As a financial advisor, you rely on your memory for everything from client names to the details of market activity. A good memory builds self-confidence and helps you feel in control of important situations. Forgetfulness is more than annoying — it can undermine your career.
Barry Reitman is the New York-based author of Secrets, Tips, and Tricks of a Powerful Memory. His system, called “memory shock,” employs mnemonics, a centuries-old technique that uses memory aids, such as lists, acronyms and visualization, to facilitate information retention.
“To remember names and faces,” Reitman says, “picture a feature on someone’s face tied to a ‘picture’ of their name. If you meet a ‘Bill’ with big ears, picture him with dollar bills where his ears should be. (You must actually see that picture in your mind’s eye.) If you don’t know his name the next time you see him, don’t try to remember it. Just think, ‘What picture did I see for that guy with the big ears?'”
Reitman says numbers are equally easy to master with as little as 10 minutes of daily practice. “The good news is you can do mnemonics exercises while mowing the lawn or commuting,” he says. “It’s fun. And within a few weeks you’ll have an incredible functional memory.”
Here are some other ways to boost your memory:
> Focus
Pay attention to what you’re doing, avoid interruptions and filter out distractions. If you want to remember something, give it time to sink in. By jumping too quickly from one task to another, you don’t allow the brain enough time to create memory pathways. The result is forgetfulness and inefficiency.
> Get organized
According to the Mayo Clinic, you’re more likely to forget things if your desk is cluttered and your notes are a mess. Keep a tidy work space. Write down important information about discussions with clients and transcations. Keep to-do lists current, and check things off as you complete them.
> Exercise
Research suggests that being active improves cognition and memory. Aerobic activities, including running and swimming, boost memory and help to clear your mind. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity weekly, the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology advises.
> Challenge your brain
Mentally stimulating activities help to keep your brain in shape. Play new and challenging games, learn to play a musical instrument or try a new language. And since doing everyday things differently helps to grow neuronal connections, try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand and getting dressed with your eyes closed.
> Eat healthy
Any food with Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon and albacore tuna) or nuts is great for your brain, as are foods containing antioxidants, including blueberries, broccoli and carrots. Make sure to hydrate yourself with plenty of water (eight 225-ml glasses a day). Not surprisingly, alcohol has a negative impact on memory. If you choose to drink, moderate your intake: up to one drink a day for women and two for men.
Finally, if you do forget something, don’t worry too much about it. These are hectic, stressful times, so occasional forgetfulness is perfectly normal. But if memory loss starts to interfere with the performance of your usual daily activities, consult your doctor.