How to Memorize

Here's how to memorize anything you need. These steps are useful when memorizing the digits of pi or even articles of the Constitution.

Steps

1. Sit in a quiet room with good lighting.
2. Look for patterns, familiar elements, and other ways to break the material into groups of three to four familiar elements (if possible) and annotate these observations as you go. Do not force any patterns and stop looking before substantial effort is required for this step. Forced familiarity is compulsory learning; see the tips section below.
3. Investigate and note intuitive relationships between the elements and your own experience. The relationships need not be rational, only memorable (interesting, funny, enjoyable) and inspirational.
4. Read the first object.
5. Say it without the paper.
6. Read the first and second object.
7. Repeat them out loud until you are able to say them without the paper.
8. Read the first, second, and third objects.
9. Say them out loud until you are able to say them without the paper.
10. Repeat this process until you can say all the objects without the paper.
11. Once you are at end of the list, repeat the list without reading it. Say it aloud three times.
12. If you cannot do it all three times, start all over.
13. After you think you have memorized it all, take a 10-20 minute break and do something that you will enjoy for that 20 mins. this could be taking a walk, watching TV, talking on the phone, etc.
14. Come back and test yourself again through the whole thing if you get it all right you probably have it. If not work on the sections you are having trouble with. Take another 10-20 minute break and come back again.

Tips

• First of all don't get stressed, getting stressed just makes it harder
• Work in sections, create goals for yourself. Memorize one section then reward yourself and keep going
• Say stuff out loud, it sounds ridiculous but saying stuff outloud helps your brain process it so it is easier to memorize
• This is best done BEFORE sleeping. It will most probably be fresher when you wake up.
• Patience, patience, patience.
• If you're trying to memorize something short, write it out on a notecard and put the notecard in a place you see often. Whenever you see it, try to say it, or at least read it.
• You may want someone to help you memorize. They can participate by quizzing you, asking you questions, or having you recite the information for them.
• Work in a quiet place where you can concentrate easily with no distractions.
• If you have proglems with motivation it can work for you if you give yourself a treat everytime you achieve a goal. Have raisins or a biscuit for example after each memorized paragraph.

Warnings

• Use the bathroom before studying.
• Don't eat while you work. It will distract you and it isn't healthy, no matter how much protein the apple has. Most people will only pay attention to one thing: either the studying, or the food. If you pay attention to the food, you will get sick and won't get your work done. If you pay attention to the studying, you will get your work done, but won't pay attention to how much you're eating, and will wind up eating too much.
  1. Take short, frequent breaks. It is best to exercise during these breaks, not watch 10 minutes of TV. Exercising will stimulate your brain, and you will work better when you return, just be careful not to overdo it.