Memory is important for language learning. That’s pretty obvious. But how can you improve your memory?

It turns out there are a number of simple tactics to can use to boost your memory. But underlying all tactics for an improved memory is one very important principle. 

The defining principle for all memory tactics is … importance.

If you want to memorise something, it needs to be important to you. More specifically it needs to be important to your brain. Put simply, if your brain thinks something is important it remembers it.

This principle for improving your memory then governs many tactics for memory recall such as mnemonics, acronyms, image association and memory palaces.

In a recent podcast I talked about using the emotion in music to aid in learning new Spanish vocabulary.  The idea is simple—in your life you are more likely to remember days of high emotion such as birthday’s, weddings and funerals than low emotion such as last Tuesday. You can then use this idea to make Spanish vocabulary more memorable such as when it used in the lyrics of an emotional song.

In today’s podcast, I talk about a different tactic. I tell a story about a time I memorised 121 digits of Pi for a friends birthday. Not only did I memorise 121 digits of Pi but I did it in 4 hours and on the day I need to perform the recital.

You will see how I used the principle of importance to my advantage for the memory challenge.

Check out today’s podcast to hear the story. At the end of the episode I set you a challenge. The challenge is to use the principle of important to give your memory a boost.

Other episodes mentioned in this podcast:

• Tips 080: How to Create a Strong Connection to New Spanish Vocabulary.

Real Fast Spanish post mentioned in this podcast:

• 3 Steps To Improving Your Memory With Mnemonics.

What is your high stakes memory challenge this week?

The post Tips 098: How to Improve Your Memory – The Most Important Principle appeared first on Real Fast Spanish.