Most memory improvement programs have you perform exercises to develop your ability to visualize and manipulate pictures in your mind's eye. They suggest several memory tools based on this skill, such as peg lists and picture stories, which are sometimes difficult to apply in the fast paced information blitz of day to day work. However, the exercises do mobilize latent memory capacities that seem to spill over into several aspects of knowledge work. By having done the exercises, and by applying them in certain situations, the student seems to be doing something in their mind that improves their ability to remember things in all situations. The following mini-version of the peg list exercise will give you an idea of the principles involved.
Peg lists show up in almost all memory training books.
This technique involves committing a series of number-picture associations to long term memory, and then using them whenever you need to remember lists of things. Star, since it has five points The first step is to memorize this list so completely that when anyone mentions any number, you immediately can think of the picture, and vice-versa. You should be able to walk the list forwards and backwards. This is an excellent chance to try the periodic review strategy discussed in the last section. Once this peg list has been transferred to long term memory, you are ready to use it to remember a list of items.