A rollerblading cat? Potential issues with techniques#

When we discussed the Associate techniques, I asked you to visualize a cat rollerblading over the Golden Gate Bridge. This example highlights the simple nature of association, however many of the techniques I’ve described in this book need practice and experience to make them work effectively for you.

Sometimes you may find that a technique doesn’t work as well as what you expected. Or, your associations are not so easy to recall when you need them. While these techniques help remember content far longer than usual practices, they still need review. Lastly, it’s important not to go overboard.

Let’s look at some common issues with using these techniques.

A technique doesn’t work #

Specific ideas for what to do when a technique doesn’t work as you expect, including checking whether you have fully understood the technique, set the foundations, associated or visualized effectively, or whether the technique suits your learning style and content.

Association not complete #

Common issues when associations are not working well, such as not linking from the first item to the second, not being creative enough in your links, or creating an association story without actually visualizing it. Includes a detailed example linking a camera to a bus (the peg word for 90).

No review #

Why techniques still need regular review to retain what you have stored. Covers the importance of adding topics to your review schedule, and references the eNquire step for more ideas on reviewing content.

The “WOW” factor #

The risk of going overboard and trying to memorize everything just because you can. Finding a balance between what you need to memorize and what you can reference, and picking the right techniques rather than trying to use all of them at once.