Brain Training Is Not What You Think
In the last two decades, there have been hundreds of programs designed to increase “fluid intelligence.”
This includes a huge variety of cognitive abilities like problem solving, processing speed, and working memory.
All of the programs improve specific skills, but none of them improve fluid intelligence.
No video game will make you smarter, but you will get better at anything if you practice it enough.
However, there are some very simple techniques that can make you better at learning.
This might come in handy when pursuing your life goals, since pretty much every big goal you can think of requires learning of some kind.
You can’t build a business without learning about your industry. You can’t become a chef without learning recipes.
There are three super basic (but most effective) strategies for improved memory, and here they are.
The first is called “elaboration.” It means that when you read something new, pause and ask yourself questions about it.
Pause and visualize images of what you’re reading about.
Pause and try to think about connections between what you’re learning and your life.
Again, very basic, not sexy, not fun or necessarily easy, but powerful.
The second method is “testing.”
Give yourself tests, as painful as it may be, and you will remember stuff more permanently.
Of course, we don’t ever think we’re going to forget something. But if you’re savvy, you will anticipate your own bad memory.
This technique is interesting because we usually think of tests as measurements of our progress, as in the case of school.
But this is backwards. Testing is not a good measurement of progress, but it is a good producer of progress.
The only time testing is a good measurement of progress is when life itself is the one testing you.
Don’t we all love that.
The third learning technique is “spacing.” This means taking breaks between learning or working sessions.
In the Aliveness community we call this “balancing effort and rest.”
The problem with all of these strategies is that the brain is mostly survival oriented. It wants us to put in the least effort possible to get through whatever challenge we’re dealing with right now.
That’s our default. In order to choose to put in more effort, we need two things.
First, we have to actually, truly, deeply care about what we’re doing. There is no substitute for intrinsic motivation, not even money.
Second, we need life energy: motivation, gratitude, and clarity of mind to say, “Hey, I’d like to actually remember this because I think it will come in handy later, even though I can’t fully see its value right now.”
Where does this extra energy come from? Aliveness.
And where does Aliveness come from? It comes from a balance of effort and rest in our goals.
It comes from a balance of following and leading in our relationships with others.
It comes from exercising, eating well, and sleeping enough, so we’re not distracted by subtle physical and psychological discomfort all the time.
The good news is that taking action on any of these things can give you a moment of Aliveness, and moments of Aliveness are what being alive is all about.
Once you have a moment of Aliveness, you remember that your life is big and long, and you might just decide it’s worth it to pause and spend a moment training your brain in a totally unglamorous way.
