Learn For Success, Profit & FunIran, Iceland and India. His delegates have included CEOs,...

SYSTEMS • MEMORYIMAGINATION • LISTSLANGUAGES • NAMES

THINKING • GOALSTRAINING • TIME

PLAN TECHNIQUES MIND MAPPING

KNOWLEDGE • READINGDEVELOPMENT • CONCENTRATION

D A V I D T H O M A S

The ultimate guide to releasing your unlimited learning potential

LEARN FOR SUCCESS,PROFIT AND FUN

DAVID THOMAS

www.The MotivationSpeaker.com

KEYNOTE SPEAKER• Conferences• Staff awaydays• Corporate hospitality

EXPERT ONACCELERATEDLEARNING• Company training• Schools• 1–2–1 with students

PRESENTATION SKILLSCOACHING• Sales teams• Customer facing staff• 1–2–1 with senior staff

LEARNFORSUCCESS,PROFITAND

FUN!

David Thomas

Author – David ThomasGuinness record breakerAt the age of 28, David bought a book on memoryimprovement to help him pass his promotion exams inthe Fire Service. Within eight months, he went to the1996 World Memory Championships and came fourth.Since then, he has gone on to develop one of the mostpowerful memories in history.

International speakerDavid has spoken in 22 countries as diverse asIran, Iceland and India. His delegates haveincluded CEOs, firefighters, Olympic athletesand Government ministers.

Number one bestselling authorThis is David’s third book. The other two havesold in excess of 500,000 copies worldwide. Thesecond one was his autobiography that became aLondon Sunday Times No.1 bestseller (the UKequivalent of the New York Times bestseller list).

Media personalityTo date, David has done more than 500 mediaappearances. His biggest was appearing on TheOprah Winfrey Show that went out to 17 millionAmericans and more than 100 countries.

David speaking in Aix-Les-Bains, France.

Learning how to use the amazing, incredible andinfinite learning potential that we all possess has given me a quality of life I never even knewexisted. I now share my fantastic and highlysuccessful strategies with global companies togive them the edge that cannot be achieved any other way. See you soon for a memorableexperience.

4

L E A R N F O R S U C C E S S , P R O F I T A N D F U N

6 Learn how to learn

7 What’s in it for you?

Effective brainpower8 Brain structure

10 14 Brain skills

Effective reading12 Reading issues

14 Guide technique

15 Practice

Mind Maps16 History & principles

18 Three stages of Mind Mapping

20 Mind Maps for notetaking/studying

21 Mind Maps for planning

22 Mind Maps for meetings

23 Computer Mind Mapping

Effective Memory24 Principle of

imagination

25 Principle oforganisation

26 Journeytechnique

28 Memorising numbers

30 Memorising languages

31 Memorising names

Applying the techniques32 Revision frequency

33 Know your body and mind

34 Thinking constructively

35 Moving forward

Appendices36 Effective reading: Appendix I

38 Effective reading: Appendix II

40 Acknowledgements

Contents

5


Harnessing the learning capabilities of staff is the pathto success and profit, both for the individual and theorganisation.

Learning for Successand ProfitMany companiessay they have alearning culture but I will show youHOW to learn.

This is very different.Learning can be a tremendously exciting process andthis book will take you through it step by step.

!At school and inthe workplace, weare constantlytaught WHAT tolearn. But we arenever shown HOWto learn."

Almost every company has aglaring gap in their ability to tap

into the unlimited learningcapacity of their staff.

They pay the faintest of lipservice to this crucial element

of professional developmentwithout understanding the huge

financial loss from not harnessing theintellectual capital of its workforce.

As I travel the worldtalking aboutmemory and

learning, peoplecannot wait to tellme how bad their

memory is!

✍Author’s note


6 Learn how to learn

David ThomasWorld renowned expert on accelerated learning

Learn how to learn

What’s in it for you?Your brain is your very own necktop computerand is the most powerful thing ever created.Enjoy the adventure of uncovering itsastonishing possibilities.

#Learn how to use techniques such as:$Mind Mapping$Speed Reading$Memory Improvement

#Learn with greater effectiveness$Spend less time studying and reading$Apply the knowledge quicker$Increase your opportunities for learning$Retain more knowledge$Improve your concentration$Release potential in yourself and others

#Learn atransferable skillMost exciting ofall, you can sharewith friends andfamily to help themgain an insight intotheir unlimitedpotential.

