practice coupling should ideally become better practice over time. But it can only be earned through consistent acts of practice, consistently applied. The level of learning most people want will never be instant. It will always require practice over time. And it will always involve an interesting combination of weaving and navigation as you create the paths you travel. I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. - Bruce LeeClick To Tweet Understanding takes time. Even understanding must be practiced through consistent contemplation.   Yes, Yes, But I Still Want To Know … Is There A Shortcut?   As a matter of fact, yes there is. A short cut even better than the shortcut many people seek. The only (and best) shortcut to contemplation is memory techniques. Learn them a.s.a.p.! Why? So you can STOP dithering around with the consumption process and get on with processing information. No computer can do that for you. Ever. That’s entirely on you.   #2: If You Think Advertising Is Bad Now …   A lot of people whine and complain about advertising. Sadly, this kvetching often comes from the same people who sacrifice hours of their time to social media and mindless television. To tell you the truth, it kind of makes me miss the PBS days … https://youtu.be/Cz9iP3iZcEU What people who complain about advertising don’t realize is that this big media platforms are chewing up your attention span by selling ads … … and THEN telling content creators how to make their content in ways that serve ads better and more frequently. Serve ads better – not necessarily you. And you had better believe that the first thing they’re going to do if implants succeed is erect billboards in your head. At least now we can fend off Digital Amnesia by digital fasting. But once the branded devices are fused with your brain, you’ll be the walking receptacle of advertising you can’t switch off.   #3. The Nightmares Of Hardware Maintenance … In The Flesh!   Taking care of our human bodies is hard enough. People do a better job with their pets and vehicles a lot of the time. And since we know the implant market will follow the trends of manufacturing processes, there will be an ongoing attempt to make the hardware as cheap as possible to maximize profits … Think about that. Do you really want a brain prosthesis built in a sweatshop constantly breaking down and rotting in your head? When you could simply learn

The experience of memory loss creates the kind of story you normally only see in the movies. Yet, for Jennie Gorman, the experience of memory loss was all too real. Although we all experience the occasional mild loss of memory, it’s difficult to imagine what it must be like dealing with a disorienting and painful experience like this: Luckily, Jennie found incredible resources within herself that drove her to find a solution. And that solution could well help you too. If not now, possibly in the future. So buckle in, click play, and discover the root cause of Jennie’s memory loss and how she solved it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9wY6JabdtM   The Nasty Substances Creating Your Current Or Eventual Memory Loss Story   We all put things into our body that don’t serve us. For some of us, it’s a bad habit like smoking (here’s the Magnetic Memory Method way to stop smoking if you need help). For other people, it’s the absence of foods that improve memory. Not everyone can get away from medication, but as Jennie points out in this podcast and video … … the substance rotting your memory ability might not be booze, tobacco or a medication. That means, you’ve got to dig deep to find the problem. Like Kasper Bormans is trying to do: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMcduh1HEHA   The Truth About Memory Loss And The Dark Of Night   The quantity and quality of your sleep influence your memory in many ways. That means you can get a ton of sleep, but if it isn’t good sleep, you’ll still suffer memory problems. Likewise, you can get quality sleep, but still not enough of it to make an impact. In all cases, sleep deprivation is a memory killer. Avoid it at all costs.   Protect Your Brain   That brain of yours is like an egg in a shell. Brain trauma can happen anytime, so please exert caution when riding your bike, driving or engaging in sports. The sad thing about injuries to your head is that the symptoms and problems might not show up for decades. That’s why we must all exercise maximum vigilance at all times.   Entrepreneurial Memory Secrets   One of the most intriguing elements of Jennie’s story involves her success as an entrepreneur. As the incredible leader of Connexions Unlimited, Jennie is a master networker. The ability to recall names and faces is very important when you’re in business and her memory loss threatened this skill in an immediate way. Luckily, Jennie recovered her memory and eliminated a ton of stress-induced memory loss. This was a boon, given her work with other entrepreneurs. The level of care she brings to helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses extends far beyond their names. It involves helping them manage their business vision, mission and a number of goals and milestones. Apart from memory techniques … what’s the secret to keeping your memory fresh and alive when you’re in business? Plenty of networking and Masterminding, of course! Seriously. Keeping social and avoiding isolation helps your brain coat itself in healthy chemicals that will preserve your memory. Unfortunately, far too many entrepreneurs lock themselves away. But that too can create brain trauma of an even more pernicious kind …   The Pen Is Mightier Than Memory Loss   But if you’re going to isolate yourself, a great way to fend off memory loss is regular writing. As the author of Awesome Authenticity: Mastering Business Relationships, Jennie continues writing new books and on her blog and social media pages. Writing is an unknown memory preserver because of how it stimulates your brain. It doesn’t really matter if you write or type, but you do want to consider the advantages of handwriting for your memory, especially if you’re a student. Even if you’re not going to write books and articles, just 5-10 minutes of daily journaling can give your brain and memory huge benefits. Give it a try!   What’s Your Memory Loss Story?   Have you had an experience with memory loss? What are your thoughts on the difference between memory loss and forgetfulness? Let us know in the comment area below. 🙂 In the meantime, for more about Jennie, who has sadly passed on since we recorded this episode, check out these links: Jennie Gorman’s The People Connector page on Facebook Jennie Gorman on YouTube