Summary

“Come and see just how deep the rabbit whole goes.”

Anthony is master trainer and course creator in the field of memory. He is a best selling author, professor, trainer, blogger and more recently podcaster. He has written over 40 books on memory methods, skills and effectiveness and is the founder of Magnetic Memory Method.

Magnetic memory method is a systematic 21st century approach to memory improvement from memorising languages, people’s names, music, poetry, and much more which according to Anthony is a elegant, easy, effective and fun way to memory improvement. 

Is then of obvious reason that we discuss all things memory, including what Norepinephrine is, how improved memory helps in our journey for creating passionate and purposeful lives, improved reading techniques, what mnemonics are and how they work, and why sleep is important. I am tested also using one of Anthony’s techniques. Its a fun and enlightening show that I hope you can benefit from. Peace, passion and purpose. 

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

Key Take Outs

• Align your passion to excel your memory. On the point of living life with passion we know that when you are inline with your passions you will increase your ability to retain and recall information.

• Strengthen your strengths rather than mess with your weaknesses. In this day in age we need not struggle to fight to improve our weaknesses as that often we can outsource to others that perhaps have more passion in that particular area. Don’t spend your energy on memory in areas that you are weak use them to improve those areas you are strong. 

• Try novelty to improve memory. Our memory improves in novel situations due to the release of Norepinephrine a brain chemical that is released in new situations. It is often associated with dangerous or unknown situation to help improve our memory as a survival skill. Might be a good way when studying to change your environment to help better absorb the information.

• How to remember names, words or vocabulary. For most situations you can use the follow steps to remember things: Pay attention; visualize, associate; and imaging. Firstly if you pay attention you dramatically increase your chances of retaining information. Then visualize the word or subject after which you can associate it with other senses such as smell or touch. Then see some kind of bizarre visual association of the subject. This final step can be overdramatic, violent or even sexual. It needs not be discussed but certainly will help you retain the information 10 fold.

• How to improve your reading memory. Read the cover, introduction, index, and conclusion. From there you will have a greater understating of what the book will give you. From there you need to note down the big goals for reading the book and even break it down chapter by chapter. Build index cards to prioritise your learning goals for each chapter and than make that your focus. With the other techniques such as strange and bizarre images you can store the information in your memory palace and hold onto this information for a much greater time. Worth trying out next time you start a book.

• Using mnemonics. Mnemonics are a way for us to remember both things and can be both external and internal tools. External may relate to lists and notes while internal may be to do word association, imagery or classically story telling. Internal techniques to memorise is a much greater workout for your memory. Lists, tools or even puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords may not be great for memory workout as the offer opt out options.

• Sleep, nutrition and memory. Research proves that a healthy nights rest will certainly improve your memory retention ability. You may find that on 5 hours of sleep your productivity is fine but how are you on 8 hours or on 3 hours? It is worth testing these things to find out what are your maximized sleep hours. And as nutrition affects sleep certainly this will affect perhaps indirectly your memory ability. Alcohol is simply no good.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Stress out a lot less and learn memory techniques sooner!

His interpretation of success

Being present in the moment and enjoying it. Not being sucked away thinking about thoughts and being so profoundly lost in them you have no idea where you are. Being there for every moment of the journey.

Quick round questions

Favourite Food

He likes grapes

Favourite Leisure Activitiy

He like to play bass, listen to audio books, read, and takes walks.

Favourite book(s)

White Noise: (Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition) by Don Delillo

Child of God by Cormac McCarthy

Quote

“All wealth comes from writing” by Dean Jackson

What does living life with passion and purpose mean?

Living life with passion and purpose is to be able to help as many people as he possibly can by offering the tools that are at his disposal. He knows from his teaching that many people have implemented these tools and they have worked. To do what he loves and that is to continue following his passion and helping others.

How to Find Anthony and other Links

Here is the link to his Magnetic Memory Website

What about some audio to improve your memory- check out his podcast.

The Magnetic Memory Method Podcast

Here is a link to explain more about Norepinephrine

Would you like to read a bit more about memory palaces?