Page 77 - The Memory Program How to Prevent Memory Loss and Enhance Memory Power

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you will always remember, even if you have mild memory loss. Or the small elderly woman
yelling, “Where's the beef?’’ in the hamburger ad. Three factors help imprint these memories
in your brain:

a. The dramatic nature of their content.

b. The emotions they evoke in you.

c. Frequent repetition that helps create a permanent auditory memory.

3. Be emotionally aware. Emotional awareness means being consciously aware of your emotions
in relation to an event. Memories are registered best when the event has emotional meaning
but doesn't overwhelm you with extreme anxiety or stress. This is why weddings and funerals
are indelibly etched in our minds, yet there may be some parts that are simply not registered
properly in memory because the emotions were too overwhelming. Focusing on the exact
emotion you felt during the event will help you remember it better.
4. Focus to register a memory. Recognize the positive and negative influences that impact on
your ability to remember.
Positive Influences Negative Influences
Interest in the subject or event Number of distracting stimuli
High attention and concentration Dull content that evokes no emotion
Importance of the event in your life Lack of familiarity with the event
The event occurs repeatedly High stress level
Link to familiar things or themes Depression or severe anxiety
Simple events are easier to recall Poor health, experience of pain
5. Stay motivated. Scientists, athletes, writers, artists, computer scientists— they do not forget
what they're supposed to do. Their motivation is so high that total concentration is a given, and
the notion that they will lose track of what they're doing is unthinkable. In fact, on the rare
occasion that it does occur— when a tennis star swings and completely misses the ball, or a
baseball player takes his eye off the ball and makes an error in the field— we are surprised,
even shocked. These maestros never forget their goal, and their focus is so strong that they can
lose track of the passage of time.