Memorizing a long string of numbers is a bit more complicated than linking together a few single digits. But with a little practice, the memory system outlined in this article can help you remember to infinity and beyond. Okay, maybe not quite to infinity.
How do I know these techniques for memorization work? I relied on them while studying medicine. I used them to remember the onslaught of numbers and figures in pharmacy, biochemistry, and bio statistics.
I learned a lot about studying for tests from eight-time World Memory Champion Dominic O’Brien, in his book How to Pass Exams. His learning system, and others, like the Major System, are types of phonetic number systems which translate double digit numbers into initials. Then, a unique image is assigned to each set of initials. In O’Brien's system, he assigns a person to each set of initials, but I tend to be more free in my associations: I utilize people, places, and things—whatever images the initials conjure up the fastest.
Here is the method that I use, a hybrid between O'Brien’s system and the Major System.
Step 1: Choose a Translation System
Create a system to translate numbers to letters. There are more ways to do this than I can count, but I prefer the most straightforward method: Focusing on shape similarities between letters and numbers. For example, the number 1 looks like the letter t or l, and 2 flips sideways to resemble an N.
The following list is what I use to translate numbers to letters, but feel free to use any method you prefer. It's best to choose one method and stick with it.
Step 2: Translate the Numbers to Letters
Make a list of every two-digit number you need to commit to memory and its letter translation. I prefer to do this in an Excel spreadsheet, as seen here:
Step 3: Fill In Any Pictures That Automatically Come to Mind
Ignore the initials for now and fill in any images that automatically come to mind for each number. For example, 19 quickly reminds me of my favorite hockey player, Steve Yzerman; 24 makes me think of my favorite slugger, Ken Griffey, Jr.; and 76 makes me imagine an enormous gas station globe. For any numbers that automatically trigger pictures, don’t worry about the initials—the work is already done.
Step 4: Choose a Picture for Each Set of Initials
For all other numbers that don’t automatically conjure up images, focus on the initials. For each pair of initials, think up a person or a picture to remind you of the number. People’s initials are a natural fit—TR can equate to Teddy Roosevelt. Alternatively, you can add in additional vowels to make a new word, like TiRe, or TRee. I simply choose the picture that comes to mind the quickest. Here is an example list of people and images for numbers 10 through 30:
Step 5: Give Each Picture a Unique Action or Object
Now all you have to do is give each number’s image a unique action or object.
This step allows us to link longer strings of numbers together. If 13 = TM = Tom Morello playing the guitar and 17 = TR = Teddy Roosevelt adjusting his pince-nez, then 1,713 = Teddy Roosevelt playing the guitar.
Now, it’s simply a matter of stringing together action chains and pictures to remember any number.
Step 6 (Optional): Give Each Picture a Unique Action AND Object
Some memory wizards even take it a step further and create a PAO list, or person-action-object list. This list assigns a person, action, AND object to every double-digit number. The PAO method allows for even more linking and compresses the information even further. Here is an example of what a PAO list might look like.
With the PAO system, numbers compress even easier than ever. Mixing and matching using the example list, the number 162,620 turns into one single picture: Tom Brady (16) pooping (26) Mardi Gras beads (20).
The PAO method is a bit extensive, and rigidly sticking to this system is probably only necessary for mass-number memorization (hundreds or thousands of numbers).
These lists can be complicated, and you surely don’t need to memorize a picture for every number from 10 to 99. But it is important to write out a full list to use as a reference. Having a number list handy will help you quickly create action chains to remember difficult number combos. The goal is to create an entertaining scene that links all the numbers together in order.
Step 7: Store the Pictures Inside a Familiar Location
Finally, after we’ve created a unique scene, we need to store it inside a familiar location, in what I call a Memory File. This ensures we can find the material again at a later date. Otherwise, the picture reminders will be strewn around in our head like a heap of unorganized papers.
Memory Files are composed of familiar locations, both physical and virtual, and we can store new information inside these old memories like filing cabinets. For more info on Memory Files, check out 4 Simple Steps to Learn Anything Using Movies, TV Shows, and Video Games.
By utilizing the same methods as the top memory champions, we can make jumbles of digits memorable in an instant. Simply turn the numbers into pictures, link them together, and place them inside a familiar location for safe keeping. Utilizing these game-changing techniques will help you memorize any number—to infinity, and beyond!
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