I’m a complete beginner when it comes to mnemonics and memory tools and have been working my way through the beginner eBook.
By reading the information provided about a certain technique and doing the practice examples, I find that I can use the mnemonic technique well, though I struggle to apply the same technique in any other situation despite being completely fine with the examples and understanding the theory behind the techniques, which leads me to believe that my practice of the techniques needs to be more varied, and the techniques need to be learned more deeply to become intuitive, and so I am comfortable using them for studying or day-to-day scenarios, as this is a major change from the typical memorising habits I used, such as repetition, active recall, and rote memorization.
I was wondering how people on this forum learn new, unfamiliar mnemonic techniques and become comfortable and proficient with using them in any situation in as little time as possible.
I try to let go of the need to master anything immediately, and reframe it as working on a life long endeavor. Makes it much easier to deal with frustration and not abandon a project.
As for learning itself there isn’t much special about it. Research just enough to figure out what to do next, practice, play with it, and develop a habit of actually applying what you learn.
Keep asking yourself questions and try to answer them, test your expectations and ideas. If you think “Maybe I could use my numpad as a mind palace” then give it a go.
There are a lot of insights that will come to you while actually using the techniques. Eventually they’ll grow into a map in how to use them more effectively, and in more situations.
Keep a journal. It can be as complicated or simple as you want, but having a record of your progress and thoughts goes a long way for motivation. Sometimes you’ll rediscover things and be glad you did.
I know this might sound too generic to be helpful, so if you need elaboration on anything let me know.
Choose a project that really interests you and experiment with memory techniques, see what works for you or not, tweak it to make it work for you.
I had known about memory techniques for years but, although I did find the ideas interesting, as long as I didn’t actually did something with it, I didn’t progress (of course).
Forget about “arriving” as quickly as possible, enjoy the process and the experiments! There always are ways to improve your system again and again, life long learning is a lifestyle.
I would recommend you pick up a printed book…ironically enough.
Sight is the strongest memory channel then comes Hearing.
Why? Reading focuses on sight…Vocalization focuses on listening.
In memory training on has to “see” using one’s mind/imagination, many switches or changes that are required in the memory tools “modus operandi.”
Reading memory training instruction can allow you to see without constantly going back over audibly AND can allow you too review much deeper than hearing which tends to go very fast.
Many memory techniques involve seeing the change and not abstractly thinking about it as one would via hearing.
Abstraction comes into play AS one learns memory training but the Major system, Grid system, memorizing maps, keyboard commands, etc. involve seeing, whether in the imagination or in print…the HOW it’s done.