%Quick Tip

The best way to maximise yourunderstanding and

recall of a topic is toshow someone else.Learn the strategies

in this book and then immediatelybecome teacher.


Learn how to learn 7

Effective BrainpowerStructureThe brain has the texture of a hard boiled egg. Thelower part, or cerebellum, controls movement, the midbrain, including the thalamus and hypothalamus relayssensory information and regulates body systems.

The higher region of the brain – the cerebrum –controls more complex functions, including memoryand learning.

!The brain is apowerful, complex,beautiful lump ofgrey matter just1.5kgs in weight.But what it can dois beyondimagination."

Through evolution,the brain has

developed into astructure with

multiple valleys andridges.

This increases thesurface area and inturn the number of

brain cells andconnections.

!Fact File

Deals withthought

processes

Analyses dataabout sound

Cerebellumcontrols balance

Cerebrum

Analyses dataabout

sensations


8 Effective brainpower

&SELF TEST Get 10 coloured pens and work out how manypermutations there are using all 10 pens.

See the box for the answer – before your headexplodes!

Answer: 3.6m –

10x9x8x7 … more

than you thought?

Me too!

Connect and learnNeurons are the basic unit of the nervoussystem and the cerebral cortex has thelargest number of neurons.

Each cell has anucleus in thecentre withbranchescalledDendritescoming off it.

One big telephoneexchangeYour brain is like a vast exchange,shuttling messages between itsbillions of brain cells.

Imagine that everyone in theworld is talking on the phone atthe same time … but each personis speaking to 10,000 otherpeople.

That’s the awesome andunbelievable power of the brain.

Dendrite receivesimpulses andconducts them tothe cell body

Axon carriesimpulses fromcell body toother cells

Neuron cell body

Synapse

Nucleus


Effective brainpower 9

Some of the brain skills are obvious but let’slook at two of the more unusual ones.

Day dreamingWe often have great ideas when we are in ahighly relaxed state in the bath or chilling outon the couch. Einstein came up with some ofhis best ideas while day dreaming.

WholenessThink of doing a crossword.

You don’t focus on the 26answers you got right: youfocus on the two answersyou could not get. Youwant to complete it andmake it whole.

!At the centre ofyour brain’sperformance arethe 14 Brain Skills.Our goal inachieving TotalEffective Learning isto use as many ofthem as possible."

CREATIVE

Spatial awareness

Daydreaming

Wholeness

Colour

Rhythm

Imagination

Dimension


10 Brain skills

Brain skills

LOGICAL

Sequence

Words

Analysis

Numbers

LogicLines

Lists

Brain skills in learningBooks that teach young kids use images,words and lots of colour, skills from bothsides of the brain.It is fun and the kids love it.

High school books use words, lists, littlecolour and few images, almostexclusively logical skills. Thisis boring and the kidsstruggle.

As we get older, we use lessof the creative skills side ofthe brain and so find ithard when we have to.

&SELF TEST

1. You write the word

2. Now draw a camel!

Maximising use of the 14 Brain Skillsmakes learning easier, more fun and ittaps into more of your awesome brainpower. You will see this principle appliedall the way through the book.

As an eternal child,my aim was to make this look like an adult’s

kids book.

✍Author’s note

Drawing the camel shouldfeel ‘harder’ because it usesmore brain skills. Writing the word cameluses two logical skills butdrawing a camel uses 10from both sides.But it is only harder becausewe are not used to doing it.The more we use ourcreative skills, the easier itbecomes.

Camel


Brain skills 11

12 Effective reading

Effective readingReading is a skill that everyone learns and masters atan early age. But the mystery is that as we get older,our reading speed does not get any higher and manyserious issues creep in.

BenchmarkLet’s find out your current reading level.

&SELF TEST Get a watch with a second hand and goto Appendix I on page 36. Read thearticle and time how long it takesyou. The number of words isindicated and you can then workout your reading speed in wordsper minute.

'

Reading Issue No.1 – poor concentrationOur brain can read a word in 1/500th of a second butwe take on average ¼ of a second to read it.

What is the brain doing in the meantime? It gets boredand distracted, thinking about other things.

