Some lucky people are born with an excellent memory. But psychologists have proved that anyone can develop a good memory if he wants to.

You may say, "Why, of course I want to have a good memory. But I still have a poor one."

Let's examine your complaint. Haven't you noticed that you remember pleasant things better than unpleasant or uninteresting ones? If someone invites you to dinner next Wednesday at 7:15 P.M. and you look forward to it, you won't forget it. But if your wife asks you to buy her a spool of thread while you're downtown, you may forget it. The fact is that you would like to forget it.

If you don't like your work, you will have difficulty in remembering the contents of books or articles about it. Yet you may remember all sorts of fine points that you read about your favorite hobby. Similarly, you will find that it is difficult to remember the names of people whom you don't care for or find uninteresting. But if you like someone you will probably remember his name.

So although it sounds very simple, the basic key to a good memory is a strong desire to remember. If the subject is not especially pleasant or interesting, you must make an added effort to remember. Whenever possible, dispose of unpleasant tasks first. They are the ones that you are most likely to forget.

What else can you do to improve your memory?

Here are some tips:

1. Each evening while you are falling asleep try to recall everything that you did and saw during the day. Try to remember all of the names, addresses, objects, etc. that you possibly can. By doing this every evening you will exercise and develop your memory just as you would a muscle.

2. Improve your power of observation. A good exercise is to look at a store window for a short time, then walk aside and try to write down the names of as many objects as you can recall. Do this whenever you have a spare moment on the street. It is a convenient and surprisingly effective method of developing your power of observation. You can also undoubtedly think of a variety of observation tests that you can practice at home.

3. Develop the ability to concentrate. The best place is to begin with your reading. Make a disciplined effort to concentrate. It is helpful but not essential to read where you are not distracted by noise or interruptions. Avoid nervous or fidgety habits. Try to read as rapidly as possible, as will be explained in the "How to Read Faster". The reading of serious articles and books will develop your power of concentration much more effectively than will light reading.

4. Close your eyes and visualize words, names, or numbers that you especially want to remember. It is also helpful to say them aloud.

5. After you are introduced to someone, repeat the name to yourself several times. Try to use it in the conversation as often as is appropriate.

6. Much has been written about memorizing by associating a person or object with something related, similar, contrasting, etc. These memory devices work remarkably well for some people. However, psychologists protest that in the long run many people recall the devices but forget the facts.

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