How to Level a Sloping Garden

A sloping garden can be a challenging landscape problem for any homeowner. Not only can it sometimes be an eyesore, but it also frequently leads to problems with soil erosion and flooding. Fortunately, through the simple process of building 1 or more terraces, you can turn your sloping garden into a series of level gardening patches that look nice and are better for the environment surrounding your home.

[Edit]Things You Should Know

• First, measure the rise and run of your garden's slope. Then determine how many -high and -long terraces you'll need.
• Dig shallow trenches horizontally along the base of the slope. Put wall material into the trenches and ground them with spikes.
• Remove soil in between each wall until the soil is flat and add compost to the soil if you're worried about erosion.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Readying the Area to be Levelled

1. Contact local authorities to avoid issues with wires or building codes. Before you begin digging around your property, you’ll need to make sure there are no underground utility wires nearby that you might be disrupting. Get in touch with your local utility companies to make sure there are no underground wires your project may interfere with. You should also contact your local government agency responsible for city planning to confirm that your project will be in line with local building codes.^[1]
   
   • In the United States, you can be put in touch with your local utility companies by calling 811. When you call 811, you’ll be connected to an operator who will evaluate your project and contact the relevant utility companies in your area so they can confirm the locations of underground utility infrastructure on your property.
   • Although your project may seem small, many areas have bylaws and codes that specifically apply to garden terraces.
2. Measure the rise and run of your garden. Determine the vertical distance of your yard from the top to the bottom of the slope (the rise), as well as its horizontal distance (the run), by pounding a wooden stake into the ground at the top of the slope and a second stake at the bottom. Tie a string around the first stake at ground level, pull it taut, and tie it to the second stake in a place where the string is completely level. The length of the string is the run of your garden and the distance between the string’s location on the second stake and the ground is the rise.^[2]
   
   • Place a line level in the middle of the string once you’ve tied it to the second stake to ensure that it’s level. Move the string up and down on the second stake until you’ve made it completely level to make sure you’re correctly measuring your garden’s rise and run.
   • If your garden or yard has areas where the steepness of the slope changes, repeat this process in those areas to make sure you build terraces that level your garden at its steepest.
3. Calculate how many terraces you’ll need to build. Use the rise and run of your garden to calculate the number of terraces you’ll need to level it while maintaining each terrace’s structural integrity. Aim to have each terrace be no higher than and no longer than for best results.^[3]
   
   • For example, if the vertical distance of your garden is and its horizontal distance is , then you’ll need to build 4 terraces, each terrace being tall and long.
   • Depending on the materials you use for your wall, as well as the steepness of your garden, you may want to build terraces that are longer than or taller than . Although this is certainly possible, note that the risk of terrace walls bulging or collapsing tends to increase when they’re built to be longer or taller than these respective measurements.
4. Mark the areas where you will level your sloping garden. Once you've calculated how many terraces you'll need to build, you'll need to determine where they will be physically located. Mark off sections of your garden that correspond to the desired length and width of your terraces using little flags or stakes with strings tied between them to designate the areas you’ll be working in. Marking these areas will help you to avoid accidentally digging where you may not want to.^[4]
   
   • It may be helpful to draw the intended locations of your terraces on a sheet of paper before actually marking off these areas in your garden.
5. Dampen the soil 24 hours before beginning to dig to soften it. You don’t need to soak it until it becomes muddy. You’ll just want to soften the soil up a bit before you begin digging into it.
   
