Do you feel as though your memory sucks? Do you tend to forget people’s names? Well, you are not alone. Most people feel as though their memories are not working the way it should, and they'll say things like, “I’m not good at names.” It's likely more accurate to say, "I'm average at remembering names."
No one has a perfect memory. Your ability for name memory is a very complex thing, and it can be difficult to understand how it really works. Here are 5 secrets to improving name memory.
1. Certain events can cause you to remember, or not remember, names.
Your interpretation of a situation will impact your memory. The way you feel about a person, a situation, or a result can alter your desire to remember.
When you are involved in an emotional incident, you may remember the others involved in different ways. Your brain has the ability to block out unpleasant things when it wants to. This is known as a coping mechanism and helps your brain deal with what may be harmful.
Alternately, you may find you can't stop seeing the event in your mind. You remember people in such fine detail that you may even think you are going crazy. This strong memory is often due to us continually recalling and describing the incident. We like to share our experiences, and this aids us in mental stickiness.
2. Exercising regularly can help you maintain good memory function.
Exercise is thought to release proteins in your brain which help improve your memory. Many older people have reported having a bad memory. With the advice of a physician, some started exercising regularly. After exercising for just a short time period, they found their memory had improved.
3. Sleep is an important factor when it comes to name memory.
As you are aware your body requires sleep and plenty of it. When you become sleep deprived your memory (and your entire body) suffers.
Basically, when you sleep your brain opens up new pathways for memory. When a person gets enough sleep these pathways often begin working at an optimal performance level. This allows you to recall names, information, and tasks more efficiently than a person who is tired.
4. You need to use and challenge your memory.
If you don't read often, seek new information (learn), solve puzzles, play, and interact with others, your brain gets lazy. You need to use your brain and memory on a regular basis. Find new things to do and new folks to meet. Invest in your knowledge and your memory will improve.
5. Play this game to increase your name memory.
When you meet a new person you’ll spend about a minute being introduced. In that minute use their name. In the short conversation that follows use their name at least three more times in the conversation. (ex. “Bill, you said you have a child in college, where does she attend?”). For an extra bonus round, use their name again as you separate from the conversation.
This will dramatically help you recall names at later times. The added benefit is avoiding those awkward moments of not remembering their name.
Conclusion
Your name memory may not suck, it may just need a challenge. There are lots of sites, books, and other options you can use to challenge your memory and get it working again.
BONUS
Implementing Secret 5 will make people feel important when they're around you. As a result, your popularity and influence will grow. Give it a try.
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