Personal Development: Keep A Healthy Brain
Personal development encompasses many things including keeping a healthy brain. That means being able to think quickly in just about any situation, or having a near flawless memory.
Having a flawless memory stands out for me. I have some challenges around remembering names after meeting someone. I get a little embarrassed sometimes, and I simply apologize for the lapse in memory. People seem to understand...but that is little consolation to me.
I am constantly working on that area of my personal development plan. I feel that I should be better at remembering names. So I continue to work at it.
How about you? Have you ever been envious of people who seem to have no end of clever ideas, who are able to think quickly in any situation, or who seem to have flawless memories? Could it be that they're just born smarter or quicker than the rest of us? Or are there some secrets that they might know that we don't?
REMEMBERING NAMES
Just like in my situation, this is a personal growth area where a lot of people are self-conscious. It's embarrassing not to be able to remember someone's name, especially when that person seems to have no trouble remembering yours.
This is like any other aspect of memory – some people unconsciously remember names by using a certain process even if they don't know it. Here are some strategies I’ve been using to help me be more successful in remembering names in the future. Perhaps you’d like to give them a try too:
- Consciously decide to give your full attention to this person by learning her name
- Listen when you hear the name. It's so easy to be focusing on other things and let the name slip by.
- Be certain that you hear his name properly. If there's any doubt, ask him to spell it.
- Visualize that you've written the name down. Doing this, forces you to listen to it. This visualization is a surprisingly powerful technique.
- Associate the name with something else like a town or a famous person, it becomes even stronger. This is one of my favorites.
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TRIGGERS for STUBBORN MEMORIES
Despite trying to remember, sometimes you may still have problems recalling certain situations. Some other techniques you might try are those used by criminal investigators. Try some of those to help with recalling your own memories.
For example: try to recreate the original conditions in your mind. See them as clearly as possible and use your senses. What was happening? How did you feel? Was it hot or cold? Were you tired, hungry, angry, at the time?
You can also try to see the situation from another perspective. For instance, if you were sitting in a chair the last time you saw your ring...pretend you're standing in the doorway looking at the situation. What do you see now?
These “investigation” techniques are powerful for recalling stubborn memories... and can help you keep a healthy brain.
LIFESTYLES
I know these days are consumed with being physically fit and looking as great and youthful as you possibly can. I get that. Of course that is important...but don’t neglect your mind. A healthy brain is equally important. It’s important to your overall well-being. Besides, it is significantly critical to your personal development.
Try to embrace a healthy and balanced lifestyle that includes your body, spirit and your mind. Keep exercising your brain and experience the benefits from doing so.
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