8 Psychological Tricks That Can Instantly Improve Your Memory, According To A 4-Time ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant

April 13, 2026 - 05:54

Anyone who has struggled to recall a name or forgotten where they placed their keys knows the frustration of a memory lapse. According to four-time Jeopardy! contestant Monica Thieu, improving recall doesn't require hours of tedious study. Instead, leveraging a few key psychological principles can offer immediate benefits.

Thieu emphasizes the power of elaborative encoding, which involves connecting new information to what you already know. For instance, linking a person's name to a celebrity or a personal story makes it stick. Similarly, self-testing—actively quizzing yourself rather than passively re-reading—forces your brain to strengthen neural pathways.

Another potent tool is spaced repetition. Reviewing information at increasing intervals over time is far more effective than cramming. For physical items, Thieu suggests employing a distinctive visual cue, like placing a bright object next to your keys, to create a strong memory signal.

Harnessing your senses also aids retention. Reading aloud or even chewing a specific flavor of gum while studying can create sensory anchors. Furthermore, organizing data into meaningful chunks, such as breaking a long number into a phone number format, makes information manageable.

Finally, Thieu highlights the production effect—the act of writing notes by hand engages the brain more deeply than typing. By intentionally applying these research-backed strategies in daily life, you can train your memory to become more reliable and swift.