Reading Issue No. 2 – low speed Our reading speed potential is 500 words per secondyet the average is just 250 words per minute.

LrWORD WORD WORD WORD

Remember

MOTWhat’sfor lunch?

Call Sheila


!We understandthe value oforganisation andprocess in our dailylives but neverthink of applyingthis to ourreading."

Cat

Reading Issue No. 3 – subvocalisationAt 4 or 5 we are taught to read using our speaking ability, learning one word at a time and saying it out loud.

This is called VOCALISATION.

As we get older, we carryon saying the words – notout loud, but in our heads.

This is calledSUBVOCALISATION.

We are never shownhow to advance ourreading past 10 yearsold so subvocalisation keeps us reading at our speaking speed!

Reading Issue No. 4 – poor retentionBecause we read so slowly, the informationdoes not get into our Working Memory

span – 15–30 seconds – which is essential for optimumretention and comprehension.

So we get to the end of a page and end up going backand reading it again.

30,000humanpotential

SCALEOFREADINGSPEED(wpm)

4,550 `worldrecord

1,500author

250average

t[

CAT!


Effective reading 13

Guide technique

&SELF TEST

Part oneDraw an imaginary circle in front of you with your eyes.Make it about the size of a dinner plate, 1 metre away, andkeep your head still.

Part twoDraw the circle again but this time put your hand out anduse the tip of your finger to guide your eyes.

I am guessing your circles looked something like this:

Circle One –just with the eyes

Jagged and notvery circular

Circle Two – with the finger

Smooth and round

Using a guide is the way to making a huge leap in yourspeed and overall reading ability.

!All the readingissues on pages12–13 can beovercome byreading morequickly. This iseasily achievedthrough technique,practice andapplication."

Do this exercisewith someoneelse and watch

their eyes.

%Quick Tip


14 Guide technique

Guide technique in practice

Stage I: Choosing a guideYou can use your finger, pen, knitting needle orwhatever takes your fancy. With practice, you willdecide a preference.

Stage II: Using the guideThis could not be any simpler. As you progress alongeach line run your guide underneath the line of words.

This will force your brain to move on to the nextgroup of words so taking away the chance to loiteron a section.

As you become more proficient your brain will learnto do this very efficiently breaking down thematerial into key words and reducing the focus timeon each fixation.

Stage III: Applying the guideBegin using this with low risk material. Anewspaper or magazine is a great place to start.Then move on to other material.

Don’t be confused by its simplicity – the GuideTechnique is awesome in its power to increasespeed and remove issues.

I always use myfinger. It is alwayswith me and I like

my finger ;-)

✍Author’s note

Use the GuideTechnique for10 minutes aday and youwill be readingat 1000 wpm in just one month.


Guide technique 15

&SELF TESTNow go to Appendix II on page 38 and time yourself again using a guide.

Mind MappingHistoryBack in the 1970s,many people inbusiness usedspider andfishbone diagramsas a way ofexpressinginformation.

Tony Buzan identified areas where he thought he couldimprove these and so Mind Mapping was born.

Mind Mapping is a unique process of expressinginformation using many of the accelerated learningprinciples in this book.

1. Radiant structureEverything natural has a radiant structure. So aMind Map starts in the centre of the page andradiates out.

2. ColourThe brain candifferentiate betweenmillions of differentcolours.

Colour on a Mind Map isa significant aid formemory andcomprehension.

!Most informationis presented in away which makes it difficult to read quickly,comprehend andretain. MindMapping is theanswer to all theseissues."

500 million peopleuse Mind Mapping –

nearly 10% of the world.

!Fact File


16 Mind Mapping

Main cause

Main cause Main cause

Level 2cause

Main causeA

Level 1cause

Level 3cause Problem to be

resolved(effect)

3) Key wordsInformation does not have to be written out in fullfor us to understand what is being said.

We can take out up to 80% of the information anduse just the key words that are left.

This reduction in volume is central to us being able tohandle the information overload that many peoplecomplain about.

&SELF TEST Read the above paragraph again but just the words in red andbold. You can probably understand what is being conveyedjust by reading those 14 words out of the 57 in total.

4) Powerful connectivityThe branches on a Mind Map flow from onesection to the next in an organic flowing formthat mimics the way we think.

There are no boxes either as this restricts the flowof ideas.

