Some of the previous blog have been inspired by topics that were in “Mind Performance Hacks” by Ron Hale-Evans.
Recently I have started reading the sequel, “Mindhacker” by Ron Hale-Evans and Marty Hale-Evans. I had previously dipped into this book for the posts on learning American manual alphabet (AMA).
Both books cover the topic of memory.
My memory has been getting demonstrably worse since 2019, so I looked at the section in the newer book with interest.
There are lots of systems of memorisation, some of them quite complex seeming.
One of the easier systems uses number shapes.
Humans are visually orientated animals. An image of something is easier to remember than a simple noun. If that image happens to be naughty, gory, silly or similar, it is often more likely to be recalled.
Below is a number system suggested by the Mindhacker book and their website.
A couple of those images do not really work for me.
An elephant does not look much like a six. If anything, I would associate an elephant with five.
Instead, I use an insect. Insects have six legs. There is a great variety of insects so I can select the type most appropriate to what I am trying to remember.
A tennis racquet for nine? I prefer to use a cat, or even a cat-o-nine tails.
The first version of a number memory aid I encountered only have four images. These were Flagpole, Red Bloomers, Tricycle, Pig.
You can use any four-legged animal, but cartoon pigs are funny and distinctive looking, so work well.
Red bloomers are sometimes substituted with a pair of trousers if this works better for what I want to remember.
I came across an interesting system of unit signs used by a Canadian Divisions in the First World War.
A circle was used for one, a half-circle for two, a triangle for three and a square for four. An arch or archway may be used in place of the half-circle. These shapes may be used to create memory images if they make a better image than the other suggestions. If visiting someone is your second chore, you might visualise the individual standing beneath a stone archway, for example.
An alternative for five is to remember a hand, since it has five fingers. Perhaps think of the Thing from the Addams Family.
A tripod can be an alternative for three. A spider or a snowman is an alternative for eight. I might even use a snowman lock pick, which is an object familiar to me personally.
These are just suggestions. Adapt the elements to what works for you.
I generally have an n-1 memory. Seven things to remember and will remember six. Five things and I can remember four, no problem.
This was the case with the list of items in the SOE Loadout blog. Always could not remember on item.
As an experiment, I tried making a number shape list.
It worked so well, I added more items to include the Ninja travelling list too.
How I did it was:
1 I could have flown or hoist something up the flagpole. For his example, the candle was an obvious reminder for a flashlight. My EDC also includes a candle, so this is an additional reminder to number 6.
2 Trousers with bulging pockets reminded me that money was an item. Pocket bulging with money, like mine never have.
3 The heart with a knife in it was an obvious object to remind me of knives and tools.
4 For the compass, I placed it in a square to represent the four corners of the Earth. If you want, imagine the angels standing in the corners of the Earth as the Bible describes. In the centre sits a compass, and this is the trigger for maps and other navigation aids.
5 Five is a hook. On that hook hangs a skein of thread, or it is attached to the hook like a fishing line. Five reminds me of cordage and fishing gear, and by association, other hunting items. This is a very effective memory hook.
6 Six is a ladybird in a matchbox. Matchbox means matches, which means fire kit. I do not carry matches, they are reminder for the lighter, tinder and more useful means of ignition or cooking.
7 Seven may be an axe or similar shaped tool. In this case it is an axe chopping a bandaged leg. Medical items.
8 Eight is an hourglass with a wrist watch around its centre. Perhaps a slender spider crawls across the hourglass.
9 Here is a handsome black cat with a stylish broad‑brimmed hat and a rakish neckerchief. Over one shoulder is a stick with a bundle in a hanky at the end. A rather effective image, it reminds me of hats, bandannas and walking sticks, all useful things to have on a trip. By association, hats and bandannas remind me of shelter and clothing accessories such a good gloves, goggles etc.
10 Ten is formed by a tire (or donut) beside an upright pencil. This represents pens, pencils, sharpies, chalk, notebook, documents and other items of communication.
The above is just an example, of course. The order of the above items does not matter, so I have arranged them to best suit the number shapes they are with. Memorising an ordered list is also possible.
Using this system, I have managed to keep this list in memory for several days now.
All I have to do is say the numbers and the associated item pops into mind.