Continue to learn amazing memory tricks with Dr. Charlie Hughes. These really work! In the last blog, I describe why it is more effective to move new content into long-term memory by using spaced/distributed practice sessions, over time, as opposed to only completing one or two longer massed session(s).

Most people, including me, do not enjoy practice -even when practicing something they really want to learn. For me, that would be guitar and golf. However, reality (and research) suggest there is no other way to learn how to do something well without practicing it.

Have you ever noticed that color can be attractive but also distracting? Humans are very attuned to color—this is why traffic signs and lights have bright colors, and also why advertisements are often brightly colored. In the case of traffic lights and signs, color is very helpful, as it allows us to quickly process and react to important information. Color can also help us to organize information for later recall and improve attention when used intentionally. But color can also be distracting, as in the case of advertisements.

Learning is emotional. Think back to lessons that you remember the most or had the most impact on you. We’d be willing to bet that they were lessons that were very emotional. They were exciting, provoking, heartbreaking, exhilarating or inspiring. Research tells us that emotion strongly affects the brain which in turn impacts memory and learning.

Most of us hope the information we learn in school or at work will be useful and important now and in the future. Accordingly, HOW we study and practice what we learn must lead to long-term retention and retrieval. In other words, we need to make it stick and be able to remember information when we need to---not an hour later or when the test is over! Let’s discuss some ways of practicing to remember to do this more effectively and efficiently than others.

You’re an expert in your field who supervises others. A physician, professor, general contractor or small business owner for example. You know your specialty and want others to not only do their best, but your best too! Sometimes, you may supervise bright individuals who simply don’t perform to the level you expect for them.