How do you forget?
Thanks to one of our readers for this question!
Forgetting can happen for a few reasons.
Failure to create a memory. Sometimes, a memory is not even created. This often happens because we are not paying attention or are distracted. This lack of attention often explains why we forget things like where we left our book, or our glasses. Lack of attention can also explain why we don’t remember what the teacher just said, or what we just read in a book.
So, if you don’t want to forget, the first step is to focus your attention on the thing you want remember!
Failure to keep a memory. We might remember someone’s name right after they say it. But a few minutes later, we may realize we no longer remember it. When this happens, your brain failed to create a long-term memory from something that was briefly held in short-term memory.
One of the best ways to avoid this reason for forgetting is to repeat and think about information. If you want to remember someone’s name, you will want to think about that name. You can do that by repeating the name aloud: “Nice to meet you, Juliet.” Or you can think the name silently to yourself Her name is Juliet. You might imagine writing the name Juliet.
Failure to retrieve a memory. Sometimes, you have created a memory, but you can’t bring it to mind when you need it. This can be very frustrating! Maybe you can’t think of an answer when the teacher calls on you, but then it comes into your mind later. Or maybe you can’t think of the name of a book you’ve read or a movie you’ve watched…and then later, it comes to mind.
This type of forgetting happens to all of us. When it happens to you, the best thing to do is to take a few deep breaths and try to relax. See if you remember the information when your mind is calmer.
If the information does eventually come to mind (or if you look it up, or ask someone for the answer), remember to focus your attention on it and to repeat it (either out loud, or quietly to yourself). This will make it less likely that you will keep having trouble retrieving it.