You're Not Forgetful: My System for Memorising Everything

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll explore effective strategies for improving memory retention and recall, based on the insights from Elizabeth Filips, a medical student who has developed a personal system to memorize information more effectively. Whether you're a student, professional, or lifelong learner, these techniques can help you enhance your memory and make learning more efficient.

Step 1: Understand the Science of Forgetting

• Recognize that forgetting is a natural part of the learning process.
• Embrace the idea that memory is not solely about retention but also about how information is processed.
• Use the forgetting curve concept to understand when and why you forget information, which can help you plan better review sessions.

Step 2: Learn from Mistakes

• Acknowledge that learning incorrectly can lead to poor memory retention.
• Focus on mastering concepts before moving on to new material.
• Regularly review what you’ve learned to reinforce correct understanding. Use techniques such as spaced repetition to optimize retention.

Step 3: Engage the Emotional Brain

• Understand that emotions significantly impact memory.
• Try to associate new information with emotions or experiences to strengthen recall.
• Utilize storytelling or personal anecdotes when learning, as this can create emotional connections that aid memory.

Step 4: Choose Your Memorization Technique

• Explore different memorization styles such as vertical and horizontal memorizing:
  • Vertical Memorizing: Focus on memorizing in a linear fashion, one point after another.
  • Horizontal Memorizing: Look for connections between different concepts and memorize them in relation to each other.
• Experiment with both techniques to see which works best for you.

Step 5: Tap into Intuition

• Allow your intuition to guide your learning process.
• Pay attention to your instincts about what methods help you remember best.
• Create visual aids or mind maps that resonate with your thought processes to enhance understanding.

Step 6: Overcome Mental Barriers

• Be aware that self-doubt and anxiety can hinder memory recall.
• Develop a positive mindset and practice self-compassion when you forget something.
• Use mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can improve cognitive function.

Conclusion

Improving your memory is a multifaceted process that involves understanding how you learn, engaging your emotions, and choosing effective strategies. By applying these steps, you can enhance your capacity to retain information and recall it when needed. Experiment with these techniques to find what works best for you, and remember that consistency and practice are key to making lasting improvements in memory.