Hello, I’m currently trying to memorize my PAO systems and using Anki to memorize them. I don’t use any memory techniques or anything since I thought it might be slow to recall them this way.
I’m currently learning 0-50 and I realize that I just can’t seem to get all these second nature (For example, seeing the number 33 would immediately pop out my character). I’ve been learning on and off for about 3 weeks and using the Anki to revise my PAO system but some numbers are just so hard to memorize! How do I make these numbers stickier?
I also don’t want to increase from number 50 for my fear of forgetting the previous numbers!
How did you guys make your PAO systems second nature? Thanks for the help!
By using them. Practice by doing! There are numbers everywhere, on cars, buses and trains, there are phone numbers, card numbers… Prices in shops, serial numbers on objects, pages numbers on book you read, quantities on food packaging, codes you have to use for 2FA, etc.
You know how children who just learnt to read are just reading aloud everything they see? Do the same with numbers…
As an aside, I think we tend to underestimate how long it takes to become fluent with PAO. I know I did. For my 00-99 PAO, I had almost nothing to memorise because I had used a sounds-numbers conversion system for years before formalising it in a list.
But now that I’m building a 000-999 PAO, it is soooo slow. Mostly because when you have 1 chance out of 1000 to need the number, you use it much less often (compared to when you need it 1 time out of 100). For 999 PAO I’m drilling in anki, but nothing beats practice “for real”.
Okay so I’m not crazy that it takes weeks right? One of the ways I’m practicing is using google sheets! I would write =randbetween (0,50) and fill in 3 rows (P,A,O) and do this for 3 sets from A-O. I then try to fill in the PAO below these numbers and do these row after row. But damn does it take a long time to make them second nature!
That’s why it’s so important for me to already begin using it, even if it’s not perfect, and even if I’m not finished (as of today I’m at 664 out of 999).
That way I remember how useful it is, and why I’m actually doing it. Otherwise I wouldn’t be motivated to continue.
Thank you for answering this thread for me! It motivates me to realize that these techniques really does take awhile. I just thought I’m stupid HAHAHA! I’ll start using these techniques in real life! Time to go search for some car plates to memorize~
You’re not crazy! It is a skill that needs to be developed just like learning to read and play music. There is no magic shortcut. Time and effort are required!
Definitely.
@Bobby_Mclay, if you haven’t seen it yet, check out this post about managing expectations:
Also, the way that you’re translating numbers can have a big impact on the initial ease of locking in the associations. If you’re using free association or mixed techniques with a lot of exceptions it can take longer to learn them at first aince you won’t know for sure how you converted the number without a good amount of practice. If you have a strict translation method like using the Major System to sound out the numbers, it can be a little bit easier since the number sounds themselves can point you towards your associations. There are pros and cons to every approach but they all take time to get fluent!
I don’t understand. You say you are not using memory techniques because they might slow you down in recalling data. Then you talk about how difficult a time you are having recalling your target information even to the point that you aren’t even trying to deal with some of that information. I wonder what memory techniques you have in mind that are so slow in recall that it is better to not even try to remember some stuff. Some of my recall images are not only instant but I will remember them for the rest of my life without any effort if the past decade’s experience with them is an indication.
If you still struggle (as I did in the very beginning of learning your PAO) you can use an app that generates random numbers in a range, pull up your phone couple minutes and recall what you can.
Also, if you are counting something (I usually count the number of times I throw the ball to my dog) count with the character in your PAO one day(just go trough your P list), or the action.. objects and so on… You could also count the number of times you jump the rope (although it is harder), the number of repetitions of another exercise, all the objects of ‘color’ red that you can spot etc etc.
Btw for the app of random numbers I’ve used randomix, I think is on fdroid but any app or even excel would work, just make it fun or incorporate in a routine : )
As others have said it mostly just comes down to practice, and using them right away (as in, before you’ve “learned” them).
Go ahead and put them into memory palaces, it’s not going to slow you down. Just get 10 rooms that you can put 10 numbers into each, go through it enough until you’re convinced the scenes are in place and then practice your numbers as normal. If you forget say the action for 42 you go to the room with 40-49 and check the appropriate station.
It’s not going to slow you down because you’re just using the memory palace as a way to get them in your long term memory quicker, and a reference when needed. The information isn’t in jail, so you won’t be tethered to using the MP to find your number.