Why do we remember some things but not others? - The Importance of Memory
I hope you have enjoyed learning about your memory. I find in fascinating to understand more about something we take for granted everyday. But also something that helps our lives go much smoother. Think about it, how much of our lives depend on memory.
The Important of Memory
From studying to work. But also everyday things like socialising. How much better at conversation are you when you remember people’s names. Also when you remember things about them, how much easier is small talk. If you know and remember more about someone you can better engage them in conversation. Make them feel heard.
In conversation, memory also helps you remember facts to contribute to the conversation.
I know nothing about sport. So I don’t remember anything about sport (we will touch on the role of familiarity and memory later in the chapter). How hard do you think I find to be part of a conversation about cricket or footy?
Memory also plays a role in other everyday things. Where you put your keys. How to drive to work. Shopping lists. Colleagues names. Work skills. We use memory all day and everyday.
So now that you understand short term and long term memory, I hope you have a better understanding of how and why you remember things.
But can we improve our memories?
We have seen how important memory is. We have seen that each type of memory has its pros and cons. It’s strengths and weaknesses.
How can we use this knowledge to our advantage. To streamline our lives. To improve our productivity. To helps us remember more things more quickly.
In the coming weeks we will look at how to improve our memory or more accurately how to make best use of our memory.
We will start with some basic fundamentals behind most strategies to improve memory.