I have been training with memory techniques for about two months, but I am not sure of the exact time. I use the major system and the memory palace, but I have a problem: I am stuck in almost all disciplines, except for numbers, which I advance quite quickly. I feel very comfortable with my number system and I think I could memorize better with it than with the memory palace, although I don’t have much experience in memorizing other data with the number system. However, I don’t want to leave the memory palace because it is the method used by most memory experts and because I have been using it for a long time. In addition, my parents are very happy with my progress because I have improved my grades a lot thanks to memory techniques. But I don’t know what to do because I have the feeling that the peg system is really better for me. Is it just my own impression or could it be because I am really on a big plateau? What do you advise me?
Two months is a very short time to learn a profession or a subject. In the first few months, simply apply the information you have read. After months, you will develop your own techniques based on what you have learned.
Yes… With memory techniques you will go far. Over time you’ll get used to it and you won’t want to stop using it. I remember that it took me 6 months without memory techniques that I got in 1 month with the techniques… The tendency, you using is to improve more and more. Happy studying!
I am enormously grateful for the advice you have given me. It’s true that I have been gradually progressing, although now I find myself on a plateau that has probably left me undecided. I want to reiterate my gratitude for your support. Today, frustration prevented me from training, so I chose to meditate to calm the anxiety that the mere impulse to want to change the method caused me. Really, thank you for everything, I really needed it.
Use the auto advance here and set it 10 seconds faster than your best score. Dont worry about errors.
Hello Bigdonny, I greatly appreciate your suggestions and will definitely follow them. However, I have a question: when you mention this, are you referring to Memory League or are there also resources available to train in Art of Memory?
'I have an additional question. If I practice and improve in the 60-second discipline, will that also help me improve in the 5-minute discipline, or will it only improve my performance in the 1-minute discipline? Moreover, what would be more beneficial: practicing the 60-second discipline for an hour, practicing the 5-minute discipline for an hour, or alternating between the two disciplines on different days or even the same day? What do you think? It’s just a small doubt, I always have questions popping up here and there.
Im referring to ML here.
I am awful at 5 minute Images, but it’s quite different. I don’t really train it much and most people do not use loci for it.
Bigdonnyv, I greatly appreciate all the advice and answers you have provided me. Thank you very much!
I would just like to clarify whether you are learning mnemonics to compete in memory championships (where there are rather rigid disciplines revolving around such banal disciplines as recalling correct orders of multiple decks of playing cards and huge tranches of numbers and binary digits etc.) or whether you are learning the techniques to improve upon your everyday life skills of active memory recall and academic life? You mention that your parents are very happy with your improved grades at school, so I am guessing this is the area of memory where you are putting the greatest emphasis upon?
The reason I’m raising this question is that for ‘memory championships’, speed is obviously of the utmost importance whereas in committing school or university work to memory, speed is not that important, more important is the ‘stickability’ of the information you are putting into memory for later recall.
If your interest is mainly for school or university work, I would not be too fazed about speed. As long as you are finding value in using the tools you have mentioned: peg words, memory palaces - then all is well.
Note: There are more methods or ways of remembering the ‘periodic table’ for example than there are ‘elements’ contained within the periodic table itself! There is rarely, if ever, one best way of applying your ‘tools of the trade in memory arts’. What I believe is key however is your ‘creativity’ and the innovation and novelty you can bring towards solving your own memory challenges.
Anyway, you will find a treasure trove of valuable insight into mnemonics on this forum and going down the numerous ‘rabbit holes’ available may consume a great deal of time, which I am sure will pay back dividends to you at the end of the day. The main thing is to ‘enjoy’ what you are doing! I don’t personally compete in memory competitions as I don’t reap any enjoyment from doing so, but that’s not to detract from fellow forum members who get their buzz from competing and good luck to them as they obviously derive ‘enjoyment’ from doing so.
Good luck on your venture whatever it may be.
Hello Fred2, I am immersed in learning mnemonics with the aim of participating in a national or international memory championship. Both my parents and I are excited about this challenge, as they have noticed a general improvement in me. I greatly appreciate your valuable advice and, following your suggestion, I am going to prioritize speed in my training.
My training plan consists of starting with a 5-minute round of numbers or words, depending on the day, and then I will dedicate an hour or an hour and 15 minutes to train speed and accuracy with 1-minute series. I have already tried these series and, although they are exhausting, I find them very stimulating and I feel that I improve faster by focusing on them.
This forum is incredible, Fred2, and memory techniques have been of great help in my studies. Of course, I have had to adapt them to my needs, as it is about knowing when and how to use them. Developing memory skills like these has been very useful for me, as I have not only improved in memory, but also in processing speed when understanding new or old content.
Right now I’m going to start training, as it’s almost 10 and I’m getting late. See you later and thank you very much!
I wanted to share that I have completed my training in the discipline of 1 minute. I feel very motivated and stimulated, it’s going great. Although Memory League only allows a few rounds, it’s not a problem as I use other programs. Today, I achieved a new personal record: I remembered 42 numbers in 47 seconds without making mistakes. My goal is to reach the mark of 1 number per second. Without your valuable advice, I would not have been able to achieve it, as I would have changed the method and everything I have learned so far would not have been useful. I am enormously grateful for all your advice and support
You may find this link useful to practice random memorized order of decks of shuffled cards. Knowing what it is you are wanting to do is half the battle won and as the old adage goes “Practice makes perfect!”. Good luck with your memory quest!
Fred2, I greatly appreciate you. It’s great, I even have the option to set a poker order. Indeed, practice makes perfect! I greatly appreciate you and wish you good luck in achieving your own goals.
Thanks glad I could be of assistance. In terms of my own goals I’m merely a memory hobbyist marveling at what others can achieve!
Without a doubt, you have been of immense help. I am exercising the speed of conversion with my cards and I am eager to give it my all. Greetings!