   • You can also wait until the day after a rainstorm to start digging, if you’d rather not pour water on the ground yourself.^[5]

[Edit]Building the Terrace Walls

1. Opt for timber terrace walls to save money. Timber is a good choice for building shorter terrace walls on a budget, as it’s relatively inexpensive. Timber is also a nice complement to houses or backyards with a more rustic appearance.^[6]
   
   • You can buy prefabricated wooden terrace walls at many home department stores or buy timber and cut it yourself from a lumber supply store.
2. Choose stone or concrete for your walls if you plan to make them tall. Stone and concrete blocks are popular materials for building terrace walls more than tall because of their strength. Although building terrace walls to be higher than is generally not recommended, definitely use stone or concrete materials to build your walls if you can’t avoid building them this high.^[7]
   
   • Stone or concrete should always be used for terrace walls higher than and should be installed by professionals to ensure their structural integrity.
   • These blocks can be bought at home and garden shop or landscape supply yard. Note that stone and concrete are the most expensive materials to be used for building terrace walls.
3. Dig a shallow trench along the horizontal base of the slope. Dig the trench so that it is slightly wider than the material you’ll use to build your wall. You should dig it wide enough to leave roughly of space on either side of the wall.^[8]
   
   • The depth of the trench will depend on which material your wall is made out of. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the ideal depth of your trench.
   • If the ideal depth of the trench is unclear, a good rule of thumb when using timber is to bury the wall to about half of its thickness.
4. Place your wall material in the trench. Make sure that the terrace wall does not come up to more than above ground level (unless you’re using strong stone or concrete blocks). If the wall stands at a tilt, take it out and level out the bottom of the trench, then reinsert the wall.^[9]
   
5. Repeat this process to install walls along the sides of the terrace. The bottoms of the side trenches must be equal in depth and width to the first trench. Make sure all of the trenches are equally levelled.^[10]
   
6. Drive spikes or piping through the walls to stabilize them if possible. If the wall is made of timber, drill holes through the part of it that is below ground level. Then, pound spikes or pipes through it and into the surrounding soil to help keep the wall in place. Repeat this process for all the walls you’ve installed so far.^[11]
   
   • For best results, use a pipe that is at least long.
   • If you’re using stone blocks or another heavy material to build your terrace wall, you can probably skip this step.

[Edit]Flattening and Finishing the Terrace

1. Move soil from the rear of the terrace to the front. Fill in the rear side of the terrace wall trench with the soil. Then, redistribute soil across the terrace until it is uniformly level.^[12]
   
   • You can use a small gardening spade to move the soil around if your terrace is not too large.
   • For the trench you dug at the bottom of your garden, you’ll also need to fill in the front side of the terrace wall trench.
2. Remove soil from the terrace as needed until it’s flat. Place excess soil aside and flatten out the remaining soil until the terrace is level. Place a bubble level on top of the soil to ensure that it is completely level.^[13]
   
   • If you plan to build additional terraces for your garden, you can use the excess soil from the first terrace to flatten out the next one.
3. Add compost to the soil to improve water retention. If you’re particularly concerned about erosion of your soil, take time while the soil is loose to mix some compost into it. Pour of compost onto your soil, then use a tiller to till it into the soil for roughly to .
   
   • This will not only strengthen your soil, but will also provide it with healthy nutrients that will help the plants in your garden to grow.^[14]
4. Build additional terraces if necessary. If the slope of your garden is too steep for just one terrace, you may need to construct more than one terrace. Repeat this process as necessary until you’ve reached the desired slope for your garden.^[15]
   
5. Compact the soil in the upper terraces with a soil compactor. If the soil in the terraces next to your house is too loose, it may weaken the structural integrity of the terrace walls over time. To avoid this, use a soil compactor to compact the underlying soil and remove oxygen and any empty space. Make 2-3 passes over the terrace to ensure it’s properly compacted.^[16]
   
   • Make sure the soil is sufficiently damp before beginning the compacting process. To test this, take up a clump of soil in your hand and squeeze it together. If the clump stays together, the soil is ready to be compacted. If it doesn’t stay together, dampen the soil a little before beginning.
   • You can use a hand-held soil compactor or rent a power compactor from a local hardware store.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If the slope of your garden is relatively gradual, resulting in a drop of only every , you may not need to level it at all.

