Using the Memory Faculty to Be a Better Writer

In my experience with writing, sometimes it can be hard to be better at it because of distractions, doubt, and editor’s rejection. But we have choices: keep moving forward or let these setbacks get in our way. Some may think it can be easier to give up; however, it is always best to keep going because there will be editors who say yes, and there are ways to focus by using techniques to improve. There is something called intellectual faculties, and my experience with them has helped me become a better writer. Here’s how we can use the memory faculty to become a better writer.

By Erin Coyle

@erinshotpot.

I had thirty seconds to remember ten objects at this interactive exhibit testing my short-term memory at a cultural centre in Kuwait. I laughed each time I tried, and four tries later, the highest score I received was a seven out of ten, and the lowest score was two. I thought my memory was terrible, but then I had to remind myself that it was not bad; I just needed to reuse the tools I learned to improve my memory. 

In my experience, by taking a Magic in Your Mind course and having a mindset and transformation coach certificate, I learned that we have six intellectual faculties. Memory is one of the six intellectual faculties. The others are imagination, will, perception, reason, and intuition. These faculties combined can help us to achieve any goal. For instance, if we imagine our dream life—being a better writer, for instance—then we could use the faculty of will to focus and concentrate on achieving this dream. 

The faculties connect, and together, the mind is a powerful tool. When it comes to memory, it is more than remembering objects; it is also about holding positive memories when setting goals. Here is everything you need to know about the memory faculty and how to build muscle memory through a few exercises. 

Remembering names

To remember names, one task to do the next time you go shopping or have coffee is to ask the worker’s name and remember it. The next time, say hello to the person. One way to remember is to use word association. For example, Erin was energetic when she took the coffee order. Keep repeating this statement ‘energetic Erin’ again and again until your muscle remembers this. 

It is the same as remembering those ten objects, but my muscle needs strengthening because I haven’t been practicing. In my experience with this exercise, as long as I keep repeating the word associations, I can remember names and objects. The memory muscle needs training in the same sense as going to the gym to build leg muscle. It is also essential to have positive thoughts before going to bed.

Positive thoughts before bed

Before you go to sleep, one more exercise to do is to list positive things that happened in your day, similar to gratitude. It is helpful to write it down or say the positives from the day out loud. It is a way to keep a mental memory box. This exercise also works with future memories. In five to ten years, what will you have achieved with writing? 

If it is something such as ‘writing your 500th travel story,’ visualize this moment. What did you feel when reaching this goal? Who was with you when you achieved the goal? What were you wearing? What were you eating? Where were you when this milestone took place? Creating this future memory is another way to generate positive memories and achieve the goal of being a better writer.

Happy writing

Another excellent exercise is to write down all positive memories. Some examples could be: ‘went to my first writing conference in 2022,’ ‘got my first byline in 2020,’ or ‘wrote my longest story of 3,000 words.’ Look at the list and add it to the mental memory box. Remember, repetition is the key. In my experience, looking at this list regularly helps keep me on track of my writing goals. I sometimes sit on the beach for reflection. 

Next, on another sheet of paper, write down all the bad memories associated with writing. For instance, you were upset when a publication rejected the story you poured your heart and soul into. Take time for this exercise. Once the list is complete, it is time to burn the paper or rip it up and say goodbye. 

There is something powerful about removing bad memories that do not help to achieve goals. In my experience, when I do this exercise, I feel as if an enormous weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I usually burn the paper because I feel as if there is no more negativity. When focusing on the bad memories of anything, the subconscious mind picks up on these thoughts and stores this information. In other words, the mind only thinks about the negative memories, resulting in worse outcomes. 

Think positively 

Also, when constantly thinking about that publication not accepting your work, it can be impossible to focus on reaching out to other publications because one may think, ‘What’s the point of pitching when publishers will not pick me?’ To achieve any writing goal, try this exercise because it does help. Some people may have to do the getting rid of bad memories exercise once, while others may do it every few months. It depends on the person. If the mind keeps focusing on bad memories, it may be time for a goodbye writing party. Remember to keep positive memories in your mind to be a better writer. Now that the negative memories are gone, it is time to focus on all writing future goals and achievements.

Future memories

Going further with the future memory, now write all future goals as if they have happened. Be as detailed and descriptive as possible, including how you felt when it happened. Start with ‘I am so happy and grateful now that…’ Here is an example: ‘I am so happy and grateful now that I spoke at a writing conference. When I received the acceptance email, I was traveling in Iceland. I was getting ready to hike when I saw the notification. I remember wearing black hiking pants, putting my layers on, and excitedly jumping up and down because I would share my writing knowledge with others.’ 

No matter the writing goals, keep writing and leave no details out. I usually keep a journal when I write my goals.

Taking action

The next task is to take action to make this goal become a reality. If a writing goal is to speak at a conference, start finding conferences and topics that could be a good fit. Also, join a few writing groups and network with others. Or, if a goal is to write at least three stories a month, make a list of topics, start writing, continue pitching, and don’t give up.

As a writer, I know that my goals will differ from someone else’s. Either way, learning to use the memory faculty and the above exercises will allow one to achieve a goal. In my experience, these tasks work and can help you be a better writer. As one of my university professors used to say, ‘Happy writing.’

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About Me:

She is a member of Travel Writers University and TravMedia Middle East. Her website is erinshotpot, or find her on Instagram @erinshotpot.

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