| The first question is - is it a completely crazy idea | | | | can just give a few pointers about some of the |
| to contemplate trying to improve brain power? | | | | techniques that can be used. You can begin to |
| Secondly - is it a complete waste of time to | | | | improve reading speed by using a pointer (e.g. |
| consider any kind of self-development? Both of | | | | pen) to guide your eyes as you go across the |
| these questions can be answered with a definite | | | | page. Practice reading larger 'chunks' of words at |
| no if we accept that we can change our attitude | | | | once and discipline yourself to avoid going back to |
| of mind. If we think the right way then anything is | | | | read words again. There are plenty of reading |
| possible - as Buddha once said: 'All that we are is | | | | exercises online that you can use to test yourself. |
| a result of what we have thought'. | | | | Beginning to develop a photographic memory is a |
| So, what does it mean to improve brain power? | | | | rather more difficult task, but most definitely |
| There are three main skills that can be greatly | | | | possible. About 10 minutes per day of practice, |
| improved: speed reading, reading comprehension | | | | for at least 5 weeks, is all it takes to get you |
| and photographic memory. The average reader | | | | started on the road. While relaxing, program your |
| reads at about 200 words per minute, with a | | | | subconscious mind with the message that your |
| typical comprehension of 60%. Better readers can | | | | power of recall is becoming better and better |
| achieve about 1000 words per minute, and also a | | | | every day, that there is nothing in your memory |
| much better comprehension rate. Much faster | | | | that is beyond recall when it is required. Keep |
| reading rates are also possible, however fantastic | | | | stimulating your mind by regularly trying the many |
| that might seem. You might think that only special | | | | memory games to be found online. |
| people have a photographic memory, however all | | | | In a short article like this I cannot give you all the |
| of us have the components which make it | | | | techniques that can help improve your brain |
| possible, but they are underused. When we were | | | | power. What I hope is that I have convinced you |
| young we all had this ability to recall vivid images; | | | | of the possibilities. There are good courses out |
| but as we grew older we began to lose this ability | | | | there, but no course is any good unless you are |
| because of distractions caused by all that was | | | | committed and have belief. Just like we can |
| happening in the world around us. With the right | | | | improve our body with physical exercises carried |
| attitude we can advance all these skills. | | | | out regularly and systematically, so we can |
| You will need to be persistent and focused. I am | | | | improve brain power in a similar way. Start with |
| not saying that you just sign up for a course and | | | | working on your attitude and really believing that |
| improve brain power overnight. Time is required in | | | | improvement is possible - the rest will follow. |
| order to practise the necessary techniques. Here I | | | | |