[Edit]Warnings

• If you plan to build more than 1 terrace, or if there is a good deal of clay under the soil of your garden, this project may be much more difficult than you anticipate. Don’t be afraid to hire professional help, as this will help you to avoid potential calamities later in the project.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Measuring tape
• Water
• Spade
• Stone, concrete, or wooden wall material
• Spikes or piping
• Bubble level

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
2. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
3. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuK5d7zNRZw#t=21s
5. ↑ https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/garden/plants/a22696706/allotment-ideas-beginners/
6. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/retaining-wall/how-to-choose-the-right-retaining-wall-material/view-all/
7. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/retaining-wall/how-to-choose-the-right-retaining-wall-material/view-all/
8. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
9. ↑ https://www.flowerpotman.com/leveling-sloping-gardens/
10. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
11. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
12. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
13. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
14. ↑ http://www.windward.org/notes/notes69/oana6904.htm
15. ↑ https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_023575
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsMvQzl6eKQ#t=22s

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How to Be Productive After School

While being productive can be challenging, there are many ways to make sure that you get a lot of things done after the school day ends. Treat your body right by eating healthy snacks and getting enough sleep. Make a to-do list and stick to any schedules that you set for yourself; you will also need to put the amount of time you want to spend doing each thing. I--Bella87 (talk) 14:50, 1 September 2022 (GMT)f you're consistent and make an honest effort to get things done, you'll discover that being productive when school gets out can be a breeze!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Motivating Yourself to Be Productive

1. Set rewards for yourself. Whether it's a video game, 30 minutes on social media, or a candy bar, find something that you really want to do. Make an agreement with your family that you will only receive the reward if you complete a certain number of tasks after school every day. This way, you'll have a reason to get things done as soon as you get home.^[1]
   
   • You don't necessarily need to arrange rewards with your family in order to motivate yourself to be productive. If you can be disciplined, you can be in charge of rewarding yourself after you've gotten a few things done.
   • Ask your parents if there are any incentives that they can think of to give you for being consistently productive after school.
2. Perform some simple stretches to activate your body. Stretching will get the blood flowing and make it easier to get started on your first task. Stand up and stretch your back by tilting backwards with your hands on your hips. Use your toes to lift your ankles off of the floor to stretch your hamstrings. Then, keep your legs straight as you bend over to touch your toes. Stretch your upper body by pulling back on your palms as they point away from you. Bend your elbow behind your upper back and push on your triceps to stretch your arms.
   
   • Jumping jacks, yoga, and jump rope are all good physical activities that can be used instead of stretching.
   • Stretch for at least 5 minutes before moving on to your next task. This will help get your body in the habit of moving before
3. Eat a healthy snack when you get home. Your body is going to need a little energy after you get home from a long day at school. Have a healthy snack, like an apple or bowl of oatmeal when you get home. Fueling your body will give you an energy boost and make it easier to get started.^[2]
   
   • Don't sit down for a full meal. Your body will get tired immediately after eating a full meal as it spends energy trying to digest the food.
4. Announce your plans to be productive to the members of your family. You're more likely to be productive if other people know about your goals to get your work done. Tell your family members that you are actively going to be productive after school every day. This way, you'll know that you need to get to work when you get home in order to avoid letting your parents down.^[3]
   
5. Write a positive note of encouragement and post it in your home. A simple message like “stay busy!” or “getting stuff done feels good” can be written on a post-it note or piece of paper. Hang the paper up in a visible area in your home to give yourself a visual reminder about maintaining a positive mindset while getting your work done.^[4]
   
   • Remind yourself why you want to be productive and think about how good it will feel when you're done with your homework and chores. The satisfaction of getting a lot done is a strong motivator when it comes to getting yourself moving.

