3 in 1: Memory, Mindset & Mastery

FYI

This post builds on previous posts dealing with brain boosting skills and ways to develop, enhance, and foster them. The content below is different as it offers a blend of several different skills and perspectives.

On a more personal level, this post is inspired by and dedicated to Ivana Pažek, whose brilliant mind and amazing soul never cease to amaze me.

The Importance of Sharp and Resilient Memory

We brushed the subject of memory in some of our previous posts. Our ability to remember details and retain information changes as we age. Memory abilities, particularly working and episodic memory, may start to change in middle age, though the rate of decline can vary. This is why a sharp and astute mind is paramount to a long and healthy life.

“Memory is the most magical human attribute.” – Richard Restak

Since memory is central to every skill we develop and every experience we retain, we can draw a parallel with the rest of our body and consider it a mental muscle. Obviously, like any muscle, this one too can be strengthened and optimized with regular, specific, and intentional training.

Engaging in memory-enhancing activities can delay cognitive decline, boost problem-solving abilities, and improve overall mental health. Memory games, in particular, are simple yet powerful tools to engage brain areas responsible for attention, recall, and cognitive flexibility. These games stimulate neuroplasticity, as we have already mentioned in previous posts. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways that allow our brain to adapt, recover, and evolve, especially as we age.

Now, if you’re not inclined to believe that memory is a muscle, bear in mind that there is a thing called memory sport where memory athletes compete to memorize certain information under specific rules. One of these champions, Alex Mullen, holds the World Memory Championship record for memorizing the order of 52 decks of shuffled playing cards (2,704 cards in total) in just over 1 hour and 51 minutes. He credited a technique called the memory palace for his remarkable achievement. Remember this the next time you go shopping with your mental list!

The Power of Autosuggestion & Positive Thinking

“You are what you think.” –David Stoop

The idea of You are what you think, in the original or slightly changed wording, has been present throughout history in philosophy, psychology, and more recently, self-help literature. It is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy, through Buddhist (c. 5^th – 4^th century BC) and Hindu (c. 1000 – 500 BC) teachings.

It has penetrated Western thought and literature through the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson (“Modern Thought”, 1841), James Allen (“As a Man Thinketh”, 1903), and Napoleon Hill (“Think and Grow Rich”, 1937).

To return to the scientific aspect of the concept, William James, the Father of American Psychology, believed strongly in the power of positive thinking, as seen in his work. In modern psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is built on the idea that our thoughts affect our feelings and behaviors.

In addition, Louise Hay (“You Can Heal Your Life”, 1984) argues that affirmations and positive thoughts can heal both mental and physical health. As mentioned, David Stoop used this idea in his book “You are What You Think” (2003), and Dr. Wayne Dyer, known as the Father of Motivation, popularized similar ideas in his books like “The Power of Intention” (2004).

Furthermore, this phrase has influenced mindfulness practices globally where practitioners are encouraged to observe their thoughts without judgment, understanding that thoughts do not define them but shape their perceptions and actions. And finally, this takes us back to where we started – the concept of You are what you think is backed by neuroscience as repeated thoughts reinforce certain neural pathways, making thought patterns habitual. Sounds a lot like neuroplasticity, right?

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

Let’s dive deeper into neuroscientific research. As mentioned previously, our thoughts can significantly shape our self-perception and behaviors. This is called autosuggestion – the process of mentally affirming positive statements about oneself to increase self-confidence, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

Positive affirmations like “I am resilient” or “I am thriving” can shift our inner narrative toward growth, healing, and empowerment. This process is linked to reinforcing neural pathways which help us internalize what we repeatedly think, say, or hear. The more we repeat a certain affirmation, the more it becomes a reality to our minds. And the only reality we truly know is the one that inhabits our minds.

“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.” – Emile Coué

The Rule of Three: Long Live Hendiatris

Hendiatris (from Greek: hen dia triôn, meaning “one through three”) is a rhetorical figure where three words or ideas are used to convey a single, powerful message. Popularized in the related form of the “Rule of Three”, this omnipresent figure relies on the fact that ideas presented in threes are inherently more memorable.

This figure has been popular since ancient rhetoric, where orators like Aristotle, Cicero, and Demosthenes used it to ensure that their audiences remember key points from their speeches. Today, it’s deeply rooted in politics, marketing, branding, and even fields like teaching and personal development, employed by coaches and various speakers. In addition, it is often used by the previously mentioned memory champions in mnemonics.

To go back to memory skills, our brains tend to process information more easily in small, memorable groups. In memory science, this technique is called “chunking”, where information is organized into manageable groups, like phrases consisting of three parts. This idea of grouping or chunking has been dealt with in Miller’s “Magical Number Seven” theory that builds on his work with short-term memory capacity and supports the idea that the rule of three can enhance recall.

This concept is further explored in neurolinguistic programming and cognitive behavioral approaches, but from another angle. Using chunks of three words or ideas creates a natural rhythm and structure that feels satisfying and balanced, which makes the message feel “right” or true to the listener, thus increasing the emotional impact.

 “Veni, Vidi, Vici” – Julius Caesar

Bottom Line

Combining memory skills, autosuggestion, and positive thinking with the rule of three into a simple, traditional memory game, like the one below, can have three-fold benefits.

First and foremost, it boosts your memory skills by employing your attention skills, enhancing your ability to recall information, and improving your cognitive flexibility. Next, it reinforces positive affirmations and enhances self-belief through playful repetition. Last but not least, using the rule of three engages the emotional center of your brain which creates a profound, vivid, and lasting impact.

Therefore, …

Let’s Play!

Below is a memory game consisting of positive affirmations. There are seven sets of affirmations, each containing three cards, unlike the traditional ones with pairs. Flip the cards to match all sets. To load the game correctly on mobile, please hold your phone horizontally. Have fun!

P.S. If you noticed the elusive gray spots and you’re wondering why you can’t catch them, check out the Hermann Grid Illusion!

Keep your mind sharp and your smile brighter!