Memory is an incredible yet often underestimated tool in our personal and professional lives. How often do we dismiss forgetfulness as just part of who we are? Yet, memory is not a fixed ability; it's something we can train, refine, and strengthen. This is what Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion, discovered when he shifted from lamenting his “terrible memory” to developing a system that transformed not just his recall but his confidence and success.
Why memory matters
Whether it’s remembering someone’s name at a social event, preparing for a career-changing presentation, or recalling critical details during a stressful situation, memory plays a pivotal role in how we connect, perform, and thrive. Poor memory doesn’t just inconvenience us—it creates stress and undermines our confidence, pulling us out of the flow state where we feel and perform our best.
But the exciting thing? Memory isn’t about being born with a gift—it’s about training your mind and using simple, effective techniques.
Techniques to improve memory
Here are some of the strategies shared by Tansel Ali, which anyone can adopt to strengthen their memory:
Create strong associationsMemory thrives on association. For example, if you meet someone named Peter, imagine him balancing a pile of peat moss on his head. The more vivid, strange, or humorous the image, the better it sticks.
Use the memory palace techniqueThis ancient method involves associating pieces of information with familiar locations. Picture your house, then attach each item you want to remember to specific places within it—trampoline on the front lawn, a cat on the dining table, a mobile phone at the window. Walking through your “memory palace” helps you recall the information in order.
Chunk information into smaller partsOur brains handle smaller pieces of information better. Whether it’s a speech or a study guide, break it down into digestible chunks—ideally groups of three or four—and focus on mastering each segment.
Externalize your thoughtsWriting things down or speaking them aloud creates additional sensory inputs, strengthening the neural pathways for recall. The act of externalizing also reduces cognitive load, freeing your mind for other tasks.
Make it multisensoryIncorporate sounds, smells, emotions, or tactile sensations into your associations. For example, imagine the feel of the trampoline springs or the sound of a cat’s meow. These multisensory layers make your memories more robust.
Practice active recall and repetitionMemory grows stronger the more you use it. Actively retrieve information rather than passively reviewing it. Revisit your memory palace or test yourself regularly to keep pathways strong.
The science behind memory improvement
Tansel’s methods align with what we know about the brain’s ability to consolidate and retrieve information. Encoding—how we initially process and store information—improves with focus, emotional significance, and multisensory engagement. By layering associations and revisiting information, we strengthen neural pathways, ensuring memories become more durable and accessible.
Transform your belief, transform your memory
A key takeaway from Tansel’s story is that self-perception is often the biggest barrier to improving memory. Believing you have a “bad memory” creates a mental block that stops you from exploring your potential. Instead, challenge that belief. Start small, experiment with techniques, and celebrate the wins.
Memory is not just a tool for success—it’s a skill that fosters confidence, creativity, and resilience. Whether you’re aiming for better recall in daily life or preparing for high-stakes challenges, adopting even a few of these techniques can help you unlock your full potential.