[Edit]Organizing and Planning

1. Make a list of what you want to get done after school. Compose a to-do list before you get home with 3-6 tasks that you want to complete. Arrange it so that your list is ordered from most to least important. As you work, cross things off of your list. This will help you track whether you're meeting your daily productivity goals or not.^[5]
   
   • Keep your daily to-do lists in the same notebook and bring it with you to school. During lunch or on your way home, review your list from the day before to see what tasks (if any) you need to carry over from the previous day.
2. Start with the most important task on your list. If your room is already clean, getting your homework done first is a good idea. If your parents are having friends over for dinner and you haven't cleaned up yet, you probably need to pick your things up first. By beginning with the most important issue, you'll ensure that you're motivated enough to complete your first task. The positive momentum from finishing your first task will carry you through your next couple of items on your list.^[6]
   
3. Schedule blocks of time to work on daily tasks like homework. If you have certain things that you need to complete every single day, like homework or daily chores, schedule a specific time to complete them. Set a timer on your phone or alarm clock to remind you when you need to start a daily task. This will ensure that you never accidentally skip something important, and will help you develop the habit of getting stuff done every day.^[7]
   
   • Don't schedule something for a time slot when you aren't always home. For example, if you have basketball practice 2 days a week from 3:00-4:30 pm, don't schedule homework time for 3:30 pm.

[Edit]Performing Simple Tasks

1. Do your homework right away when you get home. Starting with your homework is a good way to make sure that you're using your time efficiently. Everything that you learned at school will still be fresh in your mind and it'll be easier to finish it quickly. Homework requires sitting as well, so you can have a healthy snack or glass of water while you work in order to refresh your body.^[8]
   
2. Clean your room and organize any messy areas. It's easy to leave dirty laundry on the floor and forget about trash in your room. Cleaning your personal space is a good activity to complete after school because it requires almost no brain power to complete. If you want to give your mind a rest when you get home, start by cleaning your room.^[9]
   
3. Finish any chores that your parents have given you. If your parents give you weekly or daily chores, you may want to get those done after school. If you leave chores for the weekend, you're only eating into your own free time. Once you're in the tempo of getting things done after school, incorporate your weekly chores into your routine.^[10]
   
   • Set a schedule where you complete certain chores on specific days of the week to avoid having to do them all at once. For example, you can do your laundry on Monday, take out the trash on Wednesday, and do the dishes on Friday.

[Edit]Keeping Yourself from Getting Distracted

1. Listen to music while you're working to stay focused. Listening to music is an excellent way to keep yourself from getting distracted. Build yourself a playlist on your phone or home computer, and throw some music on when you get started. This will prevent boredom from setting in while you're working through the mundane items on your to-do list.^[11]
   
   • Try to include uplifting and high-tempo tunes in your playlist. If you're listening to slower or softer music, you may find yourself falling asleep or getting tired while you work.
   • Create multiple playlists filled with different artists and genres of music to prevent yourself from listening to the same thing over and over again.
2. Ask your family to redirect you if you get off-task. Enlist a family member to keep you accountable if they see you getting distracted. Try to work when they're around so that they can keep an eye on you, and don't get upset if they remind you that you're trying to be productive, since a simple reminder will help you stay focused while you work.^[12]
   
3. Take a short nap before getting started. It may sound counterintuitive, but a nap may be the best way to be productive after school. A 15-20 minute nap can give your body a quick rest and make it easier to fight through the after-school slump. Be careful not to overdo it though; set an alarm on your phone and stick to strict time limits in order to prevent yourself for sleeping through the evening.^[13]
   
4. Deactivate notifications on your phone and avoid looking at social media. It's hard to get anything accomplished if you're consistently staring at a screen. Turn the notifications on your apps off, and close any social media programs to avoid the temptation altogether. Consider leaving your phone in a separate room or with someone if you aren't using it for music and don't need it for the task that you're trying to complete.^[14]
   
   • Consider downloading an app that monitors and limits the amount of time that you spend on social media. Offtime, Moment, and BreakFree are all apps that will cut you off from Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat if you can't help yourself.^[15]
   • If you're leaving it with someone, tell them you don't want them to give you your phone back until they can see you've completed everything.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://theweek.com/articles/445446/how-motivated-according-science
2. ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/take-charge-health-guide-teenagers
3. ↑ https://zenhabits.net/get-off-your-butt-16-ways-to-get-motivated-when-youre-in-a-slump/
4. ↑ https://theweek.com/articles/445446/how-motivated-according-science
5. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/292245#
6. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/292245#
7. ↑ http://www.ldonline.org/article/5884/
8. ↑ http://www.ldonline.org/article/5884/
9. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Household-Chores-for-Adolescents.aspx
10. ↑ https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/Pages/Household-Chores-for-Adolescents.aspx
11. ↑ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735605050650
12. ↑ http://www.ldonline.org/article/5884/
13. ↑ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/take-charge-health-guide-teenagers
14. ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/292245#
15. ↑ https://www.inc.com/jeremy-goldman/6-apps-to-stop-your-smartphone-addiction.html

