Repeating what you want to remember improves your chances of creating a lasting memory. Depending on the situation you are in, saying what you want to remember aloud or writing it down several times will help you to quickly memorize it. For example, if you want to remember someone's phone number, say it several times after you first hear it.
Creating an association between new information you want to remember and information you have already committed to memory can help you remember the new information. For example, if you want to remember the name of someone you just met, associate the person's face with someone famous who also has the same name. You can recall the person's name at a later date because you associated him with the famous person who has the same name.
Distractions can get in the way when you are trying to memorize information quickly. Loud music, TV, dogs barking and constant interruptions are examples of distractions that can prevent you from memorizing information. If you are studying, you need to find a quiet location free from distractions so you can memorize the information you are reading. Also, being physically comfortable, such as sitting in a good chair and having access to adequate lighting, will also aid in your memorization.
Using several senses simultaneously can help you memorize information quickly because you use each sense to help create the memory. For example, you can create a mental picture to help you remember the name of a bakery by simultaneously remembering what the bakery looks like and the sounds and smells emanating from it. Another example is memorizing directions by creating a mental picture of driving or walking to the location using the directions.
Focus on what you want to memorize to increase your ability to retain the information. You can accomplish this by concentrating and taking your time to remember the details of the information you want to remember. For example, if you want to memorize a passage in a book, don't skim through the passage because you will miss some information. Likewise, if you want to memorize what someone is saying, you need to focus and pay close attention to each word being said.