Association: The Essential Tool to Improve Your Memory

Have you ever wanted to remember a number or a foreign word, but your memory let you down? Of course, you have! Don’t worry, I’m here to help. Let me introduce you to basic association.

The basic association technique is a powerful tool for quickly and effectively remembering simple information.

Today, I’ll explain:

• What the basic association technique is.
• Different association strategies.
• A practical example of applying this technique.

What is the Basic Association Technique?

The association technique involves linking an abstract concept to an image, sound, concept, or emotion that has some connection to it. This connection is key to making it work.

For example, if you think of the number one, you might visualize a unicorn (connected to the number one because it has a single horn). This technique transforms hard-to-remember information into something more tangible and visual. Plus, it’s bidirectional: the number one reminds you of the unicorn, and the unicorn reminds you of the number one. Once you’ve made the connection, there’s no going back.

What’s it good for?

It’s perfect for:

• Memorizing numbers (phone numbers, important dates).
• Remembering lists (shopping, tasks).
• Learning vocabulary in another language.
• Improving your ability to connect names with faces.

Association Strategies

To get the most out of this technique, it’s helpful to know different association strategies. Here are the most common ones:

1. Numerical Association

Link each number to a specific image based on some similarity (shape, concept). Examples:

• The number 1 ↔️ Unicorn (one horn).
• The number 2 ↔️ A swan (the curve of its neck looks like a 2).
• The number 13 ↔️ A black cat (since 13 is associated with bad luck, like crossing paths with a black cat).

2. Phonetic Association

Create a wordplay based on sound. For example, if you’re learning French and want to remember the word pomme (which sounds like /pom/ and means apple), you could imagine an apple falling from a palm tree. This creates a strong mental link between the sound and the meaning.

3. Meaning-Based Association

Look for logical relationships between concepts. For example, if you’re learning German and encounter the word Handschuh (which means glove), you can break it down into Hand (hand) and Schuh (shoe). To remember it, imagine a tiny shoe designed to perfectly fit your hand. This visualization helps you associate the word with its meaning.

Practical Example: Memorize a List of Numbers

Now I want you to apply the technique to remember a list from 1 to 10. Here’s a suggested set of images, but feel free to customize them to suit you.

1. Unicorn: A single horn.
2. Swan: The shape of the number 2.
3. Trident: Three prongs.
4. Chair: Four legs.
5. Hand: Five fingers.
6. Six-pack of beer: Contains six beers.
7. Hockey stick: Its shape resembles the number 7.
8. Black billiard ball: The 8-ball.
9. Pregnant woman: Pregnancies last ~9 months.
10. Leo Messi: The iconic soccer player who wore the number 10 on his jersey.

Ready to Practice?

This exercise will take less than 10 minutes:

1. Review the images and visualize them clearly in your mind.
2. Cut out 10 small pieces of paper (cards) and write the number on one side and the associated concept on the other.
3. Shuffle the cards, stack them, and flip them one by one, trying to guess the number or concept on the opposite side.

Okay Geek, I’ve nailed it. What’s next?

This technique is a foundation that pairs well with more advanced techniques. But like anything, to progress, you need to master the basics.

And to master something, you need to practice. Here’s your homework:
Create your own associations for numbers 11 through 30.

• Use your imagination and tailor the images to what sticks best for you.

Conclusion

The basic association technique is a versatile tool you can adapt to your needs. Start with simple exercises like this and gradually integrate them into your daily life. Consistent practice will make your memory unstoppable!

Remember: the trick is to turn boring information into something fun and personal. What associations will you create today?

On your journey to a better memory, you can count on me, the Memory Geek, to unlock Your Memory Power, One Technique at a Time!