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How to Build Shoe Insoles

Building your own shoe insoles can save money and help recycle items you no longer need, such as cardboard or an old exercise mat. As an added bonus, if you want to vary the insole size to accommodate your own footwear needs, making your own enables you to do so. Also, swapping insoles at regular intervals may result in less moisture trapped in the shoes, possibly extending the shoes' lifespan! This article provides several ways to make shoe insoles, letting you choose the one that suits your needs best.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Cardboard insoles

1. Remove the old insole from your shoe. Shake off any dirt or surface grime.
   
2. Place the old insole over cardboard. The cardboard needs to be thick and preferably have a "cushioned" feel to it - old cartons are good.
   
3. Trace the insole shape with a pencil. Once you have the shape right, you can go over the outline with a marker to make it easier to see.
   
4. Cut out the insole design. Use scissors that are sharp enough to cut cardboard easily.^[1]
   
5. Repeat. Make two insoles for each shoe. This will allow you to air one insole and insert the other, extending the life of both insoles.
   

[Edit]Yoga mat insoles

1. Trace a flip flop or shoe that is your size onto the smooth side of a yoga or exercise mat. Use a mat that you no longer want; if you can't find one, look in a charity store for throwaway mats. Keep the rest of the mat in your craft cupboard for other uses.
   
2. Cut out the design that you have traced.^[2]
   
3. Flip over the cut insole. Trace it again on the smooth side to create the insole for the opposite foot. Cut out this insole. Now you have both a right and a left foot insole.
   
4. Trace and cut out four more for both the right and left. This means that you'll have a total of five cut-outs for each foot.
   
5. Stack the cut-outs for each foot. Place the textured side up.
   
6. Glue four of the layers together, using a hot glue gun. Glue a little, then press. Then glue a little more, and press. If you try to glue the whole layer at once, it'll start to dry before you push the layers together.^[3]
   
7. Leave to dry completely.^[4] Once dry, you have new insoles!
   

[Edit]Self adhesive cork insoles

1. Purchase a roll of self-adhesive cork.
   
2. Roll out a piece of the self-adhesive cork to the length of the shoe. Trace around the shoe shape onto the cork (drawing on the paper on the back is likely to be easier).^[5]
   
   • Do this for both the right and left foot.^[6]
3. Cut out the drawn shape.^[7] If you want a thicker insert, cut out two to three layers for each shoe.
   
4. If you have cut out layers, press these together with care.
   
5. Line the shoe. Peel off the backing and carefully slip the insole inside the shoe. Press down to adhere.
   
   • A little Zippo lighter fuel will make the gluey side slicker for easy insertion, and it dries quickly.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

Method 1:

• Cardboard from a carton or similar heavyweight, durable cardboard with some give
• Pencil
• Marker
• Scissors, sharp, or craft knife
• Cutting surface, such as a cutting mat

Method 2:

• Old yoga or exercise mat
• Marker
• Scissors, sharp
• Hot glue gun

Method 3:

• 1 roll self-adhesive cork (if necessary, buy one self-adhesive roll and one roll without - use the latter for the underside)
• Pen, pencil or marker
• Scissors
• Zippo lighter fuel (optional)

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Keep Your Shoes from Stinking
• Pick the Right Shoes
• Choose Comfortable Shoes