5) ImagesWe think in images not in words. A MindMap is one large image. Good Mind Mapsalso use plenty of images on the branches.

Why Mind Mapping worksMirror image of your brainThe structure of a Mind Map is a directreflection of your brain’s thought processesabout the topic. A Mind Map even looks likea brain cell with a nucleus in the centre andbranches coming out in a radiant structure.


Mind Mapping 17

Mind Maps – 3 stagesStage No. 1Take a piece of A3/A4 paper and place it down in alandscape format.

Draw an image in the centre depicting the subject matter.

Stage No. 2Draw primary branches away from the centre.These are the main topics within the subject.

Each branch has its own colour.


18 Mind Map stages

• CAPITALISEletters.

• Add drawings tohelp visualisationand recall.

• Only one or afew key words tobe used on a line.

• All writing shouldbe above the line.

%Quick Tip

Stage No. 3Continue the flow of information subdividing further.


Mind Map stages 19


20 Mind Map applications

Mind Maps – applications

Application No. 1 – Note taking/studying

Drawn by Elaine Colliar

5 times World Mind Mapping Champion.


Mind Map applications 21

Application No. 2 – Planning

Drawn by Elaine Colliar 5 times World Mind Mapping Champion.


22 Mind Map applications

Application No. 3 – Meetings

Drawn by Elaine Colliar 5 times World Mind Mapping Champion.

Computer vs. hand drawn Mind Mapping can also be done using software.It is down to personal preference whether touse software or to do it by hand.

Computer Mind Mapping has the benefitof being able to amend Mind Maps onthe fly using click and drag or cut andpaste.

Of course you can also email them to other people.


Mind Map applications 23

VERY IMPORTANT!If you prefer to doyour Mind Maps by

hand, that is just as good.

✍Author’s note

Author’s computer Mind Map of thebenefits of Mind Mapping.

Effective memoryMemory Principle 1 – ImaginationWe think in images not in words.

&SELF TEST If you heard the word breakfast, which of the two belowwould you be thinking of?

'Almost everyone thinks of the image breakfast and notthe black word.

Improving your memory is about taking informationand turning it into fun creative images.

The more weird and ridiculous the image, the better.

We forget the mundane and everyday, but rememberthe extraordinary.

Images we remember the best:

Weird

Animated

Three Dimensional

Colourful

Humorous

Exaggerated

Sensory

!There are onlytwo types ofmemory – trainedand untrained.Developing apowerful memoryis a question oftechnique, system,training, practiceand application."(Breakfast

Use the acronymWATCHES

to learn this list.

%Quick Tip

24 Effective memory


'Memory Principle II – OrganisationImagine going into a library and asking fora book.

The librarian says they have it but everybook is in a pile on the floor.

You might find it straight away or never at all.

This is how most people learn. They pile informationinto their heads and then wonder

why they cannot find it.

Now imagine going into alibrary that is organised as itshould be.

You ask for the book, you aretold where to find it and

away you go.

This is how we should learn.

&SELF TEST Look at the sets of dots below. Which is the easiest one to count?

Of course, it is the set on the right because they are organised.

Using both Imagination and Organisation helpsdevelop a powerful memory.

The JourneyTechnique on p. 26 isa particularly effective

way of doing this.

%Quick Tip

Effective memory 25


The Journey techniqueStage 1 – create a journey

We create a journey round a familiar building.

Author example:Stage One HallwayStage Two Living roomStage Three Dining roomStage Four KitchenStage Five BedroomStage Six Bathroom

Now your turnDo the same as above.

■ Choose a building you know very well. ■ Imagine walking around that building. ■ Note down all the different areas. ■ The journey must be logical so you can get from

Stage 1 to 2, Stage 2 to 3, etc.

Make your journey 10 stages long round the building.

!This technique isbased on the libraryanalogy on page 25.We place theinformation at alocation where wecan go to retrieveit. This is a 3 stageprocess."

Make everystage of your

journey separateand distinct.

%Quick Tip


26 The Journey technique

Stage 2 – insert the objects

The author is going to use a simple list of things thatmight be needed for a holiday. The first three areplaced on his journey.

Now your turnList the following 10 everyday objects next to the 10stages in your journey.

