The conditions surrounding how a memory was initially stored will determine how readily we can recall that memory.
Here are three things you can do to remember on purpose.

• Look at the thing you want to remember. Maybe it is a person’s name or an event or piece of information for a test. Ask yourself what is different about this information? What does this idea remind me of? Describe aloud the features of the picture or face you want to remember. Explain the idea aloud. Think about the parts of this idea or face or event. Often times if we sketch the thing we are trying to remember it helps us “see” the attributes of that thing. Use your senses. Let’s imagine we are trying to remember the parts of a flower for a test in science class. What does this flower part look like? Color? Size? Shape? What does it feel like when I touch it? Texture? Cold? Warm? What does it smell like? If it had a sound what does it sound like? If it had an emotion what does it feel like?

• Have the intention of committing it to memory. Making a choice to do something sends the message to your brain that this idea is important. Ask yourself what is the main point? What is the big picture? How does this idea or face or event fit into the big scheme of things? You must decide that this idea is important. For example in a crowded room whose face or words do you commit to memory? The main speaker or the good looking guy/gal sitting next to you. You can afford to overlook other people once you’ve determined who is important.

• Have a strong motivation to remember it. Motivation is the why in remembering. What is the goal? Why does this matter? This is motivation. Remember in high school algebra you asked your teacher “When will you ever use algebra?” Your brain won’t remember test information without motivation. What is the goal? What is the purpose for this information? The information must be relevant. You want to remember this information because you will use it tomorrow when you go to lab. You care because it will be on the next exam. It matters because maybe you need this information to navigate the freeways in Dallas this afternoon. You want to remember because your goal is to graduate. Motivation is all about what you want, and why. Motivation is connected to your goals. Knowing your goals helps motivate you to remember.