How to remember ordered lists
One of the oldest and most effective tricks to memorize lists of ordered things is to use a mnemonic technique called mental loci (mental places). It was used by the ancient Greek orators to help them remember their speeches. They would first pick a place they knew very well, like the palace of some Greek goddess. After that, they would imagine walking through the palace and would put vivid mental images of the things they wanted to remember in different places along the way. When they were giving their speech, they would take a mental journey through the palace, and use the vivid images they created earlier to guide them.
For this technique to work, you have to think of a place you know very well – like your apartment or house. Think of your daily routine and try to imagine your daily journey through your home – you need to be able to trace your mental trip from the beginning to the end with your eyes closed. Then, try to make up vivid images of the things you need to remember. You can try using bright colors, sarcasm, humor or absurdity to make the images stick to your mind. Finally, when you need to recall the things you had to memorize, make the journey through your house, and use the images to help you.
Real-life example
I will use my house as an example. Here are the places in my house and the things I do in them in order every morning:
- Bedroom – Where I start my day.
- Bathroom – Wash my face, brush my teeth.
- Kitchen – Eat breakfast.
- Living room – Check the weather and traffic forecast on TV.
- Study – Check my e-mail.
- Entry – Grab my jacket.
- Driveway – Get in the car.
Now, let’s say I need to remember the names of the first seven presidents of the United States, starting with the first one and going in order – George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson.
- Bedroom: George Washington
A serious old man with white hair is sitting on the edge of my bed, and is arduously washing tons of old military uniforms by hand.
- Bathroom: John Adams
A six-foot version of my Johnson & Johnson’s shampoo is standing next to my sink, and Adam (from the Bible) is noisily trying to pry it open with a big branch, alas with no success.
- Kitchen: Thomas Jefferson
Tom (the famous cartoon cat), dressed in a 19th century tuxedo and wearing a big old hat, is walking in circles around my kitchen table, while studying the Declaration of Independence.
- Living room: James Madison
I turn on the TV, and a football game is on – my favorite New York Rangers are playing at Madison Square Garden.
- Study: James Monroe
James Bond is holding the screaming Marilyn Monroe in his arms, in a brave attempt to protect herfrom my angry, ferocious poodle, which usually sleeps in the study.
- Entry: John Quincy Adams
Dr. Michaela Quinn, the star of the popular ‘90s show, sees Adam (the biblical Adam) lying wounded and unconscious in my entry, and is frantically asking me where I keep the medical kit.
- Driveway: Andrew Jackson
Michael Jackson is sitting in my car, with the rooftop down, and is enjoying his performance of “Thriller” on my car’s CD player.
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This brain improvement technique has been adapted from the popular book Mind Performance Hacks: Tips & Tools for Overclocking Your Brain by Ron Hale-Evans. In it, you'll find even more techniques
to help you improve your brain, including how to:
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