1. Egg 6. Towel2. Wardrobe 7. Football3. Telescope 8. Computer4. Elephant 9. Dog5. Pencil 10. Mobile

Stage 3 – use WATCHES

Use WATCHES from page 24 to createweird images at each stage. Author example:Stage 1 = Hall: Suncream. I imaginethere is an animated bottle of suncreamwith arms and legs squirting it all overthe walls. Ridiculous but memorable.

Now your turnGo through your journey and createfun and ridiculous images from the 10objects at each stage using WATCHES.Do all 10.


The Journey technique 27

Memorising numbers!All memorytechniques performthe same task –they take genericinformation andturn it into specificand personalimages. This isexactly how it iswith memorisingnumbers."

0 – Football 5 – Fishing hook

1 – Walking stick 6 – Elephant’s trunk

2 – Swan 7 – Saxophone

3 – Handcuffs 8 – Earrings

4 – Boat sail 9 – Balloon

Learning styles

Before we look at individual number techniques, it isworth mentioning learning styles.

There are various different types:

Visual learning styleIf you have a visual learningstyle then you are more likelyto say “I see what you mean”.

A visual person would be bestplaced to use the NumberShape system.

The Number Shape systemEach number 0 – 9 is changed into an imagethat looks the same shape as the number.


28 Memorising numbers

Application of number systemsImagine your credit card PIN is1928 and you are using thenumber rhyme system.

You create a fun and silly image where a NUN 1is drinking WINE 9 while wearing some redclown SHOES 2 and leaning against a GATE 8.

Crazy image? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely!

And to make it stick even better, place itat a bank ATM as we know that locationworks well.

Auditory learning styleIf you have an auditory learningstyle then you are more likely tosay “I hear what you mean”.

An auditory person would be bestplaced to use the NumberRhyme system.

The Number Rhyme system Each number 0 – 9 is changed into an image thatsounds the same as the number.

0 – Hero 5 – Beehive

1 – Nun 6 – Sticks

2 – Shoe 7 – Raven

3 – Tree 8 – Gate

4 – Door 9 – Wine


Memorising numbers 29

Memorising languagesLearning FrenchTake the word book. In French it is livre. This soundsand looks like the English word liver.

We then create animage of book and livertogether. In this case,this is a book withpages made of liver.

&SELF TEST The German wordfor newspaper iszeitung. Can you tellhow this produces theimage on the right? Answer below.

Did you know that just 100 words constitute 50% of mostforeign languages?

Learn those and you are half way there!

Gender

Use colour for gender.Livre is male gender –le livre – so add red tothe image. Add adifferent colour forfemale gender words.

!Learninglanguages is aquestion of creatingimages from boththe English andforeign words andputting themtogether"

Zeitung is split into zei and tung. These create the English words Si (Simon) and tonguebecause they sound similar. Thus, the image of Simon licking a newspaper with histongue outside a newsagent!


30 Memorising languages

Memorising names

Create imagesfor names withthe kids on along journey.

)

Family fun

Change the name into an image !

Attach image to person

Embellish withWATCHES

(p.24)

!

Name: GreenwoodImage: Branches comingout of the body

Name: CulvinderImage: Colander on head

Name: JulieImage: Wearinglots of shinyjewellery

Forgetting names is constantly the number onememory problem quoted in polls.

But let me ask you a question: If my name was TonyBlair, would you be more likely to remember myname? Of course!

Why? Because you will have an image of Blair that youwill subconsciously attach to me.

That is the strategy for memorising names.


Memorising names 31

Effective revisionDramatic lossUp to 80% of information is lostwithin 24 hours of learning it.

To maximise learning, we mustreview the new informationwithin that period.

Then we must continue toreview before the rate ofrecall drops.

After the first review, thegap to subsequent reviewslengthens.

Great news!Learn the information using Mind Maps and memorytechniques and the review time is very small.

Information that took one hour to learn can bereviewed in just five minutes.

!Learning withoutthe correct revisiontimetable is liketraining for the100m sprint thenrunning it with yourankles tiedtogether."

Reca

ll %

1 hour 1 day 1 week 1 month 3 monthsFrequency of reviews

100

80

60

40

20

0


32 Effective revision

BiorhythmsEveryone has a biorhythm, a fluctuation in their system that leads to performance peaks and troughs.

Ideally, you would match your studying to your peaks.

SleepSleep deprivation causes disorientation and lack of focus, affecting our ability to learn and recallinformation effectively.