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/tf/Clothing/Tips/Cutting-Insoles-for-Shoes.html
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yZDeV3brZI
3. ↑ http://barefootplanet.org/easy-diy-recycled-yoga-mat-emergency-huaraches/
4. ↑ http://barefootplanet.org/easy-diy-recycled-yoga-mat-emergency-huaraches/
5. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Repairing-Shoe-Insoles.html
6. ↑ https://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/making-flip-flops-cork-soles-part-1-of-2.html
7. ↑ https://www.thriftyfun.com/Repairing-Shoe-Insoles.html

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How to Remember Names

Recalling names is a common task that many people struggle with. If you exchange names with someone but then forget theirs during your conversation, you can end up in an awkward or embarrassing situation later. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to improve your ability to remember names.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Verbal Tricks

1. Repeat the person's name as soon as he or she introduces it to you. Saying it out loud a few times will help you commit to memory. Apply this method during introductions. As you shake the person's hand, you can say, "Hello, [insert name]." If a conversation follows, repeat her name throughout the time. If you are unable to speak to the person for long, bid her goodbye and repeat her name again before she leaves. Attempt to use the person's name two or three times throughout the conversation so that you remember it better.
   
   • For example, when meeting a new colleague at work named Kira, shake her hand and say, "Hello, [insert name]. Welcome to the office!" Include her name when asking her questions, such as, "What made you interested in working in technology, [insert name]?"
   • The more often you repeat the person's name right away, the more likely you are to remember it later.^[1]
2. Ask him to spell his name. If his name is difficult to remember, asking for the correct spelling will give you a visual image. This also works for names you have never heard before, such as "Honghui" and "Kichiro". As they spell it out, you will be able to envision the way the name in spelled in your head. Also, this method will give you the chance to hear the correct pronunciation of his name again.
   
   • This method can be applied to names with different spellings as well. For example, the name "Shawn" could also be spelled "Sean" or even "Shon". By clarifying the spelling of the person's name, you will be able to correctly identify his name.
   • This method cannot be applied to common names, such as "Harry."
   • If you are unable to ask the person to spell his or her name, see if he has a business card. Having a visual image and physical reminder of his name will help you recall it.^[2]
3. Ask the person to repeat her name. If it's near the start of the conversation and you forget her name, say, "I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name." If you're asking later on towards the end of the conversation, in order to sound polite, say something along the lines of, "I've enjoyed talking to you, but I can't seem to remember your name. Please repeat it for me". The compliment will soften the blow of having forgotten her name.
   
   • Although you may feel embarrassed when asking for her name again, following this step will prevent awkward situations from occurring in the future. It is best to apply this method early in the relationship rather than later. ^[3]

[Edit]Using Mental Tricks

1. Make associations. Identify a person's name with a fact about him. By doing this, you will be able to recall his name by viewing a mental image of the person and his personality or job. For example, if you meet a client named Tyler who sells printer toner, say to yourself, "Tyler sells toner." Although this sentence may sound simple, it will help you remember his name in the long run.
   
   • If there isn't a catchy phrase associated with the person's name, create a mental image of him performing an activity that he enjoys. For example, if you meet a man named Dylan who is a fan of baseball, imagine him wearing a baseball cap. When you meet him again, you will have an image to associate with him.^[4]
2. Repeat the name in your head. By repeating it a few times, you will plant it into your memory. Although you should actively participate in the conversation, focus on recalling his name. When listening to him speak, think, "Danny told me about his new car."^[5]
   
   • Mentally play with the name to help it stick. Over exaggerate the syllables, break it into parts, or associate a bit of it with other words. For example, the name Natalie can be exaggerated to sound like "Naaat-ahhh-leee." Also, it can be made into nonsense words, such as, "Nat-Tall-Lee," "Nat-bat," or "Lee-key." Different combinations will help ingrain her name into your memory. ^[6]
3. Make connections. Connect the name of the person with someone in your life, such as a celebrity, a friend, or a family member. You can do this by noting that he has the same hair color, style, etc. Make the connection as close as possible in order to remember why you associated them.
   
