Can you really improve your memory via memory training?
I am often asked this question by those who think they have been born with a bad memory and believe it’s for life.
The good news is, yes — memory training is a skill anyone can learn. Many people assume memory athletes are born gifted or are using a “magic trick” to recall large amounts of information quickly. In reality, there’s a basic formula that works to improve how fast you can remember. You can learn how to learn faster.
I’ve seen this first-hand through my own training as a memory athlete, and in the progress of my students. With consistent effort, you can experience memory improvement by following three steps:
- Learn memory techniques
- Regularly practice memory techniques
- Don’t stop when you think you are not improving
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the difference between using memory techniques to learn a specific area faster compared to memory training that makes your overall short-term memory faster.
Using memory techniques to learn something faster
Memory techniques like the Memory Palace Method (or Method of Loci) can help you recall something specific. A speech, exam notes, or new vocabulary. These methods are faster than rote learning, but a single use memory technique won’t automatically make your general memory faster.
Think of this as using a powerful tool for one project. It improves your learning speed compared to rote memorization, but lasting speed and flexibility come from consistent memory training.
Memory training for a faster memory
Memory training builds your ability to remember new short-term information quickly. A foundation that helps you learn anything faster. It takes time, repetition, and patience, but becomes a lifelong skill.
In the beginning, this training can feel a bit pointless. You remember vast amounts of information for the day, (and only for that day) as you work to improve how quickly you can remember short term information. This is intentional! You are working on speed of short-term recall not long-term learning.
Treat this process like going to the memory gym. Just as lifting weights builds physical strength for everyday life, memory training strengthens your learning ability.
We lift weights at the gym not because hauling around a dumbbell is inherently useful, but to improve our life. So that we will always be able to carry the groceries, kids, grandkids, do the gardening or whatever other physical thing we need to make us happy.
(Side note: When converting short-term learning into long-term retention, spaced repetition is needed. That’s a topic for another blog.)
For a faster memory, follow these three steps:
Step 1 – Learn memory techniques
Start simple, train to remember images and names.
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- Images – Watch this video
- Names – Watch Memory training using names to remember faster, How to remember everyone’s name and read my detailed guide.
To get started, you’ll also need to understand memory palaces. You will use them for practicing to remember images and later other disciplines like words and numbers.
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- Read my guide How to make and use memory palaces
- Watch this video on using memory palaces
Reuse your palaces and pathways each training session. You can use a pathway once per day. Learn more in Can I re-use a memory palace?
Over time, add words to your training. Later add numbers and cards. Expanding the “disciplines you remember” helps you to have wider skills and adaptability for real life learning. As you improve and your training sessions get longer you will need more memory palaces, as you only use a pathway once each session. Build up a list of palaces you use for quick reference so running out of pathways does not stop you training.
Step 2 – Practice memory techniques
Schedule consistent training time. The more you can do the faster you will improve, but even just 10 minutes a day makes a difference. I train on a few different memory training sites but my recommended go to’s are:
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- Memory League – Short sessions with level rewards and connection that keeps you motivated. You can train alone or compete, it has a supportive online community and online competitions.
- IAM – A great place for building endurance training or competition preparation (and it’s free!). If you are looking to be a memory athlete, the IAM also hosts in person competitions.
- Analyzing your mistakes is a great way to improve, so don’t just finish a session and click away. Take the time to consider what you could have done better.
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Step 3 – Don’t stop when you think you are not improving
- Progress isn’t always linear. Like building muscle, memory improvement includes plateaus and breakthroughs. Stay consistent. Remember, small improvements add up. Over time, your memory capacity and speed will increase. You will hit roadblocks, sometimes you will think you are going backwards. It is part of the process, trust it and keep at it.
If you do get stuck, coaching can help so please reach out. Sometimes an external guide can see what’s holding up the progress and get you going again.
So yes, you really can improve your memory for life!
