What Should You Memorize? A Practical Memory Guide
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When people think about improving their memory, they usually ask:
"How can I remember more?"
A better question might be:
"What is actually worth memorizing?"
Not all information deserves space in your head.
Some information becomes more valuable the faster you can recall it. Other information is important, but only occasionally needed.
What Memory Experts Teach
Many popular memory books focus on improving recall through techniques and practice.
Some examples include:
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Richard Feynman's Mental Models
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Unlimited Memory
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Unlimited Memory: Moonwalking with Einstein Steps to Photographic Memory
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The Memory Book
While each takes a different approach, they share a common idea:
Memory is a skill that can be improved.
But even people with exceptional memories don't try to memorize everything.
What Is Worth Memorizing?
Generally, the best candidates for memorization are things you use repeatedly:
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Names of people you know
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Skills you use every day
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Important procedures
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Core knowledge for your work
The benefit is immediate because you can recall the information without stopping to look it up.
What Doesn't Need to Live in Your Head?
Some information is important but rarely needed:
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Reservation numbers
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Parking locations
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Hotel confirmations
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Warranty information
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Travel itineraries
You don't need to memorize these details.
You simply need a reliable way to find them later.
Your Memory Doesn't Need to Work Alone
Improving your memory is worthwhile.
But the goal shouldn't be to remember everything.
The goal should be to remember what matters most.
That's one reason I use OkOliver.
Not as a replacement for memory.
As a complement to it.
Use your memory for the things you need every day.
Use tools for the information you'll need later.