But similarly, too much sleep is not good either.

Aim for 6–7 hours a night.

BreathingMost people sitdown to study.

This reduces thequantity of oxygengetting to the brain,one of its keyperformancerequirements.

Learn deepbreathing exercises.

Feeling pressure is areal barrier to

learning and studying.If you find yourselfgetting worked up

over something, taketime out and do

some deep breathingexercises for five minutes.

%Quick Tip

Know your body and mind


Know your body and mind 33

Of course, I am notsuggesting that youstudy standing up ;-)

✍Author’s note

Thinking constructively!Your attitude willbe as important inreaching yourstudying goals asany of the othertechniques in thisbook."

Obstacle or challenge?Do you see the glass of water ashalf empty or half full?

Your response will dictate yourlearning potential.

You will face challenges as youapply the strategies in this bookbut a positive outlook willmean that you do not fall at thefirst hurdle.

Learn to do what others won’t or can’tStudents who learn to go the extramile are successful because there is alot less traffic.

Most people are simply not preparedto put in the extra to move ahead ofthe pack.

&SELF TEST Think of a time when you went the extra mile. Shut youreyes and relive that experience. How does it feel?

Fantastic? All warm inside? Well, you can achieve thatfeeling again with your studying by making this opportunitywork for you.

This book will not increase your learning ability.

What it does is give you some strategies that tap into thepotential that you already possess!


34 Thinking constructively

Start with thetechnique that youlike the most.1. PLAN IT ANDSTART NOW!Decide immediatelyhow you want tomove forward.2. Get a diary or alearning log and writeexactly what actionsyou are going to take– and WHEN!

%Quick Tip

Moving forwardThe right tool for the right jobThis book contains a multitude ofstrategies and techniques to help youimprove your learning.

With time and practice, you willlearn which is the best toolto take out of the box forthe specific study task at hand.

PracticeUsing these techniques is like going to the gym.

No-one goes on their first visit and walks out infantastic shape. But if you keep going…

Gradual integration isthe best way forward


Moving forward 35


36 Appendix I

Appendix IA journey into the land of Guinness Part IBy late 1997, I was in a great position in the memoryfield having come fourth and third in the 1996 and1997 World Memory Championships and becomingone of only a handful of people in the world to achievethe title International Grandmaster of Memory.

But I wanted to raise the bar, so I looked to theGuinness Book of Records. In there was a record thatstood out as a major challenge for memorisers fordecades – the recital of Pi.

It has been calculated to billions of places, has nopatterns in it, the numbers seemingly random, whichmakes it perfect as a memory challenge.

At the time, the official Guinness record stood at20,013, held for 18 years by a Mental Health Nursefrom Middlesbrough called Creighton Carvello.Cracking name, cracking bloke, cracking record.

I had to have a go. I started to practice and set the datefor the record attempt as 30 April 1998. I organised allthe logistics including the invigilation that wasnecessary for the record.

Come the day, everything was ready. I was nervous,excited and confident. I got off to a flying start, reciting15,000 digits in two hours, twice the speed thatCreighton had done. Then I took a break. I had acoffee, relaxed and chatted to everyone, lookingforward to celebrating in the pub at lunchtime.

After 15 minutes, I sat back down and carried on. Iimmediately got back in the zone and the numberscontinued to flow again. I reeled off another 3,000digits in little more than 30 minutes.

!Read this articleONLY after readingpage 12. But beforeyou do, get a watchwith a second handso you can timeyourself."

∏

∏

∏

∏


Appendix I 37

Then, at more than 18,000 digits, the invigilatorsuttered the immortal words ‘Stop!’

I asked what was wrong and they told me I had gotone wrong and had to start again. In a heartbeat, myconfidence disappeared down the drain. We tookanother break and I calmed myself down. Everyonewas very supportive, telling me how well I had done.Then I realised that I had done very well. I had justrecited Pi to more than 18,000 digits. What a fantasticsuccess! Now I needed to put that behind me and get itthe second time.

I started again and got within 500 digits of the recordwhen I heard something in the background. I lookedup and sure enough, once again, the invigilators hadsaid ‘Stop’. Their faces told me I had failed for a secondtime, making another mistake so close to the finishingline. By now, my confidence had completelyevaporated. I had a couple more attempts but to noavail. I was gutted.