   • For example, you meet a new classmate. You could connect him with your high school lab partner because they both have the same name and hair color. You could also associate him with a movie character because they both have the same appearance. Note that the connection doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you.^[7]
   • State your connection out loud. For example, once the person introduces himself, you could say, "My sister just named her son [insert name]!" You will not only contribute to the conversation but also help you recall his name.
4. Care enough about the person to remember. Often, people forget names because their attentions are divided. Meeting someone with the intention to remember the name will increase your chances of doing so. Focus your attention on the person to whom you are being introduced to. Consciously think about how you care about the introduction, as well as the goal to remember his name. ^[8]
   
5. Make a mnemonic device. A mnemonic device is a verbal phrase or visual cue that helps you remember information. Apply this method using the person's name. For example, if you meet a man named Derek who likes to workout, create a phrase such as, "Dude Enjoys Really Energetic Kickboxing." This associates his name with words that describe a fact that you learned about him.
   
   • You can make the phrases as simple or as hard as you want. As long as they stick in your head, they will help you remember the person's name.^[9]

[Edit]Using Visual Tricks

1. Write down the name. As soon as you meet a new person, jot it down. Also, include other facts about him or her that you recall. List the time and place that you met him or her, as well as actions he completes or interesting information that she mentioned in your conversation. Writing down these facts will help you recall her name, especially since you have a physical reminder. Also, it will also give you a source to refer to if you meet her again.^[10]
   
   • Large events may not give you the chance to instantly write down names, especially since many introductions may be made. Instead, insert important names into your phone. Later, you can refer to them and add interesting facts that will help you recall them. Another excellent method is to leave yourself an audio message.
   • You could also create a virtual file. Create a document or table with people's names on it. Add to it each time you meet a new person. Share the file with all your devices in order to always keep a physical reminder with you. ^[11]
2. Create a mental picture. Take the person's name, and turn it into a picture in your mind. Associate the name with an object. For example, the name Crystal could be identified with a large crystal vase or bowl. A visual connection can be a powerful tool when recalling names.^[12]
   
   • This also works with names that sound similar to a concept. For example, you have a new man at work named Miles. You can associate him with a picture of a a long road that goes on for miles.
3. Find an unusual feature. When you first meet someone, study her face. Look for a feature that is unique and associate her name with it. For example, you could identify the new employee in your office by her dimples. This method will put her face into your head and help you remember her name.^[13]
   
4. Imagine a ridiculous scenario. An excellent method to remember a person is to think of an absurd scene in relation to him. For example, if you meet someone who owns a pet grooming business, think of him surrounded by dogs in crazy hairstyles. A humorous image will help you recall his name, as well as a specific fact about him.
   
   • The more ridiculous the image, the more likely you are to remember it.^[14]

[Edit]Tips

• Don't focus so much on the names that you forget to listen and interact with the person in front of you. Try to find the method that works best for you that allows you to still pay attention to the situation at hand.
• You can use a combination of many methods. Not every method will work in every scenario. Instead of limiting yourself to just one method, try them all to see which fits you best.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/21/the-best-five-tricks-to-remember-names/
2. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/21/the-best-five-tricks-to-remember-names/
3. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-remember-anyones-name-2014-8
4. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/21/the-best-five-tricks-to-remember-names/
5. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/20/how-to-remember-names-entrepreneurs-human-resources-remember-names.html
6. ↑ http://thinksimplenow.com/productivity/7-hacks-to-remember-any-name/
7. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/21/the-best-five-tricks-to-remember-names/
8. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2013/08/21/the-best-five-tricks-to-remember-names/
9. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/20/how-to-remember-names-entrepreneurs-human-resources-remember-names_slide_6.html
10. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-remember-anyones-name-2014-8
11. ↑ http://thinksimplenow.com/productivity/7-hacks-to-remember-any-name/
12. ↑ http://www.forbes.com/2010/04/20/how-to-remember-names-entrepreneurs-human-resources-remember-names_slide_3.html
13. ↑ http://thinksimplenow.com/productivity/7-hacks-to-remember-any-name/
14. ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-remember-anyones-name-2014-8

source How to of the Day https://ift.tt/wx1FA0P