to retain what you've worked to learn. You will need Visualizations Associations Lists

Mental constructs Memorization and sleep. Step 1. Improve memory more easily with visualizations

of the past, using pictures, music, or mental cartoons to recall what would otherwise be

lost. In some cases, assign a mantra or try mnemonic devices to remember better and retain

quickly. Step 2. Test yourself by using the information soon and several times in succession

to make it part of the brain's network. Step 3. Associate what's to be learned by connecting

new knowledge with what you already know, so that one emanates from the other when you

try to recall. Step 4. Write out facts in lists, purposefully reading aloud and using

your ears and eyes to anchor each item. Try to build automatic recall of information,

no matter how simplistic or hard it seems at first. Not everything to be learned is

fun or interesting -- use willpower to improve your memory. Step 5. Summarize each paragraph

in the margin as you read, thinking about what is read and, in effect, recycling it.

Step 6. Create a mental memory tree, with information labeled on big branches first.

Assign pertinent details subordinate to each branch as leaves. Organizing the facts in

logical clusters aids memorization. Step 7. Memorize at times of the day when you are

most focused, alert, and likely to retain. Studies suggest that the optimal time period

is in the afternoon. Benign forgetfulness is nothing to worry about and can be caused

by stress. Relax and get used to revisiting some sources of information. Step 8. Get adequate

sleep to retain memories, and to have the energy the next day to actively make associations.

Did you know In 2007, the brain-training products industry generated $80 million in the United

States.