
Improve your focus using memory training
As a memory coach I notice that students are often held back by an inability to focus effectively.
Focus and memory training go hand in hand. Memory training can help you learn to get focus just as improved focus helps with your ability to remember.
First, why might you suffer from a lack of focus?
There are lots of reasons you may not feel focused or switched on.
Life can throw the unexpected at you, or you are still thinking about something else. Perhaps a colleague or superior lists off some important information you will need to recall later, but you were finishing an email and so could not switch your attention.
Other times we are distracted. Maybe you are worried about a presentation you are about to give so you don’t even properly hear the names of the 3 people you were just introduced to (even though you wanted to connect with them later).
Often, it’s just something as regular as hormones, a period with poor diet or inactivity, ADHD, or even just a few nights of bad sleep.
Recently I have returned from holiday. I know that until I get back into regular memory training, say a few times a week, my focus, thoughts and recall will feel sluggish.
A lack of focus can be from of a lack of confidence
Let’s say you just started a new job and as you are getting trained you feel so worried about doing well (while suffering from first day nerves) that you can’t focus on what you are being taught.
Before I discovered memory sports, this was definitely me.
Whatever the case for you, memory training can help not only improve your memory when you are switched on, but it can also help you learn to switch your focus back to on, when its off.
The confidence you gain as your memory and focus improve creates a snowball effect where both improve further.
Using memory techniques to learn something
Mnemonic techniques are fantastic for study, or to learn for a certain goal. They can speed up how quickly you remember something along with far better retention than rote learning.
Using memory techniques for regular focus and memory training
The most beneficial form of memory training for working on your focus and improving your speed of any future learning is by regularly doing timed memory training.
This is why I like all my students to do some regular training outside of their current learning goals.
Regular speed training is like going to the gym but for your brain. You do it because your memory and ability to focus gets stronger over time. Just like the gym, its not always fun. But to get the results you want it’s what needs to be done.
For my memory coaching students we look at what type of focus and speed of recall they need in their life and then ensure they are getting the right training.
Most students start with 60 second intervals using the specific memory skills that athletes use in different disciplines. For example. how many names and faces you can remember in 60 seconds. Over time we work to improve the speed. This training develops the ability to block out distractions and just focus on the task at hand.
Depending on the individual, we may then work towards a memory “marathon” and build up longer periods of memorization and focus. For example building up from memorizing 60 numbers in 60 seconds to being able to exactly recall 200 or more numbers in 15 minutes. Some even end up doing 1 hour number marathons!
Any start in memory training is good
Don’t let the sound of a number marathon put you off, just like with the exercise analogy. You don’t need to be able to run a marathon to improve your fitness. Just ‘get down to the gym’ and start any regular timed memory training.
A good place to train for minimal cost is on a site called Memory League, or you can train for free on the official International Association of Memory site. I’ll be writing a blog soon outlining where to start and how much you should do.
Want to get good at memorising quickly? Take a look at my step by step Master Your Memory course. If you need a bit more guidance Master Your Memory Plus includes one on one memory coaching.