At the end of the day I sat down with the invigilatorsand they explained that my strategy was wrong andneeded changing. I had been practicing and developinga strategy for six hours a day for six months but in afew minutes we adopted a totally new one.

I decided I could not leave it there. We agreed toreconvene the following day. But what would that daybring? More heartache or the Guinness record that Iso deeply coveted?

End. 524 wordsNote your time and go back and read pages 14–15 tolearn how to improve your reading speed.


38 Appendix II

Appendix IIA journey into the land of Guinness Part III did not sleep well after my first unsuccessful daytrying to beat the Guinness record for reciting Pi. Iwoke early and went to get the room ready, focusingmy mind on the task ahead.

The recital started well, and again I set off faster than atrain going off the end of a cliff, reciting the numbersfluidly and at speed.

By now, they were like poetry to me and I could feelthe beautiful rhythm and cadence of this incrediblenumber flowing out of my mouth. Then disasterstruck. Once again, just 2500 numbers in, I made amistake. I could not believe it.

I sat there with my head in my hands. My dreamswere falling apart, like sand running through myfingers. This was turning into a living nightmare. All Icould see was that six months work was going to cometo nothing.

But now it was also becoming a logistical issue. Weknew that a successful recital would take four to fivehours but the guys had trains to catch, which meantthis would be my last shot. It could be many monthsbefore I would get another chance. I settled down formy sixth and final attempt.

I began more cautiously, building up my confidence.Then it happened again. I got to more than 18,000digits and forgot a number. But this time was different.Previously, when I was unsure of the number, I hadgone with instinct and blurted out the first numberthat came into my head.

Not this time. When I got to this one digit that was a

!Read this articleONLY after readingpages 12 and 13and readingAppendix I on theprevious two pages.Again, you will needa watch with asecond hand so youcan timeyourself."�

∏

∏

∏


Appendix II 39

little fuzzy, I adopted a different approach. I took abreak for five minutes, removed myself from thepressure cooker of the recital room, found a quiet spotand went through the numbers in my head. With oneof the invigilators of course, as per the Guinness rules.

After much thought, I went back in the room andsettled down in the chair. I paused, looked themstraight in the eye and recited the number that Ithought came next in the sequence.

There was a moment of silence while they checked –then an almighty roar. I had got it right! We tookanother small break while they congratulated me. But Ihad not got the record yet.

Reciting the last 500 digits to beat the record was a realchallenge. I could barely speak, stuttering in abreathless voice. Then eventually, I staggered over theline. I took a moment to gather myself then carried onto my predetermined target of 22,500 digits.

Upon finishing, I felt utter relief. I had looked thedragon in the eye and come through. I was alsoexhausted. I had spent 18 hours reciting nearly 80,000digits, getting just six wrong in the process – asignificant mental challenge.

I was now a Guinness record breaker, a massive andmomentous occasion in my memory career. But eventhough it did feel amazing, I definitely knew onething for sure. I was never going to go back tothose numbers ever again!

End. 524 wordsNote your time and compare with your time from thearticle in Appendix I.


Acknowledgements

Book published in the UK by DMT International

Website: www.TheMotivationSpeaker.comEmail: [email protected]

Book Author David ThomasBook Designers Sheldrick RoseCartoons Mossy Caricatures

Copyright details

Copyright ©2011 David ThomasText copyright ©2011 David Thomas

Mind Maps

Copyright ©2011 David ThomasCopyright ©2011 Elaine Colliar (Note taking,

Planning and Meeting)

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may bereproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in aform or by any means electronical, mechanical,photocopying, recording or otherwise, without priorpermission of the copyright owner.

40 Acknowledgements


Train your memory, accelerate yourreading and organise information tomake it easier to learn.

Improve concentration, sharpen yourbrain and keep your mind agile withthese easy-to-follow techniques.

Apply to everyday situations to helpmake you more productive and better atusing your time.

But most of all, grab theopportunity to improve yourlearning skills to become moresuccessful, earn more moneyand have more FUN!

About the author: David Thomas is one of the world’sleading experts on accelerated learning, a number 1bestselling author and has developed one of the mostpowerful memories in history. He has broken a Guinnessrecord for reciting Pi to 22,500 digits and was 2007 USMemory Champion.

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