Get rid of the clutter if you want to REMEMBER
July 26th 2008 21:58
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From: Telegraph Journal, Canada
CAN'T FIND THINGS? YOUR MEMORY MAY BE TOO GOOD
Can't figure out where you put the remote? Your problem may not be a bad memory; it may be one that's too good. Some people are able to store gigabytes of information. If you're one of them, the sheer volume - especially of useless info - is like mental litter: It can clutter up your brain. The key to a good memory is being selective: retaining the relevant, and discarding the unimportant. When it comes to short-term visual memory (where you left your drink, what that street sign said, etc.) the brain generally can retain only three or four things at once. Because of this, efficiently "erasing" unnecessary bits of data can make the difference between whether you're good at recalling things or not. Just as it's easier to search your computer's hard drive when there's less stuff on it, your brain works better if there's less to look through. Whether you actually can retrain your brain to store only things that are important to you has yet to be figured out. Meanwhile, these strategies may help: When you really need to remember something - where you're tucking your plane ticket, what time you promised to call your boss - ignore distractions (the person with the pierced lip or pet parrot) and focus on the thing you need to lock onto. Also, associate things with something emotional: Put all notes from your family close to your heart. Slip all baggage claims into your back pocket, near where you'd get back pain if you had to carry the bag yourself. Now, where is the "send" button on this computer?
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