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How to Remember the Future

One of the trickiest recall tasks is called prospective memory: remembering what you want or need to do, in time to do it. 1． A thought occurs, we resolve to act on it “soon” and then, when the time comes, the idea’s gone.

Diaries and alarms help, but your imagination plays a vital role in holding onto brief thoughts and keeping you in control of your future plans. For example, don’t just have an idea about going to the bank. 2． Perhaps you’re leaving the bank loaded with shiny gold bars.

But that’s only the beginning. This process allows you to do much more than just reminding yourself to do things. 3． Then, create a vivid “memory” of how you’d like it to go, and crucially, how you’d like to feel. Creating “memories” like this gives you time to think about practical arrangements and spot any problems before they arise. A part of your brain will still be processing the details even when you’re thinking about other things.

Here are some tips:

●Experiment to see if you prefer viewing this “mental movie” through your own eyes, or by watching yourself from someone else’s point of view.

●4． Fast forward any parts you find easy, and go in slow motion for the bits that need extra work.

●Use your full range of senses. 5．