In Glut, I read about the Roman memory practice called the Method of Loci. I'll bet you've heard of it. It's a way of memorizing long lists by placing the objects comprising the list in a room or rooms in your mind.
So here's what I did. I needed to pick up soap, hair dye, and toothpaste from CVS. Not a long list, but it's the small lists that ruin me. If I didn't write it down, I'd definitely forget one of the 3 things. And sure, I could have pulled out some paper and a pen--but the subway was elbow-to-elbow crowded. Instead, I put the objects in a room. I imagined a huge pile of soap bars sitting on our couch. Then, astride the soap, I imagined Cupcake the kitty dying her hair. And while she dyed it, she brushed her teeth.
15 minutes later I checked off the items as I mentally walked my way through the scene. I knew I wasn't missing anything, and every time I pictured the cat on the soap with the hair dye and a toothbrush I laughed.
Try it next time you need to pick up brownie mix, marshmallow fluff, and Nesquick.
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