Photographic Memory

It’s not just the mind freaks who can have a photographic memory! We’ve heard the stories about exceptional human beings who are able to recite huge volumes of data or draw intricate cityscapes after just a 5 minute helicopter ride.

But dare you imagine if you had the exact same powers and ability? Is it really possible to improve my memory that much? Wouldn’t it be just incredible? Below are are 3 techniques that you can use to improve your photographic memory ability. But before we get started, please remember that photographic memory requires practice and technique. So if you can’t do it after the first try, do not quit. Give yourself some time to get used to it.

The ‘link’ system is usually the first aid used with all sorts of memory work. This is particularly useful for memorizing  lists of data or numbers. So, lets say if you have a long shopping list to remember, try to get all the words and try to make it into mental scenario out of it. Example, if you are given a list of things – pink, shirt, cat, slippers, ironing and flowers, make a picture out of this by thinking of CAT wearing a SHIRT printed with FLOWERS and so on. When you reach the last item, try to link it to the first. This short mental film will help you to remember effectively and quickly.

The second method used is the peg system. This system is effective in memorizing images in a sequence. This number-shape system will help you to remember the sequences of images accurately. For example, you are given pictures of a dog, cat, mouse, elephant, antelope and giraffe arranged in this sequence. To use the peg system, simply attach a number to each picture Example 1 dog, 2 cats, 3 mice, 4 elephant etc. At the same time, use your mental scenario to make the peg system work. Remember to link the animals to each other, by using the same technique as mentioned in the link system.

The last technique would involve the use of the ever-famous mind mapping. Back in the school days, the mind mapping technique is a very popular and highly encouraged technique. However, over time, people choose to chuck this technique away simply because they are finding it harder to use. Well, this of course depends on the kind of area you are planning to use the mind mapping technique for. To use the mind mapping technique effectively, simply take the key central image of the concept and branch out information that is related. It might get messier as you go by, but it is an excellent tool for organizing a busy timetable or storing large quantities of information.

Developing photographic memory is not too hard to master, just use these methods outlined above (and practice them consistently!) and you will be shocked by your huge improvement in your memory work.