Remember that?
How good is your memory?
Most of us would like to improve our memory, to be able to keep focussed on remembering things that are important to us.
It appears that the last thing that was said in a list or set of statements is what is likely to stay in our minds.
It is called ‘recency’ and can be used especially well in questioning techniques.
For example: Would you like to go to the cinema or would you rather stay home and watch TV?
If you ask this question, and you really do want to go to the cinema to watch a movie, there’s a high chance you’ll be disappointed.
If you want to go to the cinema, that’s where the question would be best to end.
Would you like to go to the cinema (tonight at 8pm)?
Creating good memories
As we talk about an event we create a pathway in the brain of the memory as we are picturing it. This may vary from the actual event as it happened. It is our perspective.
The more we talk about something that happened, the more we think about it, because the more we think about it, the more easily it comes to mind. We are strengthening pathways in the brain that will remain.
OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
It’s great to be able to use focussed thoughts to help in research. We can hold on and get to solve problems. What if those repetitions are getting in the way of successful daily living.
Can I change a painful memory?
If these created and strengthened pathways remain, how can I change the way I think about some situations when the thoughts keep repeating? You have answer already. Create a memory!
Create a memory
Role playing and visualising how we would have liked an event to have played out creates a new memory when done repeatedly. This creates a new pathway in the brain which becomes easy to access – a new memory.
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