You are familiar with the old man with the sickle and forelock used to represent Time; the maiden with the balance and sword representing Justice; and the little scantily clad fellow who represents the New Year. These are examples of successfully used reminder pictures.
Thought the Desired Result
In some cases you may not succeed in constructing a definite picture for the thing which you wish to remember. Memory is brought about by interested attention and concentration. In cases where the visualization proves to be difficult or even impossible, you will experience the fact that the effort made to form the picture has produced sufficient concentration to help wonderfully in the problem of remembering.
Thinking by Pictures
If you have never given it thought it will surprise you to notice how much of our thinking is in picture form. The architect sees the completed building, sees it in detail and puts this creation of his brain on paper to guide the builder in reproducing it. The engineer sees the completed bridge spanning the chasm before a workman has turned a hand to rear it. All successful captains of industry think largely in pictures. Children do so naturally and lose the ability by lack of use and substitution of the "more modern methods," some of which are most detrimental. See to it that your children appreciate the value of visualization, that they use it continuously in their thinking and study.
Uses of Hitching Posts
This picturing your errands with code words is a principle of mental operation the uses of which are almost limitless. It will be profitable to note how business men apply it in their business.
A physician lists his calls and the appointments he has made.
A factory manager hitches up the many instructions he wishes to give during the day.
A lawyer uses six words for the six days of the week and hitches up his court appointments.